41 pages • 1 hour read
Facing East from Indian Country: A Native History of Early America
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Book Brief
336
Book • Nonfiction
North America • 17th century
2001
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In Facing East from Indian Country, Daniel K. Richter explores early U.S. history through the perspective of Native Americans, detailing their experiences with European settlers from initial contact through the American Revolution. The book paints a vivid picture of how Indigenous peoples navigated economic, social, and political changes while resisting being reduced to a monolithic victim group. The narrative highlights the resilience and adaptability of Native communities amid colonial expansion and conflict. Topics of violence, displacement, and cultural erasure are discussed.
Informative
Contemplative
Challenging
Mysterious
Reviews & Readership
1,448 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
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Review Roundup
Reviews for Daniel K. Richter's Facing East from Indian Country highlight the book's innovative perspective, examining early American history through Native American eyes. Critics praise its rich research and compelling narrative. However, some find its thematic focus occasionally narrow. Overall, it's lauded for reshaping historical understanding.
Who Should Read Facing East from Indian Country?
Readers fascinated by Native American history, colonial American studies, and the clash of cultures will enjoy Facing East from Indian Country by Daniel K. Richter. Comparable to Charles Mann’s 1491 and Jill Lepore’s The Name of War, it offers an indigenous perspective on early American history.
1,448 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Kateri Tekakwitha
Kateri Tekakwitha
Originally a Mohawk Iroquois girl, she converted to Christianity, becoming one of the first Indigenous Roman Catholic saints, noted for her devout faith amidst hardships in the 17th century.
King Philip (Metacom)
King Philip (Metacom)
A Wampanoag leader known for leading a coalition against colonial expansion in King Philip’s War, a significant and deadly conflict between Indigenous peoples and English settlers in the 17th century.
Andrew Jackson
Andrew Jackson
A U.S. military leader and later president, whose controversial policies and actions involved significant conflicts and displacement affecting Indigenous American nations during the early 19th century.
William Apess
William Apess
A Methodist preacher of mixed Pequot heritage who advocated for Indigenous rights in early 19th century Massachusetts and authored works challenging prevailing narratives about Native history.
336
Book • Nonfiction
North America • 17th century
2001
Adult
18+ years
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