The Native American Warrior

Working from entirely different traditions of combat and honour, the Native Americans’ typical ambush and raiding tactics, based on indigenous hunting techniques, have often been misunderstood by European observers used to a more direct style of warfare. The Native American Warrior 1500–1890 explores the history of Native American combat from 1500 to the late nineteenth century, encompassing the period in which North America was colonized and transformed into the United States and Canada.

The book covers many different aspects of Native American warfare, including the fundamental changes brought about by the introduction of the horse and firearms, the use of mounted hit-and-run tactics by the plains-dwelling Sioux, the construction of war lodges by Blackfoot raiders and the widespread use of camouflage and stealth tactics by tribes such as the Cherokee.

Highly illustrated with more than 200 photographs, line drawings and maps, Native American Warrior 1500–1890 is an accessible introduction to Native American warfare.