This was absolutely fascinating. It's irked me for some time that the natives are generally portrayed as victims - it does s huge disservice.
Very interesting point about the robustness of more distributed, chaotic political structures as compared to centralized state structures. There's a parallel with the form that resistance to globohomo is taking in a world in which every state has been conquered.
Really appreciate these reviews. How do you find time to read these books every week?
Two decades ago, I read 2-3 books every week. Then I got Internet access at home. I probably read the same number of words every week as I used to, but I struggle to complete a book in less than a month, now.
Tbh I usually listen to them on audiobook and then either buy a physical copy if I really enjoyed it, or find a pdf version. When I was a teenager I would often challenge myself with 52 books a year, but now I just read what I enjoy and put it down if it's boring
Thanks for writing this review up. I'm going to buy a copy. It matches up with an oddball thesis that I've been trying to support about 19th century America, which is that it was an aggressive and expansionist country, as opposed to the "isolationist" and inward-looking country that post-Walter-Lippmann American writers have portrayed it as.
I've sometimes found it challenging to get into your writing because I'm usually unfamiliar with the context of some of the topics and peoples you cover.
This was absolutely fascinating. It's irked me for some time that the natives are generally portrayed as victims - it does s huge disservice.
Very interesting point about the robustness of more distributed, chaotic political structures as compared to centralized state structures. There's a parallel with the form that resistance to globohomo is taking in a world in which every state has been conquered.
Empire of the Summer Moon is another great anti-victim depiction
Great review. Im definitely getting. I was born 300 years to late.
Glad you enjoyed, I think you'll find it a great read if you were meant to be patrolling Mohawk country hunting beaver pelts.
Really appreciate these reviews. How do you find time to read these books every week?
Two decades ago, I read 2-3 books every week. Then I got Internet access at home. I probably read the same number of words every week as I used to, but I struggle to complete a book in less than a month, now.
Tbh I usually listen to them on audiobook and then either buy a physical copy if I really enjoyed it, or find a pdf version. When I was a teenager I would often challenge myself with 52 books a year, but now I just read what I enjoy and put it down if it's boring
Thanks for writing this review up. I'm going to buy a copy. It matches up with an oddball thesis that I've been trying to support about 19th century America, which is that it was an aggressive and expansionist country, as opposed to the "isolationist" and inward-looking country that post-Walter-Lippmann American writers have portrayed it as.
I've sometimes found it challenging to get into your writing because I'm usually unfamiliar with the context of some of the topics and peoples you cover.
What? No mention of the Great Lakes tribes and confederacies? No mention of Obwandiyag, also known as Chief Pontiac?
https://mynorth.com/2010/05/deadly-lacrosse-game-in-mackinac-straits-at-fort-michilimackinac-in-1763/
Definitely covered in the book