I have read several books about the Sioux Wars so i wasnt really sure i wanted to read another one, but Mr Robinson's book is fantastic.He writes taking in consideration that the reader doesnt know anything about the topic so he explains with good accuracy terms and places like no other author. The author is bold and right on the money when it comes to point a finger at somebody, like for example the stupidity of the Army officers.I found that the interviews and research the author made for this book are very good, especially from the indians perspective.The only thing i didnt like is the fact that Mr Robinson doesnt go into details when it comes to Crazy Horse.I would have loved to read more about Crazy Horse part in this Wars.Otherwise this is an excelente book!

This is by far the best book on the Army's conflict with Native Americans since "Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee". It treats the material as a campaign rather than a series of seperate battles, so that Little Big Horn is treated as part of a whole. The author also describes the personalities and deeds of several Indian characters, not just Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse. This is an eye-opening recounting of an important part of US history and a look at one of the greatest guerilla forces ever to wage war against the American Army.

Rather than concentrate on one battle or campaign, Robinson sets the stage for the reader to follow the movement of all the actors playing a role in the drama across the seasons of the war. I used this book as an orientation to the conflicts of 1876 prior to a trip to Wyoming, Montana and the Dakotas to visit battle sites while on vacation. My trip was greatly enriched by reading this volume first. You can find more concentrated studies of particular engagements and the biographies of the participants that will offer deeper insights into the war, but for one overall narrative that provides the reader with the flavor of the contemporary army and Indian experience, here's my choice.

but readers should use their own common sense and knowledge of history as they consider the message that the author trys to present in some cases. She is obviously knowledgeable in this field and I consider her books an excellent source. But I reject some of her opinions, particularly her statement that "in this century, women have managed to change things for the better, and they owe this achievement in large part to their Christian heritage, though they may be unaware ot this". I reject it because it is completely false. Women have obtained all of their rights; to vote, to own property, to keep their inheritance after marriage and freedom from physical abuse at the hands of their own husbands, not with the help of the church/clergy, but inspite of it. The church and clergy fought them every step of the way on every issue and was nothing but an impedement as they have been through out history in many aspects of civil and human rights. True there were some people of faith who advocated for civil rights and womens sufferage. But for the most part, aside from their faith, they were simply 'humanists' and some agnostics, who with or without religion, had human intelligence and a genuine concern for humanity.
If 'intelligent' human beings hadn't made sacrifices and fought the clergy, women would still be second rate citizens who are chattel property of their husbands, to do with what they please, and denied so-called 'artificial'methods of contraception. Civilized people would still be afflicted with small pox,(as they opposed the vaccine at one time), we'd still be kowtowing to some Pope insisting that the earth was 'flat'(rejecting Galileo)in fear of being persecuted. If not for human 'intelligence' and 'reason', we'de still be Stone Age people, squatting in the dust, picking fleas off each other, as they have been in Afghanistan under fundamentalist rule there. The elements of humanism, have been the true moral compass for guiding both religion and humanity out of barbarity and inequality.

Stunning book. How can it be out of print? They must be planning some sort of reissue; maybe she is re-writing. I admit that I have read several others of her books and seen her speak and she is formidable. I think I am more impressed by this book than the others I have read. A remarkably erudite account of how the monotheistic religions of the West (it is NOT just about Christianity, although more space is devoted to that religion; Armstrong is an ex-nun) have systematically created and promulgated myths about the nature of women which have had tragic and violent consequences for them. The ancient complex which has targeted women in the Western collective mind is so immense and so deeply rooted that the book may surprise even those who are aware of it.

It's most unfortunant that this important work is out of print! Karen Armstrong is obviously a master of both history and theology to have explored the plight of women in such a clear easy read. Her treatment of Christianity's historical roots for relegating women to second class status makes it understandable why even now, women's struggle to gain recognition as equal to their male counterparts is still ongoing.

A Gravestone Made of Wheat is a great collection of stories. They give off a feeling of "home" to me--maybe because most of the stories take place in Minnesota, where I am from. My favorite stories were the title story, which was so wonderful that it made me cry at the end, and "The Undeclared Major," a tale about a student from a small town who doesn't want to tell everyone what his major is because he's afraid people won't approve.

These stories are fun to read and good for the soul. I recommend them to anyone (even to those not from Minnesota).

I just finished reading the author interview listed under Will Weaver; however, the interview published is NOT Will Weaver of Minnesota. It is William Woy Weaver. The Weaver who wrote the Billy Baggs series, Gravestone... and Red Earth, White Earth is William Weller Weaver. Thought you might want to know to correct this. I am his sister and know his name and background. I didn't know how else to write you so chose this format. Sincerely, Judy Kirby, Nevada

Weaver has written a collection of short stories that will warm your heart and make you glad that you spent time engaged in the lives and struggles of his characters. Weaver's characters are ordinary people who face extraordinary circumstances. Their determination and strength speak to depth of their character and to the integrity with which they face life.Their triumphs often come in surprising, and quite unexpected ways, that will leave any reader with a feeling of poignant satisfaction.

Several elements make this work exceptional. It consists of 37 vignettes during a decade of the author's early life in a California farming community that was trying to emerge from the Great Depression and continuing through much of World War II. One driving element is that each of these 37 chapters is initially linked with a starting headline in that day's newspapers involving one or more national or international events.
The individual vignettes sometimes reminded me of a good Impressionist painting -- splashy color, sometimes downright gaudy, but each is powerful as its own piece of ritual of entrance into adolescence and generally overcoming the obstacle of that day. At least some of these, particularly as they merge with the world scene of that slice of time, will become indelible for those of us who read its pages. Some stand out for their humor; others through the range of emotions from sympathy-empathy all the way to unbridled joy. And there are even a couple chapters that cope with those difficulties, problems, and occasional thrills that clearly relate to subtle and not-so-subtle hormonal changes.
Strongly recommend for men ages 25 and up. Its very nature is so masculine that I have no idea whether women would, by and large, enjoy a glimpse into its content. I suspect they would.
And, to this reviewer's judgment, there's little doubt but that a second book will be forthcoming. I'm keeping my open for that!

OK, who should read and would enjoy this book? First, anyone from the "GI" generation (Brokaw's The Greatest Generation) born 1901 -- 1924* or the "Silent Generation" born 1925 -- 1942.* They can remember a time in America when a 10-year-old could go out to play in the morning and his parents not worry about him unless he was late for dinner. Those who remember can play "Nostalgics" (a word coined by Shelley Berman) and relive those days. Boomer generation members, born 1943 -- 1960, will love it because it shows a time in America that they were born into - but lost. Generation X, born 1961 -- 1981 can begin to understand that all those wonderful stories the old man (their fathers and grandfathers) told are really true. The Millennial Generation and beyond, born 1982 -* should read it so they will listen with more attention to the old men. They can learn so much!

What a story! Richard Rohrbacher starts it in 1935 and skillfully makes a youngster spring to life before your eyes. From hanging around a construction site to the first guilty feelings of an adolescent that can't help but fall in love (lust?) with his 8th grade teacher. From the sad musings of old man about dying to the youngster's hilarious fear of dying himself from an "advanced case of acutum masturbatum morbindus," Richard keeps your face in his book.

The narrative saddens, as did the whole world, as first, his love (the teacher) left to join the WACs. Then his family, then his friends as ". . . we watched the June graduates trade their gowns and mortarboard for uniforms." They also ". . . wondered if our name was slated to appear on some future casualty roster . . ."

This book captures, in an easy readable way, life in America as the world skid inexorably into WWII.

*Generations, by Neil Howe, William Strauss, William Morrow & Co.

An amusing and heart-warming book about the author's adventures while growing up in a mid-sized farming community in Northern California in the years 1935-1945. The author presents a nostalgic and true-to-life picture of life in an American community in those "innocent years," while at the same time showing the impact outside events had on his and his family's life and on the community.

Colorado is a maze of 4x4 trails and a Mecca for four-wheelers from around the country. You could spend a bunch of time rounding up the maps to navigate the Colorado outback, but you'd still be shooting blind in many ways. Not only does Charles Wells give you detailed and accurate directions, he clues you in to the difficult spots on the trails and offers you advice on how to surmount them. This book picks up where Volume 1 of his Colorado guide leaves off, and between the two books, every trail worth 'wheeling in Colorado is documented. The only ones excluded are those that might have been opened after the book was published and a couple of the most hellish that are best left to rock buggies. As is usual for Wells, the book is easy to carry, easy to use and as accurate as a sharpshooter's rifle. I've four-wheeled Colorado extensively and when the opportunity came to review this book for a magazine story, I figured I could give this book a thorough "test drive." I did, and it passed with flying colors. It actually got to the point where I left all my other printed navigation aids behind when I went 'wheeling in Colorado and simply threw in my dog-eared copies of Colorado Backroads and 4-wheel Drive Trails, volumes 1 and 2. Consider these "one-stop shopping" for a useful guide to the Colorado 'wheeling hotspots.

I planned my entire Colorado vacation around the information in this book. It allowed me to see the Colorado that is not visible from the highway. The author's advice and trail difficulty ratings gave me the opportunity to explore a great number of ghost towns in a time frame that would not have otherwise been possible. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is considering leaving the road to see the real Colorado.

Generous use of B/W photos, excellent grid and area maps, and a very educational Introduction. Trails are listed by Area, Difficulty and Alphabetically including author's favorite trails. The Trail Descriptions are very detailed so you don't get lost. If you only buy one Guide, this is the one to get.

Usually when I buy a book, I feel I get my money's worth as long as I can get something out of it. It is very rare when the entire book becomes an invaluable resource. This is such a book. This book contains excellent maps and directions and includes numerous B&W pictures and illustrations. There is also a color panel in the middle. When I say detailed directions I mean DETAILED. The author tells you what landmarks to look for, what exit to get off, how the road winds and breaks the distances down to a tenth of a mile. It is also written in a very easy to follow and understand text. The highlight of the book for me is the detailed breakdown of Nine Mile Canyon. I was not intending on doing nine mile canyon due to a shortage of time and thinking I would need a guide to find many of the sites. The book describes the trip in such detail you feel like you are on a tour. Besides Utah, the author also writes about some sites in Nevada, Arizona and Colorado. Before I purchased this book, I thought I would only get to see a few rock art panels at the more popoular destinations. After reading this book, I now know that there are many more sites I can visit. Hopefully, those who are intersted in this book will also heed the authors plea to be respectful of the sites. His book speaks about way to many instances of idiots vandalizing these treasures and destroying them for the future generations. Bottom line is that this is a must have for anyone serious about seeing rock art in Utah.

I'm not easily satisified with guides, but this one appears to be an exception. It fits the need of those of us who enjoy and appreciate indigenous art and the wilderness that typically accompanies it. There are numerous maps, excellent directions, a section of color pictures, and good insights.

Filled with black-and-white photographs and a brief insert section of color plates, Guide To Rock Art Of The Utah Region: Sites With Public Access is a singularly comprehensive, illustrated, informative, and descriptive introduction to Native American rock art, as well as a thoroughly "user friendly" travel guide to the viewing of rock art found in Utah that has endured since before written history. Chapters cover not only the artwork found throughout Utah, but the accessibility of sites and proper etiquette and conservation that traveling viewers should observe. Highly recommended for students of Native American studies, rock art history, armchair travelers, and people with a simple zest to visit Utah and see these amazing drawings for themselves.

This book provides a concise historical perspective of the Indian Wars of the West with the second section providing sites of interest based on geographical location. There is a lot of detail on the different tribes, their geographic locations and differences, their relations with the "whites", lifestyles of Native Americans, lifestyle of the soldiers, weapons of each and a review of literature, movies and TV shows on the West. Reminds me of a lot of Robert Utley mixed in with Paul Hutton's Custer Reader.

The second part organizes points of historical interest geographically and by tribal history detailing what you will see (actual structures or replica and scenery) and a mini biography of the site. This book is a great companion for touring since you can organize what you want to see easily since the sites are organized by states and region. For example, if I were in Colorado, one of my goals would be to see Brent's Fort particularly if I was there during the annual rendezvous. How great to not only see Fort Apache if you are in Arizona but also to be able to detour to Cochise's Stronghold.

I just wish the text had pictures of the tour sites or a portion of them and an index. It's a modest book of 200 pages but a walloping amount of information. It's also a great reference for further reading.

This is more than just a Guide to Indian Wars, it is a well written and very informative and importent piece of literature for anyone interested in the history of Native Americans.

I live in England so I doubt I will ever see most of the places mentioned in the book, but having read it, my knowledge has been increased, the little "potted" history of Army Life etc really made for interesting reading, a wonderful little book, but a big addition to my library of Native American literature.

John McDermott has done a fantastic job with this book. The first half is a wonderful in-depth look at life on the frontier during the 1800s that goes back and forth with comparisons of the living conditions, clothing, social beliefs, etc., of Native Americans and the whites who were moving through/into the West. The second half gives a good overview of sites of historic interest, museums, battlefields and more. The one thing I found frustrating (and I can't think of a good solution McDermott could have employed) is that the "guide" section of the book does include some good history information, too: It seems that these instances were included in the second half of the book to discuss localized events that might have seemed out of place in the more generalized first half of the book.

This book truly is the very best introduction to Haiti I can possibly think of. If you want to learn about Haiti, start here. Each entry is short, carefully chosen, and typicaly riveting. SIX STARS on this work, and my thanks to Arthur and Dash.

"Libete" is a comprehensive and concise anthology of writings on a wide spectrum of topics, including the history, religion, art, and politics of the country. It is a good introduction for those new to Haiti, and shows those wanting to deepen their understanding where to look.

Read Libete. It is comprehensive, both in sampling the most important writing on Haiti, and in surveying a wide spectrum of subjects. The selections are edited well enough for it to make excellent breakfast table reading- it took me as long to get through a selection as it did to finish a bowl of cereal.

This isn't the "bang-bang, shoot-em-up" West, but tales of life where the reality jumps off the pages. They are tales of quiet heroism and patient sympathy, in a language of wonderful imagination. People in these stories are just trying to live, love, and get through the day. I'm grateful to the friend who told me about Dorothy Johnson; her work reads just like yarns told around a campfire, and you can almost hear a grizzled old cowpoke's voice. If only an imaginative publisher would issue them in audio!

THE HANGING TREE is a wonderful collection of frontier tales by a woman who has gotten unfairly short shrift as a very fine American writer. Dorothy Johnson's stories, set mostly in her native Montana, dealt with men and women, frontier riff-raff, lawmen, and Indians. These are no stereotypical westerns, they are stories of the human condition that happen to take place on the frontier. The title story in this collection, THE HANGING TREE, is the best, I think. A haunting tale of an ill-fated frontier doctor -- Joe Frail -- it works as a pure western, as a moving love story, and as a psychological character study. It was the basis for Gary Cooper's last western, one of the finest westerns ever made, the masterful THE HANGING TREE.

Dorothy M. Johnson's stories echo real life. I got the sense that most of her characters came to her from bits and pieces of the people she grew up around. Although she wrote for the 40's and 50's, there is nothing dated about this book.As a people , we haven't changed much.

"GIs and Frauleins" presents a comprehensive review of the cultural and economic impact the massive American military machine imposed on a small, agrarian, and relatively poor German state at the peak of the Cold War. This book presents a seminal work for the comprehension of later cultural clashes that dominated both the United States and Germany and continue to the present.

I recommend it for both the serious scholar as well as the casual reader of social and demographic history.

Unlike the previous reviewer, who took issue with the allegedly "academic" style of the book, I found it was very readable, avoiding a lot of the "constructing the other" and "conflicting gender identities" type of language one might expect to find in an academic book of this sort. This does not mean, however, that the book does not address the kind of conceptual, academic issues that are frequently raised in such stilted terms. In no sense is the book merely an antiquarian show-and-tell kind of catalog; it quite thoroughly discusses the "holy Trinity" of race, class, and gender issues. I found the discussion of German and American forms of racism to be especially interesting.

The content of the book has, for the most part, been adequately addressed in the "official" Amazon review as well as in the previous customer review. There is one aspect, however, that deserves further mention, and which I found particularly insightful: Höhn's discussion of whether the changes that came to the rural areas she discusses would be best described as modernization or as Americanization. This sort of issue is something which would interest anyone who is concerned with the cultural issues of globalization and the dominance of American cultural products in today's markets. Because she focuses on an area in which there was a very strong American presence in the immediate post-war years, it is not surprising that her evidence shows a significant American component to the modernization process. It would be interesting to compare her conclusions in this regard to those of someone studying an area where American influence was less direct and personal. This comparison would better demonstrate whether the American influence was a necessary, or merely a contemporary, component of German societal modernization. Such a comparison, however, would not fit very well into a book titled "GIs and Fräuleins." Höhn is to be commended for putting the abundant evidence which she presents into such a larger context of modernization debates, and not faulted for not being more encyclopedic.

This book is a truely fascinating study of German-American encounters after World War II. It is full of interesting details and also extremely well written. A MUST for anyone interested in German history!