That Dark and Bloody River (Mysteries & Horror)

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Summary: Where the West really began
Review: Allan Eckert's book should be required reading for every student of history. This is truly a remarkable, in depth look at where the western movement of our country really began. It is difficult for most Americans to realize that the Western frontier was the Ohio River Valley. States like Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana hardly register as the "Wild West" yet the episodes that took place there are much more dramatic than most stories of the far west. Eckert pulls no punches as he tells the stories of both Whites and Indians. Some of the tales are heart breaking and some are terribly gruesome. This is not a book for the faint hearted. If you live in the Ohio River area, you owe it to yourself to find out just what happened there. This is a book well worth your time.

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Summary: Allan Eckert does it once again!
Review: As a native Kentuckian, I have more than a passing interest in the history of the Ohio River valley. Allan Eckert does not disappoint! The strength of this book lies in the author's ability to engage the modern reader in the typical 18th century settler's life. Eckert also has a remarkable knack for presenting a credible perspective of all sides in the settlement of the region -- French and British, British and American, American and Indian -- with respect and historical integrity. This book should be required reading for every high school or college history course taught in Virginia, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky.

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Summary: I agree...it's great
Review: By far the best and most engaging chronicle of the border wars of the Ohio River Valley, Dark and Bloody River takes us back to the time and place first encountered in Eckert's other great book, The Frontiersmen. This was the first Eckert novel I read and it hooked me from the start. It begins with a description of the ancient Indians to first settle the land that would later become known to some as Kentucky and the Ohio Valley, and to others as "That Dark and Bloody Ground". It ends with the closing of the eastern frontier in Ohio in the early 19th century and the twilight of the Indian way of life. What comes in between is a classic tale of historic adventure and horror. Eckert is known for his great historical novels and this is one of the best. Here we again encounter some familiar characters like Daniel Boone, Simon kenton, and Simon Girty. Eckert gives one of the most sympathetic interpretations of the white renegade Girty to date, portraying him here as a troubled frontiersman who was more a victim of years of character assasination than the satanic monster he was remembered as. Here we also meet Lewis Wetzel and Eckert makes clear that Wetzel, though hailed as a frontier hero in his time and for decades to come, was most surely a cold-hearted killer, intent upon exterminating the Indian race from the face of North America. This is really a great book and despite being some 600 pages, has often been reread.

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Summary: That Dark And Bloody River
Review: Hey! Great reading. I never knew how many people lay at the bottom of the Ohio. Both early settlers and Indians alike. This is an excellent book for early history. Mr. Eckert must be congradulated for his insight and manner of writing. It is a must read.

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Summary: A Great Read
Review: I have read several James Thom books and they are far superior to this. If you like reading history books then this one is for you.

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Summary: Gripping and suspenseful Ohio River Valley history
Review: I have read this twice and have started it for the third time. I have read all of the Winning of America Series twice. I find myself switching back and forth to the maps.
My father took me to see the Fallen Timbers during WW II. So I would have been about two years old. I just remember his describing the battle and the fact that most of the fallen trees or "timbers" were taller than I was laying on their sides. It was very still except for the birds, the locusts and my Father's voice. In retrospect it was a special and spiritual moment.
As it turns out my dark father was 1/16 Native American (Elizabeth Weddell from Hawkins Co., Tennessee) only we didn't know it at the time.
This book made the history of all my families come alive; some fought in the Revolution, one with the Royal Americans, one at Ft. Pitt and one at Germantown & Brandywine. Some ended up buying hundreds of acres of land at Chillicothe,OH., KY. and Indiana.
Reading these books and in particular this one, puts me right in the middle of the action and family history.
I am from Indiana via Southern Indiana, via KY., NC., VA., OH. and PA. These books, especially this one and The Frontiersman, are my favorites. Mr. Eckhert makes history live. Thanks.

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Summary: manifest destiny 1
Review: since moving to Idaho from Ohio I've been reading about Lewis 'n Clark. Not many westerners seem aware of the Ohio frontier story;it's gruesomness, it's violence or it's significance.Only a few years after Clark fought in the decisive Indian battle of the Ohio wars,The Battle of Fallin Timbers,did Lewis begin the "Voyage of Discovery" from Pittsburg ,down the Ohio River. Westerners interested in the settlement of N.America will find this book an unexpected delight.

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Summary: My hometown
Review: This book brought the Ohio River alive for me. I grew up near the banks of the Ohio, near Wheeling, and I saw every detail along the river banks in the struggle to maintain (in native eyes) and to settle (in white eyes). This series of narratives from Allan Eckert are the best resourse available for truly learning about our collective heritage....native and conquerer. The style lends itself to bringing the history to life. I cannot rave enough about this series of books. I encourage anyone interested in settlement history to read this book and the others in the series. Thank you, Mr. Eckert, for writing about my home and history.

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Summary: Gripping and suspenseful Ohio River Valley history
Review: This book contains plenty of misinformation about the Zane family. It may be interesting reading, but it is not an accurate portrayal of the Zane Patriots. Not sure where he got his information but he needs to make many corrections. I've already written Bantam Books concerning this and I await there response.

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Summary: Dark and Bloody River Runs Through It
Review: This is a relatively detailed account of the history of white settlement and conflict along the Ohio River drainage given in the form of a journal. A dated account, it draws together moments in the lives of natives, settlers and government officials as affected the area in question. Well written, engaging, detailed, with good footnotes and bibiliography. An excellent book worthy of space in any library and a necessity for those interested in this period.