One of the great historians of the American West, author of the highly acclaimed The Way to the Western Sea ( LJ 12/88) and the classic Bent's Fort (1954), here draws on his studies of the fur trade to recount the history of the Nez Perce. Following such formidable predecessors as Merrill D. Beal's exciting "I Will Fight No More Forever" (1963) and Alvin M. Josephy Jr.'s authoritative The Nez Perce Indians and the Opening of the Northwest (1965), Lavender meets the challenge of comparison in an excellent narrative history grounded on documentary and interpretive sources. He covers events from the tribe's generous welcome of Lewis and Clark in 1805 through their increasing alarm over hordes of permanent settlers to the tragic surrender of Chief Joseph to General Nelson Miles in 1877. Each chapter reads smoothly and makes an exciting sequel to its predecessor. Historians familiar with the controversy over Chief Joseph will find Lavender's contribution to the debate interesting. Highly recommended for general readers and specialists. History Book Club selection.
- Margaret W. Norton, Fenwick H.S., Oak Park, Ill. Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Author
David Sievert Lavender was a well-known historian of the Western United States, nominated twice for the Pulitzer Prize, who is best remembered by many for his River Runners of the Grand Canyon. Lavender spent most of his life in Ojai, California. An articulate and deeply knowledgeable speaker on the political and social history of the American West, he often spoke at the annual Telluride Film Festival.
