Books
Comments: I read a lot of historical non-fiction books. History intrigues me while also making me shudder at the same time. It’s often hard to read books about real life and call it entertainment because I don’t wish to portray a sense of warmth or love for the brutality/atrocities that the story is telling, which I wished never happened. At the same time, the value of enlightenment and education that I am receiving is engrossing in itself. A perfect example is a book titled, “A Savage Quest in the Americas''. It is a biography of the Conquistador Hernando De Soto and his ultimate failed attempt to find a treasure-laden city in the Southern U.S. This quest was on the tail of his success in Peru, with another famous Conquistador Pizzaro; both of whom are given credit for conquering the Inca Empire. It is one of those rare books you do not wish to put down. If you wish to be educated not only on the life of Hernando De Soto, but also on the true origins of very early-Spanish expansion in Central and South America, this book is a must-read.
Hernando de Soto
Comments: I read a lot of historical non-fiction books. History intrigues me while also making me shudder at the same time. It’s often hard to read books about real life and call it entertainment because I don’t wish to portray a sense of warmth or love for the brutality/atrocities that the story is telling, which I wished never happened. At the same time, the value of enlightenment and education that I am receiving is engrossing in itself. A perfect example is a book titled, “A Savage Quest in the Americas''. It is a biography of the Conquistador Hernando De Soto and his ultimate failed attempt to find a treasure-laden city in the Southern U.S. This quest was on the tail of his success in Peru, with another famous Conquistador Pizzaro; both of whom are given credit for conquering the Inca Empire. It is one of those rare books you do not wish to put down. If you wish to be educated not only on the life of Hernando De Soto, but also on the true origins of very early-Spanish expansion in Central and South America, this book is a must-read.
King Leopold’s Ghost
King Leopold’s Ghost, is a true story about a genocide in the Congo in the late 1800s. It started out as a book, became a documentary and now will be made into a major-motion picture.
Comments: This story is about King Leopold’s obsession to colonize the Congo, where he purposefully exploits the country, people, and resources. I don’t even know where to begin to express the sheer disbelief that I feel about people who act as if they have some divine right to dominate and abuse others. It’s a sickness in humans, call it evil if you will. The “worshipped” or so-called upstanding leaders (in this case, the King of Belgium), are all really just con-men; representing all that is f*****-up with the human psyche. History bears the truth and the truth is something you cannot run from. I would like to emphasise that The Belgian population as a whole, are not to blame for what individuals conspire to do behind closed doors. That truth can be said about most countries as most imperialistic nations have blood on its hands. This particular story, which reflects a mindset that defies humanity, is one that needs to be seen by everyone. It gives staggering insight into the mistreatment of the black race that has been going on throughout history. Be prepared to be shocked, if you don’t know about this true story of devastating, inhumane, cruelty.
King Leopold’s Ghost
King Leopold’s Ghost
King Leopold’s Ghost, is a true story about a genocide in the Congo in the late 1800s. It started out as a book, became a documentary and now will be made into a major-motion picture.
Comments: This story is about King Leopold’s obsession to colonize the Congo, where he purposefully exploits the country, people, and resources. I don’t even know where to begin to express the sheer disbelief that I feel about people who act as if they have some divine right to dominate and abuse others. It’s a sickness in humans, call it evil if you will. The “worshipped” or so-called upstanding leaders (in this case, the King of Belgium), are all really just con-men; representing all that is f*****-up with the human psyche. History bears the truth and the truth is something you cannot run from. I would like to emphasise that The Belgian population as a whole, are not to blame for what individuals conspire to do behind closed doors. That truth can be said about most countries as most imperialistic nations have blood on its hands. This particular story, which reflects a mindset that defies humanity, is one that needs to be seen by everyone. It gives staggering insight into the mistreatment of the black race that has been going on throughout history. Be prepared to be shocked, if you don’t know about this true story of devastating, inhumane, cruelty.
It’s sad to say, but within the American school system, so little depth is provided on the true impact Native Americans have had in shaping this continent; be it as an indigenous population as a whole, or as individual tribes, and/or tribal nations. I wouldn’t call myself an expert on Native American history, but I’ve read more books on this particular genre than any other. The struggles between Native American tribes themselves, as well as their struggles with European colonialism (namely the Spanish, French, and English), is something I am well-versed in… so I thought! Then I read a book titled, The Comanche Empire.
Similar to my other book reviews, The Comanche Empire falls under the category of “a-must-read”. It is the type of book that stays on your mind, until you are finished. For me personally, the 500+ pages was time spent in a zone. I was completely enthralled by how the book connected the varying power forces, in and about the North American Southwest, as being subjugated, and checked, by the might of the Comanche Nation.
What history books fail to teach in relation to the true influence of the Comanche Nation, the author Pekka Hämäläinen, more than makes up for with his deeply compelling insight. The sheer depth of research necessary to produce such an epic tale, gives insight into the author’s passion on the subject matter. That passion is powerfully transformed into a masterfully-written narrative, which theorizes why the Comanche Nation, consisting of five major individual tribes, was worthy of Empire status.
As the book methodically details, not unlike any dominant empire throughout history, the strength of the Comanche Nation was their ability to adapt to their environment, while utilizing existing resources to their advantage, in the process keeping multiple imperialistic powers at bay. The Comanches both influenced and dominated the North American Southwestern territory from about 1740 up to 1880.
At one point, over 500 indigenous tribes were spread across this great country, from coast to coast. Unfortunately, the power struggles, as well as the influences of all Native American tribes, have almost become an afterthought in History text books. Thanks to authors such as Pekka H., that rich history is preserved in writing, and given the proper light it very much deserves.
I highly recommend The Comanche Empire; for enthusiasts of Native American History, for History buffs in general, or for anyone who loves the sense of enlightenment which comes from understanding the truth of our common past!
*Also by Pekka Hämäläinen - Lakota America
NY Times
The Comanche Empire
It’s sad to say, but within the American school system, so little depth is provided on the true impact Native Americans have had in shaping this continent; be it as an indigenous population as a whole, or as individual tribes, and/or tribal nations. I wouldn’t call myself an expert on Native American history, but I’ve read more books on this particular genre than any other. The struggles between Native American tribes themselves, as well as their struggles with European colonialism (namely the Spanish, French, and English), is something I am well-versed in… so I thought! Then I read a book titled, The Comanche Empire.
Similar to my other book reviews, The Comanche Empire falls under the category of “a-must-read”. It is the type of book that stays on your mind, until you are finished. For me personally, the 500+ pages was time spent in a zone. I was completely enthralled by how the book connected the varying power forces, in and about the North American Southwest, as being subjugated, and checked, by the might of the Comanche Nation.
What history books fail to teach in relation to the true influence of the Comanche Nation, the author Pekka Hämäläinen, more than makes up for with his deeply compelling insight. The sheer depth of research necessary to produce such an epic tale, gives insight into the author’s passion on the subject matter. That passion is powerfully transformed into a masterfully-written narrative, which theorizes why the Comanche Nation, consisting of five major individual tribes, was worthy of Empire status.
As the book methodically details, not unlike any dominant empire throughout history, the strength of the Comanche Nation was their ability to adapt to their environment, while utilizing existing resources to their advantage, in the process keeping multiple imperialistic powers at bay. The Comanches both influenced and dominated the North American Southwestern territory from about 1740 up to 1880.
At one point, over 500 indigenous tribes were spread across this great country, from coast to coast. Unfortunately, the power struggles, as well as the influences of all Native American tribes, have almost become an afterthought in History text books. Thanks to authors such as Pekka H., that rich history is preserved in writing, and given the proper light it very much deserves.
I highly recommend The Comanche Empire; for enthusiasts of Native American History, for History buffs in general, or for anyone who loves the sense of enlightenment which comes from understanding the truth of our common past!
*Also by Pekka Hämäläinen - Lakota America
NY Times
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