Black Hawk: The Battle for the Heart of America

This book is really good. The author recreates Black Hawk's like and Sauk society and the stress it was under similar to what other writers have done for the Crazy Horse, Red Cloud and Chief Joseph and the times they lived in.Growing up in Illinois, I always wondered about Indian life in the great lakes area and until this book, I have not found a book that captured their lifes and society similar to what other books have done on the Indians of the plains and southwest.Highly recommended.

This book gives detailed information related to the causes, effects, and events leading up to, and including the BLACK HAWK WAR. While the title suggests the book is a biography of Black Hawk's life, it is not that at all--and this did not disappoint me in the least.Trask tells the story with just the right amount of depth, and in a contemporary, reader-friendly style. I had read a few other books about the BLACK HAWK WAR and Black Hawk's autobiography, but this book was more thorough, and easily understood. There are ample footnotes and resources listed in the apppendix for those who desire further research.

A great read into history about the man Blackhawk was and the life he lived.

I wish more people knew this history. Black Hawk led his people through the Mississippi Valley as a man who truly cared about the future of his children and grandchildren.. Read the book and then check out Walter Bresette the Red Cliff Chippewa who inherited Black Hawks battle axe and became the leading voice for the 7 generations amendment. Inspiring voices for our times.

When Black Hawk began his return to Illinois and his ancestral lands his advisors were not any more honest than the U. S. government, the indian agents or his enemies. A tragedy would unfold and the biggest price would be paid by those that followed Black Hawk. This book brings a clear picture of the people, events and attitudes that drove the country. The national attitude towards native Americans is revealed and explained so all can understand. A must read!

As a direct descendant of one of the pioneers and soldiers mentioned at great length in the book, who was involved in bloody warfare and proclaimed a hero, it was enlightening to understand history from the Native American perspective.The sons and grandsons became senators of this relative who reflected the mindset of that period in American history, or indeed any period of history ,when the conquerors justify their action. It was called "manifest destiny." I wonder how history will judge 21st century war?

This was a book club selection. I liked the book very much, very informative, hard to put down, but in some chapters history can be heartbreaking!I bought this copy for a friend as a gift. Highly recommended.

Very nice condition used book.