57 pages • 1 hour read
Empire of the Summer Moon: Quanah Parker and the Rise and Fall of the Comanches, the Most Powerful Indian Tribe in American History
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Book Brief
384
Biography • Nonfiction
American West • 19th Century
2010
Adult
16+ years
Super Short Summary
Empire of the Summer Moon by S.C. Gwynne chronicles the rise and fall of the Comanche Nation and the story of Quanah Parker, a prominent Comanche leader who was the son of a captured settler, Cynthia Ann Parker. The Comanches mastered horse warfare and dominated the Southern Plains, but American westward expansion and military campaigns ultimately forced them onto reservations. Sensitive topics include violence, cultural upheaval, and the impact of colonization on Indigenous peoples.
Informative
Mysterious
Gritty
Dark
Suspenseful
Reviews & Readership
77,775 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Empire of the Summer Moon by S.C. Gwynne is widely praised for its detailed and engaging narrative on the history of the Comanche tribe and their conflicts with settlers. Critics commend its vivid storytelling and thorough research. However, some point out a lack of balanced perspective on Native American experiences. Overall, it is a compelling but occasionally one-sided account.
Who Should Read Empire of the Summer Moon?
Readers who enjoy immersive historical narratives akin to Undaunted Courage by Stephen E. Ambrose or Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee by Dee Brown will relish Empire of the Summer Moon by S.C. Gwynne. This book appeals to those fascinated by Native American history, frontier life, and vividly detailed accounts of the American West.
77,775 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Quanah Parker
Quanah Parker
Son of Cynthia Ann Parker and Comanche chief Peta Nocona, who rose to prominence as a war chief and later became the first and last Principal Chief of the Comanches on the reservation.
Ranald Slidell Mackenzie
Ranald Slidell Mackenzie
A U.S. military officer known for his conflicts and later friendship with Quanah Parker, earning the nickname "Bad Hand" due to injuries sustained in battle.
Juan Bautista de Anza
Juan Bautista de Anza
A Spanish military leader and New Mexico governor who successfully led an expedition against the Comanches, resulting in a significant peace treaty.
John "Jack" Coffee Hays
John "Jack" Coffee Hays
A renowned Texas Ranger recognized for his innovative tactics in battles against the Comanches and later involvement in the Mexican-American War.
S.C. Gwynne
S.C. Gwynne
An American journalist and historian, author of the book that provides a detailed account of Quanah Parker and the history of the Comanche tribe.
384
Biography • Nonfiction
American West • 19th Century
2010
Adult
16+ years
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