Title: The American West
Genre: American History
Year: 1994
Pages: 420
Origin: bought from Waterstones
Nod Rating: 4 out of 5
A subject that has long fascinated historians and writers alike, the Wild West evokes images of cowboys, guns and Indians. For the Worm it was a fictional place in which the usual rules – and the law – did not apply. An open land of endless miles, where one could become a ranger, a sheriff, or a thief: all with little regard for “real” history. The myths of this time have been used, abused and reused by countless fiction writers and Hollywood filmmakers: including cinema’s first milestone (The Great Train Robbery) and one of its lowest depressing slump (Will Smith’s Wild Wild West).
But, this land was once a real place. It is set in a real time, that of the nineteenth century. Despite Britannia ruling the waves, this century truly belongs to America: from a newly formed country it expanded westwards – as part of the much trumpeted Manifest Destiny – until it embraced a continent and spanned two oceans, setting itself up to become a world superpower. The West, then, is integral to the story of America’s rise. And, who better to recount this rise than a writer whose reputation is cemented by the famous work Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee?
Except, that is, Dee Brown’s The American West is not a recounting of America’s rise to glory. It is not a narrative, rather a series of chapters on particular events and themes that show America’s West, warts and all. It is not set through the viewpoint of the white-American intruder, but rather through the eyes of all who set foot in this land. Space is provided for the true cowboys of this time, as well as the innovative and daring adventures involving the cattle-trade. Furthermore, the rise of many boom towns are noted (including the infamous Dodge City), and, of course, the villains and modern-Robin Hoods of the period (notably that of Billy the Kid).
However, the book earns its applause in the attention devoted to the fortunes (or should that be misfortune?) of the various Amerindian (or Native American) tribes. Despite a terrible pattern setting in with each of these tribes (promises, broken promises, rebellion, and then death), Brown shows a keen eye in embracing these tribes and customs; all of which provides a heart that holds this book together. Those that stick in the Worm’s mind include Red Cloud (of the Sioux) and the Nez Perces tribe – and their intriguing leader, Joseph. It is a shameful period in American history, of which the lessons have not yet been fully learnt.
The interesting introduction reveals Brown’s earlier fascination with the American West. He recounts his time as a serviceman in the Second World War, using his time stationed in America to collect as many photographs of the past as possible. This led to a series of books, which in turn inflamed Brown’s career since then. It is little wonder that the tribes are given such emotional depth, considering Brown’s own involvement with the history of this time.
As Brown notes at the book’s end, the story ‘of the American West never really comes to an ending’. He discusses how each new generation will view the West through a fresh set of eyes, leading to renewed analysis and debate (as well as bad Hollywood movies). It is a fitting ending from a historian who values his source material and the lives who have come before. Hopefully, this period and land will have such mindful writers of the calibre of Brown in the future.
Buy it here
