Encyclopedia of American Indian Wars

The wars with the Indians were the longest running conflict in American history. This highly illustrated encyclopedia reveals the common threads that weave through the four centuries of clashes, from Columbus's voyage to the Wounded Knee Massacre.

While people automatically think of the Revolutionary War or the Civil War as defining moments in American history, the wars with the Indians were strikingly important in shaping the destiny and mythology of the nation. Encyclopedia of American Indian Wars notes the inevitability of conflict between western and native cultures given the great disparity in values and customs, especially with regard to land ownership. It also analyzes the many indirect changes in Indian lifestyles caused by the settlers — such as the introduction of iron implements and firearms — which changed the balance of power between traditional enemies.

In a wide-ranging panorama of 450 entries and 70 illustrations, this comprehensive volume provides an in-depth analysis of pivotal battles, famous and infamous leaders, and broken treaties. It explores lesser known subjects, such as dog soldiers, ghost dancing, scalping and scalp bounties, staked plains, praying towns, the Galvanized Confederates, and stories of white captives, some of whom preferred life with Indian captors over rescue. Encyclopedia of American Indian Wars paints a complete, objective, and detailed picture of the bloody conflicts that gave birth to the nation — and their terrible cost.

• "Keenan fills a gap in reference collections. Information on many of the entries can be found in other sources . . . but the Encyclopedia of American Indian Wars pulls them together. Recommended." — Booklist
• "Clear, concise entries. . . . Fills a niche, bringing together and giving order to a great deal of information about a complex series of interwoven incidents." — Choice

Jerry Keenan served as managing editor and senior editor in the book publishing industry for nearly three decades.