Nancy R. (NancyL) reviewed Empire of the Summer Moon: Quanah Parker and the Rise and Fall of the Comanches, the Most Powerful Indian Tribe in American History on + 4 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
My partner read it first and he was totally engrossed. I am now reading it and also find all of the facts fascinating. I thoroughly enjoy it. Written so well it flows beautifully, not like a normal non-fiction book
Diana B. reviewed Empire of the Summer Moon: Quanah Parker and the Rise and Fall of the Comanches, the Most Powerful Indian Tribe in American History on + 23 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Well worth reading. Descriptions and history of the west and Texas from 1800's to 1900 is compelling. Tells the story of the changes in the lives of the Comanche nation and the last chief who led them, Quanah Parker. He was the son of a pioneer woman camed Cynthia Parker who was kidnapped during a Comanche raid and who grows up with the tribe.
Rich M. (52yankee) reviewed Empire of the Summer Moon: Quanah Parker and the Rise and Fall of the Comanches, the Most Powerful Indian Tribe in American History on + 16 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I enjoyed this book. Even though I don't live in
Texas, this is all about early Texas history. Starts around the time of the kidknapping of Cynthia Ann Parker, Quanah's mother.
Texas, this is all about early Texas history. Starts around the time of the kidknapping of Cynthia Ann Parker, Quanah's mother.
Frank H. (perryfran) reviewed Empire of the Summer Moon: Quanah Parker and the Rise and Fall of the Comanches, the Most Powerful Indian Tribe in American History on + 1228 more book reviews
This was really an exceptional history of the Comanches and their role in delaying the opening of the American West. The Comanches were legendary for their fighting ability and their horsemanship. Long before the whites came into their land, they were fighting with other tribes including the Apaches. They were also known for their bloodthirstiness and torture which they had used on their enemies for centuries. When the whites came along this was also used on them. This book really does not flinch in describing this. They were so skillful with their arrows and lances that they stopped the northern drive of colonial Spain from Mexico as well as the French expansion westward from Louisiana. The Comanches forced the creation of the Texas Rangers but the war with them lasted four decades and held up the development of the American nation.
As part of the back-drop for this history, Gwynne tells the story of the pioneer woman, Cynthia Ann Parker, who was abducted by the Comanches when she was about ten. She was adopted by the tribe and lived with them for 24 years before being taken back in a raid by Texas Rangers.
She left behind two sons, one of which was Quanah Parker who became the last chief of the Comanches. "Parker rose quickly to the leadership of the Quahadi band of Comanches as a young man of perhaps only 20. When Americans entered the picture in the 1830s and beyond, the Quahadis fought them so hard that by the 1870s whole counties formerly settled by Texas ranchers and farmers were depopulated. Parker's tough leadership eventually proved no match for the combined weight of Texas Rangers, the U.S. Army and other heavily armed enemies, who finally broke the Quahadi resistance after removing other Comanche bands to reservations and reducing their number to no more than 2,000. After surrender, Parker continued to insist on preserving Comanche ways. Gwynne considers Parker alongside Geronimo, the better-known Apache leader, and finds the latter wanting in the comparison. Parker remained a leader of his people to the end, one who âlooked resolutely forward toward something betterâ rather than surrendering to embitterment or allowing himself to be put on display as a wild Indian now tamed."
This really engaging history provides a no-holds-barred look at the Comanche people and how they tried to maintain their way of life. This did include a lot of bloodshed and torture but to them there was no other way to survive. With the killing of the buffalo by the hide takers and the outright orders for their extermination by the government, their way of life was doomed.
As part of the back-drop for this history, Gwynne tells the story of the pioneer woman, Cynthia Ann Parker, who was abducted by the Comanches when she was about ten. She was adopted by the tribe and lived with them for 24 years before being taken back in a raid by Texas Rangers.
She left behind two sons, one of which was Quanah Parker who became the last chief of the Comanches. "Parker rose quickly to the leadership of the Quahadi band of Comanches as a young man of perhaps only 20. When Americans entered the picture in the 1830s and beyond, the Quahadis fought them so hard that by the 1870s whole counties formerly settled by Texas ranchers and farmers were depopulated. Parker's tough leadership eventually proved no match for the combined weight of Texas Rangers, the U.S. Army and other heavily armed enemies, who finally broke the Quahadi resistance after removing other Comanche bands to reservations and reducing their number to no more than 2,000. After surrender, Parker continued to insist on preserving Comanche ways. Gwynne considers Parker alongside Geronimo, the better-known Apache leader, and finds the latter wanting in the comparison. Parker remained a leader of his people to the end, one who âlooked resolutely forward toward something betterâ rather than surrendering to embitterment or allowing himself to be put on display as a wild Indian now tamed."
This really engaging history provides a no-holds-barred look at the Comanche people and how they tried to maintain their way of life. This did include a lot of bloodshed and torture but to them there was no other way to survive. With the killing of the buffalo by the hide takers and the outright orders for their extermination by the government, their way of life was doomed.
Susan S. (beau64) reviewed Empire of the Summer Moon: Quanah Parker and the Rise and Fall of the Comanches, the Most Powerful Indian Tribe in American History on + 84 more book reviews
A page turner from front to back. Had to find a biography of McKenzie after reading this.
Tara S. (ladymcfadey) reviewed Empire of the Summer Moon: Quanah Parker and the Rise and Fall of the Comanches, the Most Powerful Indian Tribe in American History on + 85 more book reviews
Really nice book. Great start to my indian tribe research.
SANDNYA D. (sandnya) reviewed Empire of the Summer Moon: Quanah Parker and the Rise and Fall of the Comanches, the Most Powerful Indian Tribe in American History on
An interesting book if you want to know more about the Native American history and the rise and fall of the Comanches. It is graphic and sad in parts but is a good factual book.
Charles E. (goldenhawk) reviewed Empire of the Summer Moon: Quanah Parker and the Rise and Fall of the Comanches, the Most Powerful Indian Tribe in American History on + 3 more book reviews
The Comanche tribe, consisting of at least 5 subgroups, speaking a dialect of the Shoshone language, along with their allies the Kiowas and mixed blood Comancheros, ruled a huge area of the Southwest high plains. They hunted the buffalo, numbering in the millions, from horseback for hundreds of years. The horse, introduced by the Spaniards in the 1500s, profoundly transformed their society and culture, as it became an extension of the individual Comanche. Young men learned how to ride, break, fight, trade, capture, and hunt atop a horse like no other tribe of Indians. The horse was a symbol of wealth and prestige. The complete story of the tribes' history, researched extensively using a large number of first hand accounts from the era, is ably told by the author. After the tribe was decimated by half from disease and low birth rate, its inevitable decline and submission by white society is factually related through the life of its last noble leader, Quanah Parker, the half breed son of captive Cynthia Ann Parker and chief Peta Nocona,
Stef S. (bookgoddessme) reviewed Empire of the Summer Moon: Quanah Parker and the Rise and Fall of the Comanches, the Most Powerful Indian Tribe in American History on + 106 more book reviews
Wow, this book is immensely powerful. I feel like it should be required empathy reading for at least every American citizen, especially our young people. The author goes about unapologetically telling the true story of the founding of our nation, and the brutal treatment that humans are capable of toward one another. The book really demanded my full attention, and I took lots of notes. It was really fascinating. Recommend, but not for a "light" read.
Bill A. (warm-strong) reviewed Empire of the Summer Moon: Quanah Parker and the Rise and Fall of the Comanches, the Most Powerful Indian Tribe in American History on + 2 more book reviews
I am surprised there is no cover for this book, maybe it is too new. I just bought it at the airport for reading on the flight home. It is a very powerfully written narrative about the Comanches and this Quanah Parker who had a white mither who was kidnapped as a young girl. She grew to so love her husband, who was a Indian Chief, that she refused to be rescued several times. The son was one of the last Comanches to give up buffalo hunts and killing white settlers in West Texas. When he moved to the reservation he switched and became a relatively civilized and wealthy man who then acquired more wives and built a large mansion. He became well know and an advocate for poor Indians. Teddy Roosevelt came to have dinner with him in his house. He never gave up his long hair and is a striking handsome tall man. The story of the racism and tawdry affairs of the politicians who ran the various Indian Bureaus contrasts with the history of the Comanches who were not "noble" savages. Very bloody story with brutal acts by both sides. I found it really held my interest. Very well researched with notes, good index. Finalist for the Pulitzer Prize. Also a New York Times Best Seller.
Suzanne C. (zan) reviewed Empire of the Summer Moon: Quanah Parker and the Rise and Fall of the Comanches, the Most Powerful Indian Tribe in American History on
This is a fascinating, well-documented book about the last days of the Indians. If you think the Indians were brutal savages and the white settlers were the "good guys", you must read this!
Carol F. (cactusflowerwomen) reviewed Empire of the Summer Moon: Quanah Parker and the Rise and Fall of the Comanches, the Most Powerful Indian Tribe in American History on + 628 more book reviews
Absolutely fascinating book about the Commanche Nation and Quinah Parker. Just loved it and learned SOOO much/1 Very well research and written, can't recommend it enough.
Lynda C. (Readnmachine) reviewed Empire of the Summer Moon: Quanah Parker and the Rise and Fall of the Comanches, the Most Powerful Indian Tribe in American History on + 1477 more book reviews
Unsentimental but moving overview of the rise and fall of the Comanche nation in its clash with European invaders and, later, the encroachments of a growing nation, coupled with a biography of the half-white Quanah Parker, who began life as a feared warrior and ended it as a prominent Comanche leader.
Joannie N. (Nedheadz) reviewed Empire of the Summer Moon: Quanah Parker and the Rise and Fall of the Comanches, the Most Powerful Indian Tribe in American History on + 128 more book reviews
compelling story of plains indian wars....eye opening, it's hard to contemplate the struggles and conflicts that were going on simultaneously during the mid-1800s and how as a nation the U.S. was still so fragile and separate both geographically and culturally. There's dignity in the story...
Becky W. (Beckaru) reviewed Empire of the Summer Moon: Quanah Parker and the Rise and Fall of the Comanches, the Most Powerful Indian Tribe in American History on + 19 more book reviews
I purchased this book because Quanah Parker's granddaughter, a dear friend of mine in her late 80s, had recently passed away. I wanted to know more about the ancestor whom she loved so much. I'm well-versed on most indigenous groups in the United States. But, I guess I didn't know as much about the Comanche as I thought I did. That said, it was a good book. Quanah Parker was quite the fellow. And, his granddaughter was a wonderful lady.
Cyndi W. (tullydog) reviewed Empire of the Summer Moon: Quanah Parker and the Rise and Fall of the Comanches, the Most Powerful Indian Tribe in American History on + 22 more book reviews
This was extremely interesting to me. Made me think alot about both sides and gave me a whole different view on history and how it is written. If you like historical fact you will like this
Gene W. reviewed Empire of the Summer Moon: Quanah Parker and the Rise and Fall of the Comanches, the Most Powerful Indian Tribe in American History on + 6 more book reviews
Wonderful book! informative as well as enjoyable to read. Great background for "Ride the Wind" which I has just finished.
John O. (buzzby) -
He's a delightfully melodramatic writer. I guess it helps to be a journalist.
