Paul L. tipped me off to Pekka Hamalainen's book Lakota America. It's not the easiest read on Kindle because Hamalainen will introduce an Indian name or phrase and then use it repeatedly rather than the familiar English name. With Paul's encouragement 'nevertheless I persisted'. The reward was an educational experience teaching about Native American, and especially, Lakota history.
The Lakota tribe once ruled an immense empire covering thousands of miles. They dominated the trade that came up the Missouri River from St. Louis trading furs for steel, guns. powder and other goods. This, coupled with their mastery of horses, their political organization and fighting prowess rendered many other tribes impotent against them. They were much more powerful than their kin, the Dakotas. At one point they even acquired vaccine for smallpox.
This receives a qualified recommendation. For those wanting to understand Native American history I highly recommend it. The first section of the book details Native American history leading up to the ascendency of the Lakotas in the western part of the continent.
Takk for alt,
Al
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