An Apache Campaign in the Sierra Madre

by John G. Bourke, Joseph C. Porter (Foreword)

An Apache Campaign in the Sierra Madre is a crackling, swift-moving narrative of General George Crook's pursuit of Geronimo and other Apache Indians across southern Arizona and New Mexico to the Sierra Madre in Mexico in 1883. The Chiricahua Apaches and their culture, the towns and landscapes, the progress of the military expedition—all are observed at first hand by General Crook's aide-de-camp, Captain John G. Bourke, who will be remembered for this and another classic, On the Border with Crook .

Genres: History, Nonfiction

122 pages, Paperback

First published August 4, 1886

About the author

John Gregory Bourke was a captain in the United States Army and a prolific diarist and postbellum author; he wrote several books about the American Old West, including ethnologies of its indigenous peoples. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions while a cavalryman in the Union Army during the American Civil War. Based on his service during the war, his commander nominated him to West Point, where he graduated in 1869, leading to service as an Army officer until his death.

Reviews

[Clay Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent eyewitness account of the U.S. Army's campaign against the Apache.

[Conor Flynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Nane, one of the most noted and influential of the Chiricahua chiefs, rode into camp….he has a strong face, marked with intelligence, courage, and good nature, but with an understratum of cruelty and vindictiveness.”

[Norman Brewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

The many editions of John G. Bourke's Apache Campaign is testimony to its value as a first-hand look at military tactics of the Chiricahua and their culture. The 1987 edition I read has a forward by Joseph C. Porter, who calls it a "classic in western American writing as well as a key source in frontier military history."
Bourke was with Gen. George Crook when he hunted down Geronimo and other Apache bands in 1883. His book was first published in 1886. At a time when Native Americans were treated shamefully, Bourke approached the Apache culture and individuals with candor and an open mind, Porter writes.
It's a worthwhile read, and an easier one than one might expect from that era. But too often I found myself with questions, wanting more detail. At 112 pages, Apache Campaign is good for a flight, but classic or not, I wish Bourke had shared far more adventures and insights.

[Mejix · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well written, vivid descriptions, but feels oddly uneventful. You think it is going to build up to something but it never does.

The author is sympathetic to the Apaches but the significance of this campaign for them is beyond his understanding. The most important event in the narrative is barely elaborated.

Did Cormac McCarthy read this? Some passages feel very Blood Meridian. Crossing borders, horses falling from a cliff, arrival into towns, etc.

Bourke didn't like Mexicans, that's for sure.

[C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Found this e-book on Barnes & Noble instead:
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/an-a...
(The Amazon link went to a blank page with a picture of a dog.)

[Douglas Wingert · Rating 3 out of 5]

A detailed account of the U.S. Army campaign to remove the Chiricahua Apaches from the Sierra Madre mountains.

[Francisco Sanchez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable

I enjoyed very much reading this very good book. I enjoyed very much reading about the Apache and the campaign in Sierra Madre.

[Gregory · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book on the Apache and the surrender of Geronimo

[Avis Black · Rating 2 out of 5]

Bourke did some early anthropological work on the Apache during his time as a soldier on the Western frontier. The book has some useful information about Apache life, but it's not terribly exciting.

[Ebook Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book, the e-book version can be found at:
https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/an-a...