The dying grass
Book • 2015
The Dying Grass is William Vollmann's extensive historical novel about the Nez Perce War of 1877, depicting the flight of Chief Joseph and his people across the American West.
Vollmann combines meticulous archival research with imaginative reconstruction to explore themes of imperial violence, survival, and cultural dissolution.
The narrative examines both indigenous experience and settler military pursuit, interrogating the myths and realities of American westward expansion.
Vollmann's prose alternates between documentary rigor and lyrical invention, challenging readers to confront uncomfortable historical truths.
The book is notable for its moral seriousness and exhaustive scale.
Vollmann combines meticulous archival research with imaginative reconstruction to explore themes of imperial violence, survival, and cultural dissolution.
The narrative examines both indigenous experience and settler military pursuit, interrogating the myths and realities of American westward expansion.
Vollmann's prose alternates between documentary rigor and lyrical invention, challenging readers to confront uncomfortable historical truths.
The book is notable for its moral seriousness and exhaustive scale.
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Mentioned by the hosts as another recommended volume in Vollmann's Seven Dreams series.
Against the Day: Ch. 30-31
