A magnificent history of the American conquest of the West; "a story full of authority and color, truth and prophecy" (The New York Times Book Review). In the summer of 1846, the Army of the West marched through Santa Fe, en route to invade and occupy the Western territories claimed by Mexico. Fueled by the new ideology of “Manifest Destiny,” this land grab would lead to a decades-long battle between the United States and the Navajos, the fiercely resistant rulers of a huge swath of mountainous desert wilderness.
At the center of this sweeping tale is Kit Carson, the trapper, scout, and soldier whose adventures made him a legend. Sides shows us how this illiterate mountain man understood and respected the Western tribes better than any other American, yet willingly followed orders that would ultimately devastate the Navajo nation. Rich in detail and spanning more than three decades, this is an essential addition to our understanding of how the West was really won.
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"A great book about how the American West came together through manifest destiny and the skill and courage of Kit Carson - although more about the former. Honestly, it's an easy read, informative and very enjoyable, especially for a fan of American history like myself. " — Steve (4 out of 5 stars)
"A great book about how the American West came together through manifest destiny and the skill and courage of Kit Carson - although more about the former. Honestly, it's an easy read, informative and very enjoyable, especially for a fan of American history like myself. "
Riveting . . . monumental . .. . Not only does Blood and Thunder capture a pivotal moment in U.S. history in marvelous detail, it is also authoritative and masterfully told.
" I tend to glaze over when battles come up, but other than that, it was a very interesting look at a very interesting man and time. "
" Excellent account of Kit Carson's life and his involvement in the annexation of New Mexico the subjugation of the Navajo Indians. "
" One of the best non-fiction works I have ever read. "
" I read this book upon moving to NM. I figured I should know something about where I live. IT is a fascinating book. And, apparently, it is going to be turned into a mini series! LOVE LOVE LOVE this book! "
" Joe somewhat resembles Kit Carson... "
" excellent read, great time line for the completion of the continental United States. "
" Anything Hampton Sides writes is something I want to read. I loved reading about Kit Carson and his adventures. What an amazing life! I would recommend this to anyone who loves history. "
" I really enjoyed this book. The history of the west and southwest is just incredible. The writing is vivid and crisp, the pace fast and gripping. "
" Fascinating, informative and very readable story about Kit Carson and Manifest Destiny. "
" Despite the title, this bio of Kit Carson isn't quite as exciting as it ought to be. The author is a bit of a windbag, and he bites off more than he can chew in trying to make Carson's story the story of the West. "
" History of American expansion in the west, history and anthropology of Native Americans (especially the Navajo) and a biography of Kit Carson all wrapped together with florid but enjoyable prose. "
" An outstanding and even handed assessment of the opening of the American West told through the life and exploits of Kit Carson. Anyone who enjoys a good Western will like this book and you will come away with some history in the bargain! "
" Fascinating, sad, and sometimes sublimely ridiculous tale of Manifest Destiny and the destruction left in its wake "
" Again, took me a while to get through it, but Mr. Sides can tell a story! "
" I am slow...This ended up being a really great book although it was long I am glad that I continued on with reading. I am excited to read some of the books this author used as his resources too. "
" The true story of Kit Carson, and how the US really 'won' the west. "
" A decent account of the characters on both sides of the conflict between settlers and Natives in California and New Mexico around the mid-eighteenth century. Would skip around a bit too much for all but the most serious history buff. "
" Fabulous writer! Am going to read more of his books. Great book, maybe I could have rated it a 5, for sure a 4.5 if there was one. If you, like I, did not pay attention to history in school, you better read this book. "
" Page turning history. Made better by having visited many of the sites in Arizona and New Mexico. "
" A very different view of the Navajo nation and of Kit Carson. Well written, fascinating and a must for anyone interested in the history of the Southwest. "
" I would not have thought I would enjoy this book this much. I like Hampton Sides' writing and the narration was good. I did relate to some of the places this took place having lived in Southern Colorado and in Idaho for years. "
" A thumping good read. Sides has done some deep research on the American West, deftly balancing a distinctly two-sided subject, and just happens to be a bang-up writer as well! "
" One of the most compelling history books I've read. The narrative flows like a novel in this larger-than-life story of Kit Carson and America's westward expansion into Indian and Mexican territory. "
" It is an excellent biography of Kit Carson, a more significant and interesting character than we realize. In addition it is a very good overview of Southwestern history, centered around the 1840. And, it is the best writing on the Navajos I have read. "
Hampton Sides, a native of Memphis, is an award-winning editor of Outside and the author of the bestselling histories Blood and Thunder and Ghost Soldiers. He lives in New Mexico with his wife and their three sons.
Don Leslie has appeared on Broadway, off Broadway, and in regional theaters throughout the country. He has been heard in thousands of commercials, promos for all the broadcast networks and most cable stations, political campaigns, movie trailers, and over fifty audiobooks.
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