While rafting and then visiting friends in north central Idaho, I finally read this history of the Nez Perce war. This excellent history describes the confluence of conflicting needs and desires which led to a war no one wanted that killed hundreds. I was most struck by the Nez Perce efforts to avoid doing violence even to white settlers as they fled their homeland for safe haven. ( )

It took about half of the book before I decided that I liked it. After that the reading was less of a struggle and Chief Joseph, himself, became the focus of the writing. If he were alive today, he would be a wonderful prospect for Secretary of State. What an amazing human being! ( )

An excellent account of the Nex Perce War and their break for freedom in Canada. Reading this in high school made it that much better. ( )