#1397 - S.C. Gwynne

In 'American Buffalo: In Search of a Lost Icon', Steven Rinella takes readers across the continent to explore the buffalo’s past, present, and future. The book visits sites such as the Bering Land Bridge, buffalo jumps used by Native Americans, and the Detroit Carbon works, a plant that processed buffalo bones into various products. Rinella’s storytelling combines outdoor adventure with historical, biological, and environmental observations, highlighting the significant role the buffalo has played in shaping American identity.

This book spans two astonishing stories. The first traces the rise and fall of the Comanches, who were the most powerful Indian tribe in American history, known for their exceptional horsemanship and warfare skills. The second story follows the remarkable narrative of Cynthia Ann Parker, a pioneer woman kidnapped by the Comanches in 1836, and her mixed-blood son Quanah, who became the last and greatest chief of the Comanches. The book covers a sweeping narrative that includes Spanish colonialism, the Civil War, the destruction of the buffalo herds, and the arrival of the railroads, providing a historical feast for anyone interested in the development of the United States.

In 'Blood and Thunder', Hampton Sides provides a detailed and engaging history of the American West, focusing on the life of Kit Carson, a trapper, scout, and soldier. The book spans over three decades, from the early days of the trappers to the final pacification of the Navajo by General Sherman. It explores the complexities of Carson's personality, his respect for and interactions with Native American tribes, and his role in the devastating conflicts that shaped the region. The narrative also delves into the broader historical context, including the Mexican-American War and the ideology of 'Manifest Destiny', highlighting the brutal and often overlooked aspects of the American West's conquest.

In 'Coyote America,' Dan Flores provides a detailed and accessible narrative that combines historical, anthropological, folklore, and biological insights into the life and adaptation of coyotes. The book explores how coyotes have thrived despite centuries of human attempts to eradicate them, highlighting their intelligence, social behavior, and ability to adapt to various environments. Flores also delves into the cultural and historical contexts of coyote-human interactions, from their role in Native American mythology to their modern-day presence in urban areas. The book advocates for coexistence with coyotes and challenges the historical and ongoing persecution of these animals.

This book provides a sweeping and dramatic narrative based on years of primary research, restoring Red Cloud to his rightful place in American history. It details the events leading to Red Cloud’s War, including intimate portraits of mountain men, US generals, fearless explorers, and memorable warriors like Crazy Horse. The narrative highlights the conflict between the expanding white civilization and the Plains Indians, offering a compelling and honest account of the period.