areadaburrito's review
adventurous
dark
informative
reflective
fast-paced
4.25
I didn't know that Boone was someone who was rational, kind, compassionate, a man of his word, etc. The book is a history Kentucky (Kanta-ke), a land that was "purchased with a vast expence [sic] of blood and treasure", as well as a history of peoples (white and red) who fought to live there.
The book doesn't hold back from the gruesome actions taken by each side. Ultimately, a great read.
The book doesn't hold back from the gruesome actions taken by each side. Ultimately, a great read.
fivetilnoon's review
adventurous
dark
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
4.0
The book focuses on Boone's younger years, mostly on Kentucky. This was an informative mix of Boone biography, history of Indian wars in the west, French & Indian war, and American Revolution. It was good to see the perspective of the Revolution from the western pioneers -- that aspect of the war is often overlooked.
The author spends a lot of time detailing Boone's hunting habits and techniques. Wars with the Indians are presented as they happened, with clear atrocities by white pioneers and by Indians pointed out. It's hard not to feel like the Indians were the aggrieved party in the end, forced from their lands by trickery, intimidation, or violence.
The world of the early pioneers is far removed from our world, it's amazing to think about living such a hard life, constantly in danger from starvation or attack.
The author spends a lot of time detailing Boone's hunting habits and techniques. Wars with the Indians are presented as they happened, with clear atrocities by white pioneers and by Indians pointed out. It's hard not to feel like the Indians were the aggrieved party in the end, forced from their lands by trickery, intimidation, or violence.
The world of the early pioneers is far removed from our world, it's amazing to think about living such a hard life, constantly in danger from starvation or attack.
duchessofreadin's review
4.0
We know the legend of Daniel Boone, but do you know his entire story? The real man?
Bob Drury takes us through the life and times of Daniel Boone - his struggles, family life, ups and downs, and so much more.
We don't hear about the hard times that he went through, or the stain that was sometimes fixed to his name. This book takes you through his entire life - from birth, the deaths of some of his children, ups and downs with the native tribes, and his eventual death.
Overall, I loved this book! It was full of great information, and some of it I was not aware of. I found this to be one of those books that you want to add to your research shelf, for future perusing and use.
For lovers of history, this is one that you don't want to miss!
Bob Drury takes us through the life and times of Daniel Boone - his struggles, family life, ups and downs, and so much more.
We don't hear about the hard times that he went through, or the stain that was sometimes fixed to his name. This book takes you through his entire life - from birth, the deaths of some of his children, ups and downs with the native tribes, and his eventual death.
Overall, I loved this book! It was full of great information, and some of it I was not aware of. I found this to be one of those books that you want to add to your research shelf, for future perusing and use.
For lovers of history, this is one that you don't want to miss!
jayft0312's review
challenging
informative
slow-paced
4.0
The author used a lot of archaic and overly complex words that were not needed.
ljackman's review
3.0
3.5 stars.
Realistic, sometimes stomach churning, account of the violent settling of the colonies and later Kentucky... not a watered down version of US history, instead facts of bloodshed, betrayal and merciless massacres and ambushes on both sides of the settlers and the natives.
Boone survived like 7 lifetimes, maybe he was a cat... Boone's real life is so much more interesting than any ol'movie could ever represent. And the fates of some of his children...eep!
Realistic, sometimes stomach churning, account of the violent settling of the colonies and later Kentucky... not a watered down version of US history, instead facts of bloodshed, betrayal and merciless massacres and ambushes on both sides of the settlers and the natives.
Boone survived like 7 lifetimes, maybe he was a cat... Boone's real life is so much more interesting than any ol'movie could ever represent. And the fates of some of his children...eep!