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War Chief Joseph
No single Indian in American History embodies so completely the attributes of the perfect leader as Chief Joseph, leader of the Nez Perces in their last days of independence. A military genius, a diplomatic strategist, a conciliator in time of war and peace, an able counsellor in tribal personal matter, he represents the best in Indian leadership. Although this great leader was a military genius of the first order, he was destined to bring his forces to defeat and the loss of all that was important to them - their lands, their horses, and their independence. But in the dramatic struggle of the Nez Perces for the freedom they considered paramount in life is found one of the most thrilling episodes of Indian history.
368 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1941
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July 7, 2015
“War Chief Joseph” was published in 1941; I was not quite sure what to expect. Would it be a fair trial? I believe it is a fair trial. The writing is excellent and clean. The story of the Nez Perce’s fight to retain their land and dignity is a passionate one. The story of the settlers and the unrelenting change in the management of land is a desperate one. Faced with no option to believe further in the promises already extended, unfulfilled, and impending promises the Nez Perce band led by Chief Joseph make one last stand to gain some leverage towards negotiating the appropriation of territory. The description of the battle, the middle section of the book, is a fascinating and heart thumping read. Moralistically speaking, the description of the two sides is seemingly without bias. The Indian War of 1877 cost many lives, altered many lives, severed a culture, offered fascinating opportunities, and unavoidably universally lost a great deal human dignity. The authors base the book on the lay of the land, giving the reader a thorough reading of Washington State, Idaho, and Montana. A book to be recommended to anyone traveling to that part of the world.
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