James Oliver Curwood was an early 20th century writer who lived in Michigan, where he published several novels a year. Curwood loved the outdoors and is known for his conservation efforts. Many of his books were made into movies as late as the 1990's. In The River's End two men who resemble each other physically lead very different lives. Conniston is a member of the Northwest Mounted Police. Keith is an outlaw. This physical trait linked these men together.