LAY THE MOUNTAINS LOW

A sequel to the paperback Cries from the Earth from the vastly prolific Johnston, whose Plainsmen novels always offer more than just pulp-style rehashes of American history. Once more focusing on the Nez Percé Wars, Johnston depicts white settlers, backed by armies of cavalry, who have broken treaties and invaded the homelands of Native American tribes. Forced by federal troops onto small parcels of territory, some tribes make still further treaties with the US, but Johnston tells the story of five Nez Percé warriors who resist. He lards his pages with news clippings from the era, army officers’ general field orders, letters from settlers, and many footnotes and personal comments, all of which combine to give a strong sense of authenticity. A final volume to the trilogy is promised.

You are there, you are really there in Johnston's largest, most complex work: an apt hardcover debut in the series.