David Edmunds’ book Tecumseh and the Quest for Indian Leadership is one that challenges the legend behind one of the most influential Native American leaders in history. It tells the tale of Tecumseh’s life, while also giving the reader insight into the lives and culture of the Shawnee people. It tells of the hardship and tragedy that the natives faced while attempting to defend themselves against the “Long Knives.” Primary sources that discuss Tecumseh’s life are scarce to be found due to the Shawnee’s lack of written language, but author David Edmunds utilizes a collection of historical accounts that tell of his life and legacy and attest to his influence. Throughout the book, Edmunds portrays Tecumseh and his people in a positive way while
…show more content…
In the opening chapter “The Shawnees,” readers are introduced to a time prior to Tecumseh’s birth. The author presents the situation surrounding the time of Tecumseh and we learn how the increasing pressure from the white man influenced the Natives’ decisions and action. In the following chapters, we learn of Tecumseh’s family and upbringing. As a child, his mother and sister immigrated to Missouri out of fear of the Americans and his father passed away during battle. Although this sounds rather traumatic from an American perspective, this was not so in Native culture. The definition of family in their culture extends outside of what we would call the nuclear family, so he still had loved ones to care for him. This theme is continuously shown throughout the book, again revealing one way in which Edmunds includes the reader in the culture. The book also presents artists’ renderings and historical maps that aid the progression of the story and allow the reader the benefit of visual understanding. The map on page 34 is a useful resource for the reader to refer back to so that they can grasp the sheer magnitude of Tecumseh’s undertaking as he aimed to unite the Indian …show more content…
Edmunds does an exceptional job in his presentation, but due to the nature of these historical accounts, it is impossible to assess the credibility of those sources. Among the most credible sources are those accounts of Stephen Ruddell and Anthony Shane. These men were former captives of the Shawnee tribe who knew Tecumseh well, and thus would produce a relatively unbiased portrayal of the leader. The Eyewitness Account File at the Tippecanoe Battleground Historical Association gives insight into the battle that occurred there, but even today eyewitness accounts are considered to be a questionable source of information. Perhaps the most questionable resources are those that were recorded by the Indians’ adversaries. Papers from figures like William Henry Harrison would naturally cast a biased shadow upon the Natives and may have been elaborated upon in order to produce favor for the Americans. At best, all accounts by the author are historically accurate; at worst, they contain misinformation. However, the author used his well-qualified discretion in selecting the sources; which are arguably the best available. Without the ability to travel back in time, we will never know how truly accurate these sources
In the opening chapter “The Shawnees,” readers are introduced to a time prior to Tecumseh’s birth. The author presents the situation surrounding the time of Tecumseh and we learn how the increasing pressure from the white man influenced the Natives’ decisions and action. In the following chapters, we learn of Tecumseh’s family and upbringing. As a child, his mother and sister immigrated to Missouri out of fear of the Americans and his father passed away during battle. Although this sounds rather traumatic from an American perspective, this was not so in Native culture. The definition of family in their culture extends outside of what we would call the nuclear family, so he still had loved ones to care for him. This theme is continuously shown throughout the book, again revealing one way in which Edmunds includes the reader in the culture. The book also presents artists’ renderings and historical maps that aid the progression of the story and allow the reader the benefit of visual understanding. The map on page 34 is a useful resource for the reader to refer back to so that they can grasp the sheer magnitude of Tecumseh’s undertaking as he aimed to unite the Indian …show more content…
Edmunds does an exceptional job in his presentation, but due to the nature of these historical accounts, it is impossible to assess the credibility of those sources. Among the most credible sources are those accounts of Stephen Ruddell and Anthony Shane. These men were former captives of the Shawnee tribe who knew Tecumseh well, and thus would produce a relatively unbiased portrayal of the leader. The Eyewitness Account File at the Tippecanoe Battleground Historical Association gives insight into the battle that occurred there, but even today eyewitness accounts are considered to be a questionable source of information. Perhaps the most questionable resources are those that were recorded by the Indians’ adversaries. Papers from figures like William Henry Harrison would naturally cast a biased shadow upon the Natives and may have been elaborated upon in order to produce favor for the Americans. At best, all accounts by the author are historically accurate; at worst, they contain misinformation. However, the author used his well-qualified discretion in selecting the sources; which are arguably the best available. Without the ability to travel back in time, we will never know how truly accurate these sources