Subject
Dakota Indians -- Wars, 1876 -- Fiction Books
Best books
Joseph A. (Joseph Alexander) Altsheler
The Last of the Chiefs: A Story of the Great Sioux War
"The Last of the Chiefs: A Story of the Great Sioux War" by Joseph A. Altsheler is a historical novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around two brothers, Richard and Albert Howard, who find themselves on a perilous journey across the plains while exploring the frontier during the Great Sioux War. This journey into the heart of Indian territory is not only a physical trek but also a test of the brothers' resilience and their bond, set against the backdrop of conflict and the quest for gold. At the start of the book, we meet the brothers struggling through the harsh terrain, with Albert suffering from exhaustion and illness. Richard is deeply concerned for his brother's health and is determined to protect him amidst the challenges they face. The narrative introduces a diverse cast of characters, including a rough train leader named Sam Conway, and an intriguing Indian guide, Bright Sun, whose motivations and loyalties are laden with complexity. As the train continues westward, the story foreshadows impending conflict, highlighting tensions between the brothers' desire for wealth and the dangers posed by the Sioux nation and the hostile environment they inhabit. The dynamic between the brothers and their interactions with fellow travelers set the stage for the unfolding drama, shaping a tale of adventure, survival, and the harsh realities of life on the American frontier.
Randall Parrish
Bob Hampton of Placer
"Bob Hampton of Placer" by Randall Parrish is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story is set against the backdrop of the American West and follows the main character, Bob Hampton, who finds himself in a life-or-death situation amidst a skirmish with Sioux Indians. The initial chapters delve into themes of survival, bravery, and unexpected camaraderie, particularly highlighting the dynamics between Hampton and a young girl named Gillis, who faces trauma following the death of her father during the conflict. At the start of the narrative, a small group, including soldiers and civilians, is ambushed in a canyon while traveling in what they believed to be a safe area. The tension escalates as they are forced into a desperate fight for their lives against a hidden enemy. Amid the chaos, Hampton demonstrates his ingenuity and resourcefulness as he attempts to protect both himself and the girl, who is grieving the loss of her father. The beginning of the novel sets the stage for a gripping tale filled with action and emotional complexity, establishing themes of heroism and the struggle for survival in a harsh environment.
Charles King
"Laramie;" Or, The Queen of Bedlam. A Story of the Sioux War of 1876
"Laramie; Or, The Queen of Bedlam. A Story of the Sioux War of 1876" by Captain Charles King is a historical novel written in the late 19th century. Set during the tumultuous time of the Sioux War, the story unfolds primarily around Fort Laramie, where soldiers and their families navigate the complexities of frontier army life, including relationships, rivalry, and the specter of impending conflict. This tale centers around key characters such as Lieutenant Randall McLean and Nellie Bayard, as they become entwined in personal dramas exacerbated by the ongoing tensions with Indigenous nations. The opening of the novel introduces readers to Fort Laramie, describing its rugged environment transitioning from winter to spring as the local rivers surge with melting snow. We learn about the various inhabitants of the fort, including Mrs. Miller, who watches over the social dynamics, and Dr. Bayard, Nellie's father, who is embroiled in his own frustrations about duty and family life. The narrative hints at budding romance and conflict, particularly between McLean and the troubled Miss Forrest, alongside growing tensions as soldiers prepare for duty against the Sioux. As relationships develop amidst the backdrop of military life, the stage is set for both personal and collective struggles ahead.
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