Geronimo (The Lamar Series in Western History)
Given the merciless nature of warfare in the American Southwest, it has always been difficult to remain objective about the character and exploits of the Apache warrior Geronimo. Still, Utley, acclaimed biographer and chronicler of the Indian wars, has made a valiant effort. He illustrates that Geronimo was born into a very tough neighborhood, where the harsh environment and the enmity of Mexicans, Americans, and even other Apache bands meant survival was a daily battle for the Chiricahua Apaches. By temperament, Geronimo was well suited for the struggle. He was physically tough and seemed to genuinely enjoy the life of raiding and fighting. Yet, Utley asserts, the portrait of an uncompromising defender of the Apache homeland does not fit. Geronimo was a great fighter, but he was not universally liked or admired by other Apaches and was never acknowledged as a chief. Utley does succeed in describing the human being behind the violent, almost demonic, image, and his portrait of the tame, even submissive, figure confined to a reservation is poignant. --Jay Freeman