'The American West' by Dee Brown is a detailed narrative history that delves into the development of the West in the 1800s. The book covers the stories of various key figures such as Native Americans, settlers, cowboys, ranchers, and businessmen, highlighting the conflicts, struggles, conquests, and the eventual colonization of America. The author provides a well-documented and well-written account, with chapters dedicated to different subjects, making it an informative yet entertaining read. The book captures the essence of the American West, bringing to life the diverse characters and events that shaped the country during that era.

The writing style of Dee Brown in 'The American West' is described as very readable, engaging, and easy to follow. The book is praised for its detailed descriptions of both Indian and European situations, making it a recommended addition to any History library. Brown's storytelling is compared to that of a serious historian and a capable novelist, keeping the readers intrigued and engaged throughout the narrative. Despite some critiques about the lack of cohesive narrative and focus on Native Americans, the book is commended for its educational value and entertaining approach to exploring the history of the American West.

Characters:

Characters range from Native Americans to settlers, showcasing the complexities of life in the American West.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style blends serious historical narrative with an engaging, novel-like approach, though it occasionally slips into a textbook format.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot encompasses various perspectives on the settlement of the American West, focusing on Native Americans and settlers, although it sometimes feels disjointed.

Setting:

The setting encompasses the American West in the 1800s, highlighting both Native American and settler experiences across diverse landscapes.

Pacing:

The pacing varies, with some sections being engaging while others feel dense and slow, leading to a disjointed reading experience.

Notes:

The American West was published in 1994 but is based on earlier works from the 1950s.

The book includes over 50 photos and about 20 maps.

Some readers found the book's style reminiscent of a 1950s textbook, focusing too much on names and dates.

A significant focus is placed on Native Americans and their history in the West.

Readers noted a lack of cohesive narrative, with the book consisting of vignettes on different topics.

Dee Brown is highly regarded for his previous work, Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee.

The writing is described as engaging, making it feel like reading a novel.

The book covers the complexities of American colonization and the struggles faced by indigenous peoples.

There were some criticism regarding punctuation errors in the editing.

Chapters are devoted to distinct subjects on the American West, appealing to readers interested in adventure stories.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The book covers themes such as colonization, conflict, and the struggles faced by Native Americans, which may be triggering for some readers.

From The Publisher:

As the railroads opened up the American West to settlers in the last half of the 19th Century, the Plains Indians made their final stand and cattle ranches spread from Texas to Montana.

Eminent Western author Dee Brown here illuminates the struggle between these three groups as they fought for a place in this new landscape. The result is both a spirited national saga and an authoritative historical account of the drive for order in an uncharted wilderness, illustrated throughout with maps, photographs and ephemera from the period.

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The American West

Dee Brown