Los Comanches - by Stanley T Noyes (Paperback)

About the Book

A history of the Comanche Indians, 1751-1845.

Book Synopsis

The Comanche Indians dominated the Southern Plains of America from the mid-eighteenth to the mid-nineteenth century. No plains people was more feared or admired for its mastery of warfare and life in a harsh, arid environment. Euro- and Native Americans alike anxiously dreaded the ferocity of Comanche enmity yet avidly sought the uncertainty of Comanche friendship. In this richly textured history, the author recounts the relations of Comanches to Spanish, French, Mexican, American, and Native American neighbors while his vignettes provide vivid glimpses into Comanche culture and society. This book is a sensitive portrait of human society and physical place. By the end of the book we understand the Comanches both as a peerless warrior society and as an embattled people.

From the Back Cover

Los Comanches is a large, sweeping history of the Comanche Indians, who dominated the Southern Plains from the mid-eighteenth to the mid-nineteenth century. No plains people was more feared or admired for its mastery of warfare and life in a harsh, arid environment. Euro- and Native Americans alike anxiously dreaded the ferocity of Comanche enmity yet avidly sought the uncertainty of Comanche friendship.

Review Quotes

"...a real find for anyone interested in American history, or in the well-told tale on one of the West's most fascinating cultures." --Tony Hillerman

"Here is a first-rate history in the literary tradition of Parkman, DeVoto, Horgan and Stegner." --Ferol Egan

"Stanley Noyes has given us a splendid volume of ambitious scope on one of America's most celebrated Indian tribes." --Marc Simmons

"Stanley Noyes' thoroughly researched and engrossing narrative will most likely stand as the definitive account of the 'Horse People'." --Frank Waters

"...a beautifully written history of the tribe during this important period. Based on extensive research from a wide variety of sources, Noyes examines the complex political relations between the Comanches and rival powers, first Spain and Mexico, and then Texas and the United States in the years prior to the Mexican War." --John O. Baxter