Elusive Empires: Constructing Colonialism in the Ohio Valley, 1673-1800

Rating:
Summary: A scholar's take
Review: Enough nepotism here. This is a solid work in an area that has long attracted the interest of scholars of the colonial frontier. What really gives Hinderaker's work some novelty is the way he addresses economics in the imperial contest for the Ohio River Valley. The one glaring weakness of the work is the sparing use of French and Spanish primary uses, particularly those not readily available in English translation. Still a well-written work w/ some new insights.

Rating:
Summary: A scholar's take
Review: Enough nepotism here. This is a solid work in an area that has long attracted the interest of scholars of the colonial frontier. What really gives Hinderaker's work some novelty is the way he addresses economics in the imperial contest for the Ohio River Valley. The one glaring weakness of the work is the sparing use of French and Spanish primary uses, particularly those not readily available in English translation. Still a well-written work w/ some new insights.

Rating:
Summary: Brilliant, insightful and compelling
Review: Here is a book that colonial history lovers really need to add to their collection. A new perspective on early American history, with brilliant insight into the motivations of colonists and the consequential reactions of regional Native Americans. The book offers depth into the subject and makes for very interesting reading. And I am not even his sister! Highly recommended reading.

Rating:
Summary: Compelling and Fascinating Narrative
Review: This book examines a little known subject at great detail. The author is obviously well subjected in the material. He offers new insight to a foggy chapter in our country's development. While it can be ponderous at times, the overall book is a jewel that will play an important role in your early American book collection. I strongly recommend it (and I am not even a relative!)