Allan Eckert's story or "narrative account" as he calls it of the eighteenth century struggle between France and England along the current day border of the United States and Canada is hard to put down once started. The book covers the fighting between these two nations and their attempts to get the numerous Indian tribes in the region to ally themselves with one or the other European power, to the final detriment of the Indians.

I must admit that at first I was unsure if I would like this style of history but after reading the author's note I had a better understanding of what the author was attempting and how he used his sources to help produce the narrative. At one stage, early into the book, I did find the story bogged down but then the author's descriptive talent and the narrative pulled me back into the story and from that point on it fairly run away with me.

I found it hard to put the book down and I was really caught up in the characters, English, Colonial, French and Indian. This is a great and sweeping narrative of these hard and frightening times and the author does not paint a pretty picture when it comes to the manner of warfare practiced by the Indians and Europeans at that time and in that place.

I really enjoyed the story of William Johnson, a man previously unknown to me in American history. I also loved the account of the Marquis de Montcalm. In this alone I was happy to pay the price for this book. I really felt I had a much better understanding of this French soldier and his role in American Colonial history.

The author provides the reader with the true story of what happened at Fort William Henry and his accounts of the corruption of the French colonial system was an eye opener for me. I really enjoyed his descriptions of the people involved from both sides of the war and the accounts of the Indians and their practices, egged on by their European masters was at time quite horrific.

If you enjoyed the movie 'Last of the Mohican's then I am sure you will love this epic book of the same period. In over 600 pages of engrossing and interesting narrative this book will take you back to those times and you can spend a few days lost in the history of the 'Wilderness Empire'.

I knew little of the French & Indian War even though I grew up in OH and PA. If you lived anywhere near the Great Lakes and enjoy history, you will want to read this and the other Eckert "Narrative" books. The details were captivating, yet you never felt bogged down or bored. Since I knew little, it read like a great war novel. The politics between the Indians and French and English were very intriguing and thought provoking. The Native American tribes understood more than anyone gave them credit. Unfortunately for them, they were in a no win situation. I was also surprised with the brutality/torture by the Indians of not only the whites, but each other. Eckert does a wonderful job of explaining the culture that both permitted and encouraged this behavior. What amazed me was the apathy of some of the military leaders towards this. Great book, great read, enjoy!

This is the shortest of Allan W. Eckert's fantastic Winning of America series. Like all Eckert's historical novels, it is a wonderful attempt to bring history alive.

Wilderness War picks up about 13 years after the end of Pontiac's War as chronicled in Eckert's "The Conquerors". It tells the tale of Mohawk war chief Joseph Brant, the white-educated Iroquois leader who would go on to lead his people against the Americans during the Revolutionary War on the New York and Pennsylvania frontier. It begins with the breakup of the great Six Nations as they are torn in opposing directions at the outbreak of the Revolution as both sides fight to win the loyalty of the Eastern tribes. Brant joins with the British invasion force under Barry St. Leger as he lays siege to the American held Fort Stanwix in his drive down the Mohawk Valley toward Albany, where he plans to link up with a large Britsh force under General John Burgoyne in an attempt to spilt the rebellious colonies and drive them into submission. Brant's Mohawks, supported by loyalist troops, smash into an American relief column under General Nicholas Herkimer at Oriskany. This bloody confrontation sets the stage for what proves to be a long line of frontier battles, raids, murders, and atrocities commited by both sides in a bitter conflict to control the frontier, culminating with the American's long march through Iroquois lands, devastating villages, food stores, and breaking the will of the Indians forever. The aftermath of this onslaught eventually brought independence for the new United States, but starvation and death to the once-great Six Nations who would never rise again.

Wilderness War tackles an engaging story in a fascinating time period and Eckert, as usual, does a wonderful job. He paints a broad portrait of life and warfare on the New York Frontier and tells the story not only of Brant and the fate of the eastern tribes, but of the trials, hardships, and ultimate triumph of the settlers who pushed into the unknown to hack a new life out of the wilderness.

I've now read 4 of Eckert's books and one is better then the next. He takes a period of our American History and makes it come to life. Even though these books are not historical fiction, he weaves events and people into a seemless story. Bravo again !

This is Timothy Truman's beautiful graphic novel adaptation of Alan Eckert's outdoor drama Tecumseh! which is performed every summer in Chillicothe, OH. It is based on the life of the Shawnee leader Tecumseh and tells the story of the rise and fall of this great Indian hero and his ambitious plan to unite the eastern woodland tribes in a final war to remove the threat of white expansion into the trans-Alleghany west. Truman has done a number of other wonderful graphic novels relating to this period and this one is just as great. If you can get ahold of a copy, buy it.

I first read this book in the 3rd or 4th grade, and I am very grateful that I did. I believe I have read this book over 7 times, and will probably read it seven times more. Although the book has one of those odd "young adult" classifications, it reads quite well for an adult. It also, in my not-so-unbiased opinion, has withstood the test of time (originally published in 1967 or thereabouts). If you or your children have a love of cats, wildlife, America and/or adventure, or if you are already familiar with Eckart's inimitable narrative style, check this book out. You'll almost certainly have to buy it used, but fortunately, Amazon has several links available to do this. Special thanks to Allan Eckart himself, not only for writing this moving tale, but also for personally helping me to find a used copy. All in all, a much-cherished piece of my childhood.

Precise detailed listings, excellent index, should be in every rock-hounders back-pack. However, it's only failing are the rather crude maps. The maps would be more helpful if they included topographic elevation bars. But, all in all, a very delightful reference tome.

This book looks like it's going to be a GREAT asset in my mineral hunting! I like the way it's set up, by state and then by county within the state. It lists the various sites, tells what has been found at each site and (by a code explained in the front of the book) where in each site the minerals were (in a field, in a mine, in the water, etc.). I have to say, there are places here I had absolutely NO IDEA were so close to me, and in one site where I've been prospecting, it lists at least 12 other places nearby that I knew nothing about!

There are directions of varying degrees to each site. That's the one thing I'd quibble about -- some of the directions aren't that precise. But I understand that some of these sites are private lands, or not completely documented, and he can't come out and say, "Go fifty feet past the blue house, down a ravine, and to your left." In general, the directions seem good enough to get you close, and after that it's up to you.

He lists the rocks and minerals found at each site and gives some information about the quality at most places, including size of crystals found, color (and quality of color), and so on.

My only regret? I don't know if I'll have time to visit each site he has listed! So many rocks, so little time........

A fictional but plausible tale of demise of an endangered species, this book moves its readers to reflect on how humans contribute to the decay of other species which share our planet. It stirs emotions, clearly awakening everyone "green" side in the process. Formerly on many high school recommended reading lists, this book is appropriate for adolescents and adults alike. It is an easy and captivating read. I recommend reading it out loud as a family, sharing the reading duties among all proficient readers while including younger siblings in the process. All will grow from the experience.

In this book, you follow a king snake as it hatches, goes on its first hunt, and winds up in life threatening situations. The simple vocabulary and short length of the book makes it more ideal for kids. It's also very specific on the species of prey the king snake feeds on, so you might wind up learning about frogs or whatever as well. It is very interesting and informative, but may seem boring to those who want a more action-packed story.

A lovely children's story that is thoughfully written. A must for lovers of nature and for people who feel a bond with life. I read it as a child and the story still haunts me. Highly reccomended if you can find it!

I loved this book! This superb sequel to "The Dark Green Tunnel" takes place a month after the first book in our tim, and about 750 years after the first in Mesmerian time! The twins Lara and Barnaby return to the beautiful kingdom of Twilandia only to find it in tatters and the good witch Mag Nammoder gone! Upon meeting the dwarf Quill, they discover that Mesmeria is once again under oppresion; but this time, an evil wizard holds the throne. To save Mag Nammoder and free all Mesmeria, the twins must invoke spells from the hidden "Secret Volumes of Warp" with the help of the extremely powerful wand. But in order to do this, the twins must first invade the heavily guarded Black Castle. And if they succeed, Lara has an inportant decision to make...