Blood and Thunder: The Epic Story of Kit Carson and the Conquest of the American West

Blood and Thunder: The Epic Story of Kit Carson and the Conquest of the American West | Hampton Sides | "Blood and Thunder"

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Blood and Thunder:...

	Blood and Thunder: The Epic Story of Kit Carson and the Conquest of the American West Hampton Sides Anchor, 2007 - 624 pages average customer review:based on 138 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

Novel-like Historical Study

I tend to classify histories into two categories: those that argue a particular point, and those that bring a relatively obscure subject to greater awareness. Blood and Thunder is a marvelous example of the latter. Using the life of Kit Carson as a framework, Sides presents the immense challenges, successes, and failures that occurred during the American settlement of what's now the Southwest United States. Given the scope of the book, Sides could have easily produced an unmanageable mess. Instead, he uses the sharp prose of a top notch journalist to produce a taut, novel-like narrative, with realized characters and vivid depictions of events. Additionally, Sides takes pains to present a balanced portrayal of all the characters in the book (including his obvious favorite, Kit Carson), so that the reader has a clear view of the strengths and weaknesses of each person and nationality. With this balanced, entertaining approach to history, Sides keeps the story manageable and accessible to those not familiar with the topic. Blood and Thunder is required reading for anyone who has even a passing interest in this fascinating chapter of American history.

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"Blood and Thunder"

Absolutely outstanding epic novel of the SW in the 1840's-60's. More thrilling than any fiction could be. The authors storytelling put the reading smack in the middle of the action. A balanced account of the Indian/Settler conflict. A clear and detailed coverage of the no-win situation of the American Indians in the face of "Manifest Destiny".

Reviewed by Will Davis author of "Bell County Bushwhackers"

Kit Carson and the early west

Blood and Thunder is an excellent biography of Kit Carson and a history of the early west. Wonderfully written and fills many gaps in history that are not normally part of history taught in our schools.
I enjoyed it so much that I bought extra copies for friends.

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Excellent!

I don't have much to add to what the other reviewers have already said but wanted to throw my two cents in. This is a well researched and just as well written piece of American history. I was pulled in from the first page and could not stop turning pages. I am a bit of an amature historian on the old west and found it to be right on the money and fair to all sides, the gringos, the Mexican's and the Indians. The authors treatment of both Kit Carson and the Navajos is fascinating!

This book will not disappoint!

Kit Carson is the focal point of this powerful examination of politics, racism, religion, adventure and history. Carson witnessed the dawn of the west, and his life, which intersected with the lives of many Indian tribes and other historical characters, represents the full sweep of the western experience. Whether you think Carson was a villain or a hero, there is much in this book to make the case on both sides. Fans of American history and westward expansion in particular should find this a fascinating read.

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