The newest addition to the Penguin Library of American Indian History explores the most influential Native American Confederacy More than perhaps any other Native American group; the Iroquois found it to their advantage to interact with and adapt to white settlers. Despite being known as fierce warriors; the Iroquois were just as reliant on political prowess and sophisticated diplomacy to maintain their strategic position between New France and New York. Colonial observers marveled at what Benjamin Franklin called their "method of doing business" as Europeans learned to use Iroquois ceremonies and objects to remain in their good graces. Though the Iroquois negotiated with the colonial governments; they refused to be pawns of European empires; and their savvy kept them in control of much of the Northeast until the American Revolution. Iroquois Diplomacy and the Early American Frontier is a must-read for anyone fascinated by Native American history or interested in a unique perspective on the dawn of American government.
#769118 in Books 2008-06-24 2008-06-24Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 7.50 x .70 x 5.00l; .43 #File Name: 0143113917256 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Accessible Read; not dry and not overly long.By Alexander RoweThis is short but well referenced overview of the history of the Shawnee's relationship to colonies that would become america and then with america. The book focuses on the military and political events that defined this relationship with most of the primary sources being the documents of private european colonists or official government documents. There is very little enthography; archeology or oral history in this work. I appreciate a history that is clear about discussing the sources and potential conflicts on interest rather than just laying out an unqualified narrative. This book does that; it appears academically rigorous without being dry or bloated. I grew up on the Ohio river and I believe I learned a lot by reading it. It makes me look at the land around me differently.7 of 7 people found the following review helpful. A Well Written History of the ShawneesBy D. MolnarI write this review as both an amateur historian and someone who was raised in Ohio where I heard occasional talk about the Shawnees. I loved the book. It is easy to read; thoroughly documented; neutral in its discussion of both colonists and Indians; and added much to my knowledge of this aspect of Ohio history. The author offers analytical comments that helped me understand not only what was occurring; but why it was occurring. I consider this to have been a good purchase. I plan to keep my copy because I'll likely be referring to it again in the future.3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. More; moreBy K. BennerReading this book; you want more of it. I would have given it five stars had it not been for the poor quality of the paper; a person could then plan on keeping it longer without it falling apart; in short; you want to add it to your library. This book is most helpful in that it lets you know when the Shawnee moved and into which areas they went; and for what reason. I'm always looking for more details on Croghan; the trader. Well researched and footnoted. Where was this author when I was in college? I'm going to be looking for more books by Mr. Calloway.
