TECUMSEH: And the Dream of an American Indian Nation

by Russell Shorto ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 1, 1989

This biography of the great Native American who tried to unite the tribes of the Ohio basin to stop white expansion is serviceable but fails to capture the fire of Tecumseh's passion for unity. After considerable fictionalizing of Tecumseh's youth, Shorto gives basic examples of his political prowess and clever battle strategies. The picture of a trade- and expansion-conscious government that considered Indians a pesky nuisance is well handled, with the machinations of William Henry Harrison made plain; but there are too few of the Indian-life details that could have enlivened the sections on Tecumseh's childhood, while more direct quotes from Tecumseh's own speeches and from his contemporaries would have made the source of his power and influence clearer. The illustrations here--generic Indian objects and imagined scenes drawn in whiskery pen strokes--do little to advance the text. Helpful maps; list of further reading; no index.

Pub Date: Oct. 1, 1989

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: 124

Publisher: Silver Burdett

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 15, 1989

Categories: CHILDREN'S