author
P. D. (Purl Dewey) Peterson
1900–1967
A South Dakota writer with a strong sense of place, he is best remembered for a lively 1929 guide to the Black Hills and Badlands. His work blends practical travel advice with an obvious affection for the landscape, history, and roadside wonders of the region.
1 Audiobook
Through the Black Hills and Bad Lands of South Dakota
by P. D. (Purl Dewey) Peterson
About the author
Published as P. D. Peterson, Purl Dewey Peterson wrote Through the Black Hills and Bad Lands of South Dakota, a 1929 travel book that leads readers through one of the most distinctive landscapes in the American West. In its foreword, he explains that he wanted to give travelers a clear itinerary, help them notice points of interest along the way, and leave them with a memorable record of the trip.
The book moves through towns, scenic routes, and landmarks across western South Dakota, mixing useful guidance with an enthusiastic, conversational tone. That combination makes it feel both practical and personal: part handbook, part invitation to look more closely at the places he loved.
Reliable biographical details about Peterson are limited in the sources I found, but library and public-domain records identify him as Purl Dewey Peterson (1900–1967). Even with only one widely available book attached to his name, he remains a distinctive regional voice whose writing preserves how the Black Hills and Badlands were presented to travelers in the early automobile era.