The Last Indian War By Elliot West

 I started reading this book back in November for Indian Heritage month.  I like being able to segement some of my reading into various months.  And using the world's breakdown seem as good as any.   I didn't get to finish it in time, other things cropped up that took up my time.

I can't say I enjoyed it, but I did learn a lot.  It also inspired me to learn more about the Nez Perce, the war with the United States, and to write a campaign supplement for wargaming.  

I had several problems with it.   The biggest one being Mr. West's disdain for Christianity.  also think he did a terrible job really describing the problems of the running Nez Perce, and why they chose/were forced to surrender at Bear Paw Mountain.  It appeared from the earlier battles they were winning. They took supplies, weapons, and everything they needed to win more battles.  

Elliot West did a great job describing the battles, what happened, the combatants involved, and the outcomes.  This was as I said earlier a real inspiration to me.  I will be picking up a copy of Osprey's Publishing Nez Perce 1877: The last fight.  As I said, I'm planning on writing up campaign guide for the war later this year. 

He really runs down all the missionaries, and even the Nez Perce who converted.  His lack of belief in the One True God was a serious turn-off.  While I have no doubt some of the Nez Perce converted for political reason.  It's hard to imagine that some did not accept the fact that Jesus of Nazareth was a real person, who died on a real cross for every human being's sin, and was really raised on the 3rd day.  The Gospel of Christ is an unstoppable force, and can/will cross all cultural barriers. 

I could keep a running total of all the issues that I thought was wrong, but I won't do that.  It was a book, I finished it, I learned something.  I would not recommend it though.