57 pages 1 hour read

S.C. Gwynne

Empire of the Summer Moon: Quanah Parker and the Rise and Fall of the Comanches, the Most Powerful Indian Tribe in American History

Nonfiction | Biography | Adult | Published in 2010

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Before You Read

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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.

Reviews & Readership

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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 this

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.

Recommended

Reading Age

16+years

Book Details

Topics

History: U.S.

Military / War

History: World

Themes

Identity: Indigenous

Genre

Western

Biography