"A Newer World" does a great job of decribing John C. Fremont's role in the expansion of the U.S., from exploring to helping bring CA into the fold. It focuses on Fremont, but also includes a lot of material on Kit Carson. Roberts doesn't like Fremont much, and paints him as a bit of an egomaniac out to win fame and fortune. Kit Carson comes across as brutal when young, and mellowing (particularly towards American Indians) as he aged.
Roberts has an easy-to-read writing style that makes nonfiction as smooth as well written fiction. A really wonderful book.

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