Customer Reviews

The Frontiersmen

5 star:		(40)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Like many of the others in this space, The Frontiersman was required reading in an Ohio History course I was taking in college several years ago! I am not an avid reader by any means but this book, as well as the other Winning of America series books was one I couldn't put down! I am fortunate to have been born in Chillicothe Ohio and currently live near Circleville Ohio in Pickaway County. This area is the main focus of the Frontiersman book where Simon Kenton and Tecumseh once roamed. This book gave me goose-bumps when I read of some of the atrocities that occurred so close to home. I also had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Eckart. I was visiting the Outdoor Drama at Sugarloaf Mountain, near Chillicothe. Tecumseh was being portrayed on the outdoor stage there. For a truly exciting experience, read this book, then see many of the stories acted out, on or very near the actual spot. You feel like you living it all over again!

I have read this book twice, something I took the time to do only once before (Tolkien, of course). Forget Daniel Boone. Eckert skillfully relates how Simon Kenton once literally picked a wounded Daniel Boone up and threw him at a charging group of Indians to save them both. Simon Kenton, virtually unknown to the average American, epitomizes American values and the mythical American male: large, strong, handsome, rugged, independent, resourceful, brave, kindhearted, and fairminded. This book is as good as literature gets. Researched to the bone, written to the max, orgasmically exciting. If I had extra stars, I'd stick 'em here.

I suggest every person who's ever claimed to hate history read this book. It comes alive on these pages. Why, oh why, don't they throw out the worthless history textbooks and use Eckert's books to teach American history to our children? Is it because we can't handle the truth? --Christopher Bonn Jonnes, author of Wake Up Dead.

Move over Danial Boone. This book exceeds the criteria to qualify as an exceptional book -- by far the most accurate account of what life was like on the frontier. Exhaustive research to support some of the most brutal and savage accounts in history make it a write I couldn't put down. Indeed, I have read the book thrice and used it countless times for reference. However, I suggest it is not a book for those under 13. Some of the accounts are so brutally shocking and graphic, I actually had trouble sleeping one night. Still, it is not without humor. After a stand-off between Tehcumsa and Kenton, both muskets misfired and the warriors stood frozen wondering what to do next. In another account, Simon Kenton nearly killed a man in a frontier pub who would one day become president -- Andrew Jackson! Weighing Jackson's subsequent presidential victory and the horror of the Trail of Tears to answer for, I found myself wishing Kenton had done the deed. This is a must read.

Perhaps Allan Eckert did give an innacurate rendering of some of the people or events in this book, but by and large, Eckert's work is historically correct. Moreover, he captures the flavor of what life was like - the danger, harsh conditions, and constant threat of death - in the Northwest Territory during the last half of the 18th century. The "birth of America" was far more complex than the simple "breaking away from the British" version I learned in school, and Eckert's evenhanded treatment of the Indians, white settlers, French, and English opened my eyes to the way our nation was created. Eckert's style is engaging, the chapters are short (which help make the book easy to read), the characters are vivid, and the stories are fascinating.

Allan W. Eckert should be listed as one of the greatest authors in American history. Though the book is lengthy, it was difficult to put aside. From the first page to the last, I was captivated by his writing style, the content and the way he made the characters come alive. Ohio History was a required course in the seventh grade for us Buckeyes and Mr. Eckert reinforced what we learned and filled in many gaps. I am amazed that the name "Simon Kenton" was never brought up. This great man should never have been overlooked. He was part of Ohio history and the fact that he is buried in Urbana, Ohio should definitely have been mentioned. My only criticism of "The Frontiersman" is that "The Battle of Fallen Timber" should been written about in greater detail. Everyone who is interested in American History should read this book.

This is Eckert's masterpiece. And that says something, because all his works are great. Eckert spent 7 years researching and writing this one, and I'm pretty sure he was a Pulitzer nominee for it. You can feel his love for the time, people and places in this book. I have never read a book that so completely transported my mind and emotions to another place and time the way this did. I've read it three times and I'm sure I'll read it again. You'll wonder why you were never introduced to these monumental American heroes as a youngster, both Simon Kenton and Tecumseh. Their exploits are incredible. You'll see where the American spirit was born (if we could only hold onto it!) I buy every copy of this I come across in used bookstores and give them to my friends. Almost every person I've given it to says its the best book they've ever read.

Very detailed, suspenseful, moving, and adventurous. Eck's best by far, and I've read his others (only once). History comes alive. should be required reading for US History majors.

I was stationed in Ohio during the late 60's and a co-worker from the area recomended "The Frountiersman" to me to read. I still have my original copy and have re-read it many times and have enjoyed it each time. I'm from norther California and have read and studied the gold rush era, and the settlement of California. I wish Allan Eckert was in our area to bring our history alive like he does with the Ohio valley region. This is a must read.

I remember well the first time I picked up a copy of The Frontiersman and started reading. I was mesmerized, that's the only way to describe it. Before that time I wasn't much interested in history, but I had read a couple of Eckert's outdoor-type books and liked his style, so I decided to give The Frontiersmen a try. I've never looked back. Not only have I collected and read every one of Eckert's Narratives of America, I've become an avid reader of American frontier history and now, twenty-plus years later, have a collection of well over three hundred volumes of Americana. The Frontiersman is the one that got me started, and it will always hold a prominent place on my book shelf. Thank you Mr. Eckert for all your years of research and labor in bringing us these excellent books!

I first read this book the first year it was published. Then, it brought to life the history of a place where I grew up, near the Little Miami River. Recently, I read, "A Sorrow in His Heart". Finishing that book was like a phoenix rising. I now understand more about my native state and its history, I can feel the draw of the land and can now better understand the reasons for the violence. It also brought me back to "The Frontiersmen". Allan Eckert's writing is like a painter who uses broad, sweeping strokes on his canvas. He explains why Kentucky and Ohio became a hallowed ground. He weaves together geography, culture, history and sociology. The reader clearly understands the duality of good and evil to be found among men of both races. Eckert also portrays two uncommon men, leaders who placed the needs of others above themselves. Kenton and Tecumseh truly represent the finest qualities desired in a leader and Tecumseh, comes to the forefront as one of America's greatest heroes. Too many modern Americans sadly do not know the depth of genius that presided in this Kispokotha Shawnee (even though whites of just one generation after his death still honored his greatness (exemplified by the naming of the Sherman baby, William Tecumseh Sherman). Here is a leader for any age and time. As he had his own unsoma (guardian spirit in Shawnee), may his example become as an unsoma for us all today. This is a powerful book about a great episodic history along the Ohio River. I loved it!