Weaving Indian and Euro-American histories together in this groundbreaking book; Sami Lakomäki places the Shawnee people; and Native peoples in general; firmly at the center of American history. The book covers nearly three centuries; from the years leading up to the Shawnees’ first European contacts to the post–Civil War era; and demonstrates vividly how the interactions between Natives and newcomers transformed the political realities and ideas of both groups. Examining Shawnee society and politics in new depth; and introducing not only charismatic warriors like Blue Jacket and Tecumseh but also other leaders and thinkers; Lakomäki explores the Shawnee people’s debates and strategies for coping with colonial invasion. The author refutes the deep-seated notion that only European colonists created new nations in America; showing that the Shawnees; too; were engaged in nation building. With a sharpened focus on the creativity and power of Native political thought; Lakomäki provides an array of insights into Indian as well as American history.
#1848736 in Books 2010-11-30Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.16 x .65 x 5.70l; .80 #File Name: 0300168063272 pages
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Peter's War: A New England Slave Boy and the American RevolutionBy Austin WhatleyJoyce Lee Malcolm added a new and exciting twist on the American Revolution. Many historians just describe the battles and actions of the major participants in the war. What some historians forget is that without the masses the Revolutionary War would not have been as successful. Malcolm gives us a view of not just from a solider; but from a young African American boy named Peter. Through Peter's eyes Malcolm is able to portray the mistreatment and actions of both the African Americans joining the war and the white americans fighting in the war. Malcolm is also successful in capturing the political atmosphere; relationships; and the surroundings in and out of the fights.Along with Malcolm's successful narrative style work she left some things to be questioned. In the book Malcolm attempts to recreate the life of an adopted slave boy Peter; by going by a bill of sale as her main point of reference. This leaves some question to the validity of the book. How much was really the truth and how much was speculation? Also Malcolm takes the story away from Peter by going on to talk about another slave named Titus. By talking about Titus the story takes a turn and begins to talk about a slave who joined the British Army to gain his freedom. Did she put this in the book because she ran out of facts about Peter? Or did she add this other character to show the differences of slaves in the American army versus the British army?Overall Malcolm was able to create a new and inventive book about the American Revolution that is more likely to capture the attention of more people that are not necessarily historians. Her narrative piece was able to incorporate the key elements of the time period and project them in an efficient and clean way in which the audience can learn quickly and easily.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. uniqueBy LJDr. Malcolm's other works tend toward the scholarly...deeply researched and documented books on history; especially early American history and how it was impacted by those who first came from England. This one; however; is an in-depth look at both the ferment that birthed our nation and the heart-breaking paradox of the slaves ignored in the quest for freedom. I typically don't like a rehashing of the fact that; while thirsting for freedom in the political arena; the founding fathers left alone the issue of slavery of (typically) African-Americans...I think we find it too easy from a (time and political) distance to offer the crass comments I usually hear. But Dr. Malcolm's book is an amazing piece of research; and balances every aspect of the issues of the day. If you're a history buff; this will take you places that you wouldn't have imagined...probably quite real in every respect.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Required ReadingBy christopher r. fausettThis book offers great insight into the American Revolution and the complexity of race relations; at the time. I found it to be stirring; uplifting and; at times; heart breaking. The author did an amazing job of researching the lives of some of the first Americans. It would make incredible teaching material for junior high or lower high school grades. Peter is an american hero!!!
