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sophiewoz's review
3.0
i’d purchased this out of the biography section of a bookstore, but it would’ve been better placed in the military history section. although war books are not for me it was nevertheless a timely read of settler colonialism, land occupation, and the measures a people must take in those circumstances. would’ve liked more discussion of sources and the bias of those sources, if that information is available. now and again passages portraying indian “savagery” felt unnecessary. overall a compelling read
srash's review
5.0
Really interesting new book that reexamines the legacy of Tecumseh and his brother Tenskwatawa. Nobody really disputes Tecumseh's legacy, though his more dysfunctional younger brother is often written off as more of a hindrance. Peter Cozzens proves a well-written, well-researched counterargument, noting that Tenskwatawa was more essential to his brother's pan-Indian movement than he gets credit for while also noting that he lacked the ability to parley that movement into what Tecumseh was able to form.
Overall, a very accessible, original work of scholarship. I need to read more of Cozzens' other work.
Overall, a very accessible, original work of scholarship. I need to read more of Cozzens' other work.
rpc415's review
2.0
Somehow a very boring and dry military history kind of book about an objectively non-boring subject
aumann's review
5.0
This book is so many things - perhaps most importantly, an example of how to study and learn about the past from a perspective outside of the dominant culture/narrative.
You will absolutely learn a lot about Tecumseh and his brother ("The Prophet"), Tenskwatawa. But you will also learn about the workings of the early U.S. government, the societies and decisions of various indigenous nations throughout this era, and British colonialism in North America after the American Revolution.
I teach, study, and love history - and my understanding of the War of 1812 has always been hazy, at best, and certainly centered in the perspective of the U.S. government. This book changed both of those things. It felt as if I were watching the fullness of each event take place, rather than having it told to me by someone with a clearly vested interest in how the story is told and remembered.
You will absolutely learn a lot about Tecumseh and his brother ("The Prophet"), Tenskwatawa. But you will also learn about the workings of the early U.S. government, the societies and decisions of various indigenous nations throughout this era, and British colonialism in North America after the American Revolution.
I teach, study, and love history - and my understanding of the War of 1812 has always been hazy, at best, and certainly centered in the perspective of the U.S. government. This book changed both of those things. It felt as if I were watching the fullness of each event take place, rather than having it told to me by someone with a clearly vested interest in how the story is told and remembered.
anjreading's review
3.0
This book was long and very, very detailed. I got stuck behind it for four days, which is an eternity in my reading life, and yet I never felt the slightest urge to DNF it. The story of Tecumseh and his younger brother Tenskwatawa is an important part of history, and Cozzens firmly affixes the details of their lives within the full context of the conflict between invading white settlers and indigenous tribes desperately trying to hold on to their lands and ways of life. The writing was solid but I had some quibbles with Cozzens's liberal use of quotes, sometimes for just one word, and $10 words on every page. I'm glad I read this book and I learned a lot, but the actual reading of it was tedious at times.
stephb413's review
3.0
To give this book a fairer rating, I need to read it about five more times to grasp most of the content as it is dense, even for a history buff. That said, the story of Native American culture and resistance is vital, and considering their story is significantly older than the United States there should be much more reading material in the market. I appreciate this book celebrates Native American strength, culture, and resilience, and is not lessening their historical impact and significance as they stood against impossible odds. Personally, to fully appreciate the book I needed a stronger overall narrative type writing to better absorb information, but still important and worthwhile.
wesley070's review against another edition
3.5
Pretty comprehensive and detailed account, but a bit tedious of a read at times.
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