US Army Frontier Scouts 1840–1921

Osprey Elite #91

by Ron Field, Richard Hook (Illustrator)

The role of the Frontier scout in the US Army during the period of westward expansion, was often far more important than that of the commanding officer. They possessed a priceless knowledge of the geography, people and characteristics of the great, unknown American hinterland and from the earliest days of exploration, the US Army depended on its scouts to guide troops across the plains and through the mountains as they guarded the nation's frontier settlements. This book tells the colourful story of these frontier men, covering many famous scouts such as 'Wild Bill' Hickok and 'Buffalo Bill' Cody.

Genres: History, Military History

64 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2003

Reviews

[Martin Koenigsberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun little Edition in the Osprey Elite Series, this book covers the Indigenous Scout individuals and units that took part in the Indian and Civil Wars in the USA. The book follows the classic formula for Osprey- A history of the players, both single and units, then a description of their clothing and other equipment, with a nice selection of colour plates, fantastic illustrations by Richard Hook, in a center section.

Frankly, aside from their participation in major wars and battles, the stories of these hardy folk seem like each one is a Western Movie waiting to be made. The scouts go after "hostiles", get in gun fights, ambush their quarry, use subterfuge and deceit to get their way. They go after kidnapped Settlers, they kill "Rogue Chiefs" and "Mad Medicine Men" and their followers. All of this against the amazing tableau of the American west. This is real boys own stuff, but the history is good and there is respect for all the tribes involved. It's a fun read that whets the appetite for more.

This is a good book about American Colonialism/"Manifest Destiny" for the Junior reader. But its a really good one for the Gamer/Modeller/Military Enthusiast. Many a diorama will be spawned, as will a lot of good game scenarios. In fact, I think some movies might be spawned too. A strong recommendation for those who collect/read/play/model this period

[Ryan Hopping · Rating 4 out of 5]

Error to note: Bloody Knife is quoted as saying "You and I are both going home tonight by a road we do not know." This was not Bloody Knife, but the Crow scout Half Yellow Face.