Must read for Dakotah history
921387
I love Anton's work and appreciate his commitment to keeping the history of the Ojibwa people alive. He is a great storyteller.
1174787
Am still reading this. For some reason, I have become infatuated with The Dakota and its history. Highly readable, though at times, the history takes a detour. But very enjoyable. Can see why it's such an icon.
4695266
I have lived and worked in Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho most of my life.  I have learned bits and pieces of the history of the area and have heard the names of many of the players of this book. Roads, creeks, towns, and b
uttes have been named after many of them.

In this book the writer skillfully ties these names, places, and events together to make a comprehensive history of the region. The facts of the book have been thoroughly researched and supported extensively by the numerous footnotes appearing in the writing.

William Craig was certainly very influential in the development and settling by whites in the Clearwater area and not much has been previously written about him. This book fills in much of this void.

The missionaries, treaties, politics, and conflicts all are covered in this historical work. For persons interested in the history of this area, this book should be considered a "Must Read"!
1731967
Great concept, first of all, tracing the lives of two enemies up to the day they met in 1876 on the battlefield near the Little Bighorn. I purchased this book while visiting the Black Hills of South Dakota, appropriately enough. It's a great look into the eyes of these two warriors, and a brilliant work.
4831577
Black Hills-Paha Sapa
1861
Land of the Lakotas

Skye Fargo is on the plains once again, in charge of and guiding a hunting party made up of of 11 seasoned plainsmen plus a senior U.S. Senator from New York (Fulton Keever), his wife (Rebecca Keever), and their 13 year old daughter (Gertrude Priscilla Keever).  Fargo has been given one story of the hunt by Senator Keever yet there is another story at play here on the plains unknown to Fargo.  A story within the story which just might get ole Skye flayed alive should the Sioux capture him.

The author offers us the statement "...buffalo were the lords of the Plains" and in this yarn one certain buffalo has brought all 7 tribes of the Lakota nation together in the Black Hills.  It will be a celebration and holy time for the tribes, but death for any whites caught within the Black Hills.

A tightly plotted and well written story of love and hate among the various characters with very interesting characters indeed.  The main secret of the story is kept hidden until almost the final pages and has some believability.  Long standing hate of Little Face, a older Lakota medicine man or shaman, drives this story until almost the end. Main action continually sweeps between the hunter's camp, the open plains and both the Miniconjou and Oglala Indian camps.  Since Fargo has lived with these interesting people he has numerous friends and some enemies among the Lakotas.  At the time of the story almost any white found in the Black Hills will face certain death.

A western story of interest and some mystery.  Another fine read in the Trailsman series of westerns.

Read on book-a-roos.
2965001
This is an excellent book full of information on both of the Dakota's.  We decided to extend our South Dakota vacation also into North Dakota after getting more sightseeing ideas contained in the book. Descriptions are great.
490543
I am of Yankton Sioux heritage, so I have mostly studied the Sioux history and culture. I don't know how I missed this PBS series when it originally aired, but I'm really glad I watched it recently. So much media coverage regarding Native American history focuses on the Sioux wars in the Dakotas, so this series was really informative about the great struggles of some of the other tribes. I already knew the names of the Native leaders talked about in this series, but I had no idea of the whys and wherefores regarding their legacies. My pet peeve is romanticizing the lives of the 19th century tribes, but this series laid it all out, warts and treachery included. I usually find reenactments kind of cheesy, but this was really well done and did not detract from the historical facts being laid out.
813488
Great story about the history of this tribe and its most famous leader. If you love the history of the West this is a must read !
3253008
My father and his family emmigrated to America in 1899 from the Black Sea area of Russia-Bessarabia. They settled in South Dakota and the book, 'THE GERMAN-RUSIANS" revealed much of the history of my ancesters before the emmigration and after their arival in South Dakota. Karl Stumpp has a wonderfully described insight into the personal factors that affected the mass emmigration from their homeland on the Black Sea area.  They were farmers, living almost in a communal style, and farming vast areas of fertile, previously untilled barren farmland.  It is the best history book I have found on the subject of the emmigration from Russia in the late 1800's.  Dr. Raymond Lindeman
4263668
Scott did his homework for a great book about "The First Frontier". I have read all of Allen Eckart's books along with many other Indian histories. I would include Scott's book in there with other "must read" books to understand American history, especially Indian history. Just finished the book and it will be reread a few times.
4229397
Prior to reading this book I knew very little about Custer or his time.  After reading this book my interest in Custer and the era were awakended.  If you are a history buff, this is a book for you.  Facts and information are absolutely fascinating.
1841920
As an Apache who is well read on my people's history, I consider Eiselt's book to be an assidously told story about this piece of the Plains Apaches' still evolving story.  The chart linking all of the many historical references to the Plains Apaches is very enlightening.  Her documentation of how the Jicarillas dug in by establishing close relations with hispanos and pueblos is also very insightful-- a new way of understanding Southwest and Plains history.
2552880
My grandparents immigrated from Norway to North Dakota, and I spent many summers with them.  It's a strange state, weather-wise.  I've lived in New England for 30 years and there's just no comparison.

I read this book in one day; it totally consumed me, thinking about my grandparents and how they managed to survive in such an in hospitable climate.  It also makes me grateful of the sacrifices they made for their children.

Parts of this should be required reading in American history.
772532
This book gives you a real insight into the life of Libbie Custer and what her life was like living with a real legend as George Armstrong Custer was painted at this time in history.
Not a lot was known about her until this book came out. It is a long read but is well worth it if you enjoy history as I do.
521935
A very good book and well written.  DAKOTA's is truly a great story of grit, bravery and honor.  It's a hard story to put down.
4283956
Great historical work. Chock full of differing accounts of incidents from the regular foot soldier to the Indians themselves. Every page lends insights to life in the late 19 century and the fate of the American Indians battle against civilization.
2110168
Great book...lots of details about the most fierce of American Indian tribes, the Comanche. Loved reading it. Found myself sharing details with anyone and everyone.