Wilderness Empire: A Narrative

Rating:
Summary: Sweeping Narrative of American History
Review: Allan Eckert's story or "narrative account" as he calls it of the eighteenth century struggle between France and England along the current day border of the United States and Canada is hard to put down once started. The book covers the fighting between these two nations and their attempts to get the numerous Indian tribes in the region to ally themselves with one or the other European power, to the final detriment of the Indians.

I must admit that at first I was unsure if I would like this style of history but after reading the author's note I had a better understanding of what the author was attempting and how he used his sources to help produce the narrative. At one stage, early into the book, I did find the story bogged down but then the author's descriptive talent and the narrative pulled me back into the story and from that point on it fairly run away with me.

I found it hard to put the book down and I was really caught up in the characters, English, Colonial, French and Indian. This is a great and sweeping narrative of these hard and frightening times and the author does not paint a pretty picture when it comes to the manner of warfare practiced by the Indians and Europeans at that time and in that place.

I really enjoyed the story of William Johnson, a man previously unknown to me in American history. I also loved the account of the Marquis de Montcalm. In this alone I was happy to pay the price for this book. I really felt I had a much better understanding of this French soldier and his role in American Colonial history.

The author provides the reader with the true story of what happened at Fort William Henry and his accounts of the corruption of the French colonial system was an eye opener for me. I really enjoyed his descriptions of the people involved from both sides of the war and the accounts of the Indians and their practices, egged on by their European masters was at time quite horrific.

If you enjoyed the movie 'Last of the Mohican's then I am sure you will love this epic book of the same period. In over 600 pages of engrossing and interesting narrative this book will take you back to those times and you can spend a few days lost in the history of the 'Wilderness Empire'.

Rating:
Summary: American History must read!
Review: I knew little of the French & Indian War even though I grew up in OH and PA. If you lived anywhere near the Great Lakes and enjoy history, you will want to read this and the other Eckert "Narrative" books. The details were captivating, yet you never felt bogged down or bored. Since I knew little, it read like a great war novel. The politics between the Indians and French and English were very intriguing and thought provoking. The Native American tribes understood more than anyone gave them credit. Unfortunately for them, they were in a no win situation. I was also surprised with the brutality/torture by the Indians of not only the whites, but each other. Eckert does a wonderful job of explaining the culture that both permitted and encouraged this behavior. What amazed me was the apathy of some of the military leaders towards this. Great book, great read, enjoy!

Rating:
Summary: American History must read!
Review: I knew little of the French & Indian War even though I grew up in OH and PA. If you lived anywhere near the Great Lakes and enjoy history, you will want to read this and the other Eckert "Narrative" books. The details were captivating, yet you never felt bogged down or bored. Since I knew little, it read like a great war novel. The politics between the Indians and French and English were very intriguing and thought provoking. The Native American tribes understood more than anyone gave them credit. Unfortunately for them, they were in a no win situation. I was also surprised with the brutality/torture by the Indians of not only the whites, but each other. Eckert does a wonderful job of explaining the culture that both permitted and encouraged this behavior. What amazed me was the apathy of some of the military leaders towards this. Great book, great read, enjoy!

Rating:
Summary: Colonial American Indian Wars...gripping!
Review: No serious student of history, or anyone with the slightest interest in colonial America can read Eckert without becoming completely engrossed in the narration and the unbelievable attention to detail, and volume of detail, that are provided in his novles.

In this novel, the attempts by the British and the French to gain favor and alliance with the Indian tribes, and in particular the Iroquois League are so very well documented and then stated in a manner that flows like a gripping thriller novel.

The attempts and efforts by both nations to control the new continent lead to war, and it is a brutal and ferocious war told by one of the best story tellers around. I would recommend these books to anyone.