Empire of the Summer Moon/S.C. Gwynne/371 pgs

The subtitle says it all: Quanah Parker and the Rise and Fall of the Comanches, the Most Powerful Indian Tribe in American History. In an easy and approachable tone, Gwynne takes us through the beginning of the West and the encroachment of Spanish soldiers, Mexican settlers and American people from the East. We learn about the various tribes and the challenges they posed to the conquerors. When the Spanish were finally defeated not by people but by the landscape they left behind their horses. The Comanches learned over time what these new animals could do for them. In just a few short years they transformed themselves from a humble gatherer to one of the most feared warriors on earth. Quanah was the child of a white woman and an Indian chief. We follow his story as well as the Comanche nation as they lose land and experience broken promises. Once on the reservation Quanah took to his new world and learned the value of cattle, friendship and having a long dining room table. He amassed a great fortune only to die a penniless man. Quanah was also a contemporary of Geronimo but isn't it interesting which one we remember? A great introduction to someone looking for early Native American history. Wonderful read.