Review: Superb account of the rise and fall of the American fur trade.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 05 11, 2013
The brief conflict between the Blackfoot Confederation and the early fur traders was fought with a savagery and bitterness that has been almost unrivalled in history. Prisoners on both sides were rarely taken and, if any unfortunates were taken, torture and death soon followed. Scalping and general body mutilation of victims was the accepted norm of the time and it was during this era that the expression "the only good injun, is a dead injun" was first heard; nuff said!It is this desperate period of US history that this book is set. The central characters amongst the traders develop attachments to squaws that are loving and endearing. These relationships are a dichotomy when set against the usual cynically cruel encounters between traders and tribes, and a shining light amongst the general violent theme of the story. The Indians at war are shown as proud and down-trodden and, understandably, there are few examples of charity shown towards the Whites. The part of the story that shows the effects of the smallpox epidemic on the tribes is rivetingly described and absolutely heart-wrenching.The author delivers an epic book; beautifully presented, accurate descriptions of weapons and accoutrements used, tactics employed and the fictional characters are thoroughly developed and believable in their actions. It is also long enough to properly develop the lives and adventures of the numerous central heroes and villains. I did enjoy reading the postscript which identifies the genuine historical persons.An absolute gem of a book and highly recommended.