This scholarly work is a snapshot survey of America's frontier war experiences 1607-1814. Author Grenier builds on Russell Weigley's historiography of the U.S. military in examining how American regular and irregular forces engaged in warfare against non-combatants.

Grenier traces the history of many little known conflicts, from the war against the Powhatans during the early years of Virginia settlement, to the War of Jenkins Ear in Georgia, to the better known campaigns against the Indians in New York during the revolution, and the bloody war in the Ohio country. In each case, he is able to demonstrate that American forces were successful when they were able operate offensively against Native American towns, killing or capturing non-combatants, and destroying their food sources.

A short book, easy to read, and very interesting. ( )