Encyclopedia of American Indian Wars: 1492-1890

by Jerry Keenan

Overview

The wars with the Indians were the longest running conflict in American history. This highly illustrated encyclopedia reveals the common threads that weave through the four centuries of clashes, from Columbus's voyage to the Wounded Knee Massacre.

While people automatically think of the Revolutionary War or the Civil War as defining moments in American history, the wars with the Indians were strikingly important in shaping the destiny and mythology of the nation. Encyclopedia of American Indian Wars notes the inevitability of conflict between western and native cultures given the great disparity in values and customs, especially with regard to land ownership. It also analyzes the many indirect changes in Indian lifestyles caused by the settlers — such as the introduction of iron implements and firearms — which changed the balance of power between traditional enemies. In a wide-ranging panorama of 450 entries and 70 illustrations, this comprehensive volume provides an in-depth analysis of pivotal battles, famous and infamous leaders, and broken treaties. It explores lesser known subjects, such as dog soldiers, ghost dancing, scalping and scalp bounties, staked plains, praying towns, the Galvanized Confederates, and stories of white captives, some of whom preferred life with Indian captors over rescue. Encyclopedia of American Indian Wars paints a complete, objective, and detailed picture of the bloody conflicts that gave birth to the nation — and their terrible cost. "Keenan fills a gap in reference collections. Information on many of the entries can be found in other sources . . . but the Encyclopedia of American Indian Wars pulls them together. Recommended." — Booklist "Clear, concise entries. . . . Fills a niche, bringing together and giving order to a great deal of information about a complex series of interwoven incidents." — Choice

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780393319156
Publisher:	Norton, W. W. & Company, Inc.
Publication date:	08/17/1999
Pages:	290
Product dimensions:	7.00(w) x 10.00(h) x 0.70(d)
Age Range:	13 - 17 Years

About the Author

Jerry Keenan served as managing editor and senior editor in the book publishing industry for nearly three decades.

Editorial Reviews

Gr 8 Up-This alphabetically arranged volume provides descriptions and assessments of events, individuals, cultural groups, and geographic locations associated with the military conflict between the Native people who resided within the contemporary borders of the United States and Europeans or their descendants. Articles vary in length from 35 words ("Athapascan") to 1700 words ("Revolutionary War"). Thirty-five entries provide brief overviews of tribal or linguistic groups. Keenan approaches this broad subject from a military-history point of view, enumerating topics such as "Forts, Camps, Cantonments, Outposts," "Military Units, White," and "Treaties and Agreements." The 130 biographical entries center on military service, including each individual's education, assignments, experience in action, and reputation as a warrior, soldier, or commander. The majority of these articles focus on non-Indians. There are a few entries for white women captives and two of Native women, Pocahontas and Sarah Winnemucca. For the most part, the tone is balanced and consistent; aggression and victory are reported, when appropriate, to either side of the battle. Native warriors are sometimes referred to as braves on the warpath, though, while whites engage in military pursuits. Entries are accompanied by citations to further reading. The black-and-white illustrations are captioned but appear without source documentation. A useful reference title for a general collection as well as one that specializes in Native American studies.-Loriene Roy, University of Texas, Austin

School Library Journal

The American-Indian wars might be thought of as one 400-year-long war that was made up of a great many smaller splinter wars and campaigns. This reference work on conflicts that occurred in the area that eventually became the United States includes some 450 alphabetically arranged, cross-referenced entries that explore major campaigns and battles, treaties, forts, battle locations, military and political leaders, tribal weapons and practices, and Anglo-European firearms and military strategies. Includes some (well-chosen) b&w illustrations. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.

Booknews

This title fills a niche, bringing together and giving order to a great deal of information about a complex series of interwoven incidents. Recommended for general and academic collections.” —Choice

From the Publisher