Need the best history book about Native Americans

[Joe]

Hi. I'm looking for a book that will give me an accurate view of the conflict between Europeans and Native Americans on the North American continent. Any guidance would be appreciated. Thanks.

[Adrian]

Joe wrote: "Hi. I'm looking for a book that will give me an accurate view of the conflict between Europeans and Native Americans on the North American continent. Any guidance would be appreciated. Thanks."

That's a wide ranging question. But the best overview is Bury My Hear At Wounded Knee, I'd say. Gives a good summation of any said wide ranging questions. :)

[Joe]

Thanks for the response. I've read Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee, but it was a long time ago. It's a painful one to get through, but I think you're right. It's a good place to start.

[Nathan]

I can't say that such a book doesn't exist, but really the best books are going to focus on one area. It's just too broad a question for any one book. 500 Nations is a great one, but it doesn't really delve into the Spanish and their history with the Mexican tribes, or how the Spaniards and Mexicans fought the tribes in the Southwest. Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee ignores most of the conflicts of the east, although 500 Nations would fill a lot of that gap. Unfortunately these books also miss out on the action in Canada, and I just don't know enough books to know of one that deals with the Pacific Northwest. Anyway, as you can see that's far too much for any one book, so if I were you I'd go for a general one (like 500 Nations) and fill in the gaps with other books.

[Joe]

Thanks for taking the time to reply, Nathan. I will seek out 500 Nations.

[Sandra]

Joe wrote: "Hi. I'm looking for a book that will give me an accurate view of the conflict between Europeans and Native Americans on the North American continent. Any guidance would be appreciated. Thanks."

Joe wrote: "Hi. I'm looking for a book that will give me an accurate view of the conflict between Europeans and Native Americans on the North American continent. Any guidance would be appreciated. Thanks."

I think James Alexander Thom's books illuminate the historical conflicts especially from the Native American point of view. They are captivating and well researched although historical fiction. They will give you good insight into the nation of the Shawnee and the early American settlers soldiers

[Joe]

Sandra wrote: "Joe wrote: "Hi. I'm looking for a book that will give me an accurate view of the conflict between Europeans and Native Americans on the North American continent. Any guidance would be appreciated...."

Thank you, Sandra, I appreciate your reply and will look into Thom's books!

[Nancy]

Empire of the Summer Moon, by S. C. Gwynne is remarkably interesting and well written -- about the Comanches and Quanah Parker in particular (subtitle: Quanah Parker and the Rise and Fall of the Comanches, the most powerful Indian tribe in American history). The Lance and the Shield covers a lot of history with a focus on Chief Sitting Bull and the Sioux. And anything by Vine Deloria Jr. of course. For modern day fiction, anything by Louise Erdrich or the guy in Seattle whose name I can't remember--lots of great books including "The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven."

[David]

You may also try two of my books. I am a Native American historian/author writing from a Native American point of view. The Plains of Aamjiwnaang and From Ouisconsin to Caughnawaga are non fiction covering native/European interaction from the 17th century through the War of 1812. The locale is the Great Lakes. Both books were nominated for an Eric Hoffer Award with "The Plains" being a finalist. It also won a Golden Scribe Award for excellence in nonfiction in 2008.
The Plains of Aamjiwnaang: Our History
From Ouisconsin to Caughnawaga: Or Tales of the Great Lakes First Nations

[Joe]

Nancy wrote: "Empire of the Summer Moon, by S. C. Gwynne is remarkably interesting and well written -- about the Comanches and Quanah Parker in particular (subtitle: Quanah Parker and the Rise and Fall of the C..."

Thank you for taking the time to reply to my thread, Nancy. I've added those books to my reading list.

[Joe]

David wrote: "You may also try two of my books. I am a Native American historian/author writing from a Native American point of view. The Plains of Aamjiwnaang and From Ouisconsin to Caughnawaga are non fiction ..."

David, congratulations on your achievements! I look forward to reading your books. Thank you for letting me know about them.

[Nancy]

thank you for replying, David. I'll get your books ASAP. --nancy

[Spencer]

All the books I've read are more anthropology then anything. Bit they do give accurate discretion of daily life. They are too numerous to put here but if you click on my picture you should be able to see my list of books. I found them all the most informative.

[Herman]

Hi I know this is a old topic but I would like to add my two cents for what it’s worth. The conflict of cultures took place over hundreds of years in three distinct phases. Early exploration and settlements starting in 1492 and continuing till king Phillips war in 1670 the best book (series) for this would be Kathleen and Michael Gear battle for America series about De Soto’s invasion of the south west. The next period covers the settlers conflicts and early expansion all the way to the Mississippi River ending in the Long walk of this period the best book there are a number but I like James Thom The Red Heart. The last phase (of actual open combat struggle and resistance continues) the last phase ended in the wars of the northern plains and the Apache wars. I guess for a straight non/fictionalize version of this Bob Durey The Heart of everything that is.

[Cheryl]

https://www.amazon.com/OTTISSIPPI-TRU...

Check out this link for the New Book just released. Great Lakes Indian History !