Wow! What a book!

[Bugscuffle]

I got "Empire of the Summer Moon" by S.C. Gwynne from the local library. I read half way through it and realized that I HAD to own this book, so I ordered a hardbound from Amazon.com . It is readily apparent to me that the vast amount of research, verified information and direct quotes from period literature and the believable historical account of the rise and fall of the Nermernuh (Comanches), the most formidable native American fighting force that American forces ever faced, make this a "must own book". I am not a Historian, so I cannot swear to the authenticity of what Mr. Gwynne writes, but the documentation is quite significant and the bibliography is formidable to say the least. It is for tht reason that I want to own this book and it is one that I would encourage anyone with an interest in the history of the old west to own and read. For me I don't intend to just read it. I will STUDY it.

[Cherokee Bob]

I have read this book and it is one of the best most historically accurate books about the period and history I have ever read.  I have read it several times and get more out of it each time.  I have also lent it to several peopole and all were impressed by it.  It will leave its mark on you.     A 10-out-of-10.

[Steel Horse Bailey]

This sounds like an interesting read.

Some years back, I got "hooked" on the Plainsman Series of books by the late Terry C. Johnston.  Like you Bugscuffle, I'm not an historian, so I don't know about verifying all the "facts" but it seemed that Mr. Johnston certainly did his research.   He took historically verified people from actual battles, groups, etc. read the letters from the actual participants of whatever event and would add a fictional character or 2 to join with the real characters to make an interesting book of "Historical fiction," I believe is the right term.  Among other things, he wrote of the Fetterman massacre, Beecher's Island, the famous fight at (if I remember correctly) or near Adobe Walls and other interesting events.   Like I said, it's very historically based fiction and written in an excellent style. 

Unfortunately, Mr. Johnston passed away in 2001 at the age of 54, so no new books will be written.

(some info: http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/j/terry-c-johnston/)

[Deadeye Dick]

Some years back, I got "hooked" on the Plainsman Series of books by the late Terry C. Johnston.  Like you Bugscuffle, I'm not an historian, so I don't know about verifying all the "facts" but it seemed that Mr. Johnston certainly did his research.   He took historically verified people from actual battles, groups, etc. read the letters from the actual participants of whatever event and would add a fictional character or 2 to join with the real characters to make an interesting book of "Historical fiction," I believe is the right term.  Among other things, he wrote of the Fetterman massacre, Beecher's Island, the famous fight at (if I remember correctly) or near Adobe Walls and other interesting events.   Like I said, it's very historically based fiction and written in an excellent style. 
Unfortunately, Mr. Johnston passed away in 2001 at the age of 54, so no new books will be written.
(some info: http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/j/terry-c-johnston/)

SHB,
I agree, Terry Johnston did his homework. I liked his mountain man series of books with Scratch as the main charcter too. I was saddened by his passing. He was one of the best historical fiction writers around.
Deadeye Dick

[GunClick Rick]

You guys are blessed with the ability to sit still and read,my dad was that way,my indian great aunt tuaght him,i wishh i could have inherited that,too much ADD,i have a nice little library of old west books,i bet i have read at least one page in each one before shelving it...May be when i am old i will sit down and start reading,wait a minute i am old...

In the mean time i'll just go by what you guys read.But do make note,you are truely blessed!

[Dances With Coyotes]

I went out and bought it too. Very fascinating read. It especially details the indians cruelty to their captives. Doesn't really romantisize alot.

[G.W. Strong]

I just put it in my shopping cart at Amazon. Tanks for the recommendation. What other books about the Indian Wars should be in my cart with it?

[Dances With Coyotes]

Got any of the Lonesome Dove books? Comanche Moon is especially my favorite.

[G.W. Strong]

Got any of the Lonesome Dove books? Comanche Moon is especially my favorite.

I don't are they good?

[Bugscuffle]

I went out and bought it too. Very fascinating read. It especially details the indians cruelty to their captives. Doesn't really romantisize alot.

No it doesn't "romantisize the Indian culture. If you read carefully though I believe that you will see that the Comanches were a product of their environment and were capable of taking care of their own in a humane and gentlle manner. I was particularly taken with the observation that it was the Great Plains Indians and particularly the Comanche and other of the Southern Plains Indians that made it possible for us to expand all the way westward. I had not noticed that the westward expansion of the Americans was made possible because the Comanches had litteraly stopped the Spanish northward expamsion at about the New Mexico/Arizona border. Were it not for that we would have only had half of a continent to occupy and the other half would have been Mexico. Further evidence of that is that California and western Arizona were occupied/habitated/hijacked long before the central plains were. If it were not for the advent of repeating firearms, we may not have overcome Indian resistance for many more years. God bless America and Sam Colt, Winchester and Smith and Wesson. And thanks to the Comanches for keeping the road clear until we could develop superior firepower.

[Capt.Virgil Russo]

I don't are they good?

IMO, Lonesome Dove is the jewel in the crown that is that series. The other volumes pale in comparison.

Again, my opinion. YMMV.

[Dances With Coyotes]

Let's see.....in the Lonesome Dove series there is

Dead Man's Walk
Comanche Moon
Lonesome Dove
Streets of Laredo

And they all have corresponding movies that were made from them.

[Sir Charles deMouton-Black]

Let's see.....in the Lonesome Dove series there is

Dead Man's Walk
Comanche Moon
Lonesome Dove
Streets of Laredo

And they all have corresponding movies that were made from them.

I have read them all.  Trouble is that I don't know when facts end and fiction begins. I loved Empire of the Summer Moon.

[Steel Horse Bailey]

I started the Lonesome Dove book  during a field exercise when I was in Germany.  The FX ended before I finished the book and the borrowed copy was returned to its' owner.  I regret not having finished it OR reading the other books in the series.

However, I do have all the DVDs and enjoy them immensely!

IF Mrs. B will loan me her new (and not-yet-received-for-Christmas) Kindle Fire, I may read the rest of the books, but as my eyes deteriorate I find myself reading less and less.  I have enjoyed great eyesight and am really spoiled about it since I only need generic over-the-counter cheapo 1.5 to 1.75 power reading specs.  Spoiled!  I admit it!

This saddens me as I have been a voracious reader since I was in the 3rd grade.  I lived in Brasil (South America) for a year during what WOULD have been my 2nd grade year - age 7.  I came back to America to live with my Father & new Step-Mom and didn't know how to read, except my name, etc.  She made me learn to read.  (I hated her greatly at the time for that and many other very juvenile reasons.)  We came to an understanding by the end of that school year and by then I was reading at the sophomore in H.S. level.  I have LOVED reading ever since.  Thanks again, Mom!  (R.I.P.)

[G.W. Strong]

My local library has all of the books listed in this thread. So rather than buying the book form Amazon I will go check out all the books from the Library. They even have Empire of the Summer Moon on CD unabridged so I may wind up "reading" it on my drive to work. I spend about 90 minutes in the car each day.

[Steel Horse Bailey]

I'm hoping that many of these books are part of what Amazon touts as "free" since they aren't particularly new or top-10 Best Sellers.  I think that many books are Public Domain.  We'll see.  My wife loves to read as I do, and she gets many paperbacks and hardbacks from Goodwill and such at $.50 to $5.00 at a rate of a book or two per week.

Plus, it is my understanding that many places controlled by Public Libraries are allowing many selections available online, not just from Amazon.

... And then, there's the plain 'ol way to get books from the Library the way we've done it for many moons already.


It's all good!

[Major 2]

Here is a heads up 
"Empire of the Summer Moon" is in pre-production

course who knows how close it will follow the book ?
However, heavy weights Ridley Scott & Tony Scott are the producers, and the Screenwriter is Larry McMurtry.

[Green River Powell aka RonC]

I just bought the book "Empire of the Summer Moon" based on your comments, Bugscuffle. Thank you!

Ron

[Dances With Coyotes]

Here is a heads up 
"Empire of the Summer Moon" is in pre-production

course who knows how close it will follow the book ?
However, heavy weights Ridley Scott & Tony Scott are the producers, and the Screenwriter is Larry McMurtry.




"REALLY?"
I'm curious how realistic it will be. Did you guys read about the baby being killed by the indians because the Comanches feared it would interfere with the white captive womans work?

[Steel Horse Bailey]

Dances - You wrote ('tho it looks like part of the Quote)


"I'm curious how realistic it will be. Did you guys read about the baby being killed by the indians because the Comanches feared it would interfere with the white captive womans work?"



I'll bet THAT doesn't get in the movie!