The Frontiersmen: A Narrative

Rating:
Summary: The Best, Most Engaging American History Book
Review: Except for the Holy Bible, THE FRONTIERSMEN, by Allan W. Eckert, is the best book I have ever read! A few years ago, I had the high privilege of telling Allan Eckert that in person.

Rating:
Summary: The Best, Most Engaging American History Book
Review: Except for the Holy Bible, THE FRONTIERSMEN, by Allan W. Eckert, is the best book I have ever read! A few years ago, I had the high privilege of telling Allan Eckert that in person.

Rating:
Summary: One of the best books I have ever read
Review: Give this book to your history-hating teenager and make him start to read it. Most likely once he starts, he won't want to quit. This is historical writing at its finest. While there are a few facts I would argue with, I can not possibly recommend any other book on history that can capture the imagination of the reader and make one just want to read on and on. If there was ever a book that makes history "come alive," this is it.
There are four other books in this series, but this is, in my opinion, the best of them. I first read this book years ago. It opened my eyes to how exciting history can be. It also opened my eyes to how much history we are NOT taught in school. Twenty years later, this is still one of my favorite books of all time.
I have read hundreds and hundreds of books. I have read very few of them twice. This is one of them--and I will probably read it again someday.
There are those who criticize Allan Eckert for his "historical narrative" method of writing, but I am convinced that this is because they are jealous of his success. Allan Eckert has done those who enjoy history a tremendous favor with his books by showing us just how exciting and interesting history is.

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Summary: When the legend becomes fact...
Review: I first read this book years ago, and was immediately hooked. Anyone interested in the frontier history of the Old Northwest -- or just looking for a good adventure -- should love this exciting tale.

Just one caveat: if you read scholarly books on this period, you will realize that Eckert has, as Huckleberry Finn would say, told some "stretchers." Much of what you read in Eckert's books is true, but despite claims to the contrary, much of it is fiction and folklore. Eckert usually chooses colorful versions of events over more reliable accounts. This may not make for good history, but it does makes for fun reading. If you're interested in authentic history, approach Eckert's books with the same caution that you would a Hollywood movie.

There's a saying in an old Western movie: "When the legend becomes fact, print the legend." That's what Eckert has done. Enjoy his books in this spirit, and you'll have a thrilling read.

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Summary: A Truly Great Book
Review: I grew up in Jamestown, OH. We lived on St. Rt. 72 also known as Simon Kenton Trace. This is the area of Tecumseh and Blue Jacket. My Dad bought this book for me when I was in junior high. I read it, then re-read it often wondering why Simon Kenton didn't get the same treatment in history as Daniel Boone, Davey Crockett and others. If you are from SW Ohio it should be required reading. If you love American history you should read this book. I highly reccomend this book and will be digging for my old copy to read it again, soon.

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Summary: Wow! What individuals that tamed a continent
Review: I have read all of Eckert's colonial and early American novels about the Indian nations and wars that raged for almost two hundred years. He is one of the best story tellers you will find.

In this novel, the Frontiersman, in the company of such notable and famous names as George Rogers Clark, Daniel Boone, William Henry Harrison, and Anthony Wayne, Eckert tells the story of Simon Kenton, perhaps the most compelling frontiersman of that time, despite his more famous protoges.

The savagry and commitment by both sides to the fight for Kentucky and the Ohio River Valley are brought to life by Eckert. You would think you were reading a finely told fictional thriller, when in fact you are being presented with very well documented fact, woven together to read better than any fictional novel you could find.

If you want to delve into the real history of the taming of America...read Eckert.

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Summary: Great Tale of the Eastern Frontier
Review: I love this book! Eckert's classic tale of Simon Kenton and settlement of the Ohio Valley is a must read for anyone interested in the history of the United States. This book was recommended to me after reading Eckert's "Dark and Bloody River". It is exciting, highly engaging, and historically detailed. The notes at the end of the book are a novel by themselves. The story of Kenton, Boone, and the Kentucky settlers is truly amazing. It has often been said that this should be required reading in high school and I can't help but agree. Eckert's books take place in a time and place nearly forgotten by modern Americans. Children raised on the old "Cowboys and Indians" westerns never learn that there was a whole other "West" on the Eastern frontier and the Northwest Territory. I grew up in Ohio, and I never learned about many of the events that happened in my own back yeard until I began reading Eckert! Many people are surprised to learn that there were a number of very bloody and significant battles during the Revolutionary War west of the Appalaichans, right here in Ohio in fact. A whole chapter of our history is being forgotten, but luckily, Eckert's books help to prevent that.

Rating:
Summary: A Lively and Entertaining History of Ohio and NW Territory
Review: This is the only history book I ever enjoyed reading. It is truly captivating, so be prepared to lose some sleep before you are through. Consider getting maps and pens ready to follow along on Simon Kenton's amazing adventures. I intend to retrace some of the journeys on my motorcycle, as the footnotes give modern place names and the landform descriptions are detailed enough to let you find exact positions for most important events.