Empire of the Summer Moon Summary & Book Review - Bobby Becker

       Empire of the Summer Moon, by S.C. Gwynn, is the analytical overview of the Comanche's ascertaining of power over the plains, and then their fall to U.S. westward expansion. Gwynn chronicles the Comanche’s rise to power in the eastern plains of Oklahoma and southern rockies of Colorado. After being forced south from the northern midwest by stronger tribes, the nomadic Comanche found refuge in a desolate area that no other tribe wanted. When the Spanish began their northward expansion above the rio grande, they faced a threat like no other. Unlike the structured and civilized Inca and Aztec societies, the nomadic Comanche had no single leader nor capital. This unstructured society and the inevitably, that Spanish horses would get into the hands of the Comanche made it very hard to fight them. Unlike almost every other tribe, they adopted horses into their military, and would no longer fight on foot. This new speed and power that the horses gave to the Comanche was overwhelming for the Spanish, and eventually prevented them from moving north. However, when new technologies were invented, the Comanche would not be able to hold up as well against U.S. westward expansion. 

       Empire of the Summer Moon was interesting because it challenged the misconception that he Native American tribes simply rolled over and were crushed by the modern armies. It shows how the Comanche gave a tremendous stand, overwhelming the Europeans on many occasions. While this book is historical non-fiction, it reads like a story and was very interesting. Gwynn’s explanation of the attack on the Parker’s fort in western Texas shows the grim fear that would have been experienced by the early settlers, and the history to what would one of the greatest Comanche leaders of all time. While the there is a massive amount of content in the book, it reads like a story and shows both sides of the conflict. It has a massive amount of true content on the history of the Comanche, but unlike a school textbook, it has shocking stories and accounts that keep the reader interested. Overall, it was a good read, but would not be recommended for those who are easily bored while learning about history.

Interpretive Dance