Customer Reviews

Once They Moved Like The Wind : Cochise, Geronimo, And The Apache Wars

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4 star:		(2)
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2 star:		(1)
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This is by far and away one of the best books I have ever read about the history of native Americans. Roberts clearly portrays the full complexity of the individual characters involved, it seems, both honestly, and with great respect for the Native American values, traditions and lifestyle he describes. While clearly aware of the horrific sacrifice that was exacted from the Apache, Roberts consistently refuses to idealize these victims of European westward expansion, prefering instead to show them as the remarkable and complex individuals they were. He spares no punches in describing the violence and cruelty that existed on both sides of the equation -- European and Native American -- yet he does so without letting White Americans off the hook. What emerges is a text, rich in historical detail, that neither idealizes nor denigrates the Native Americans it depicts. Instead, Cochise, Geronimo, and their ilk are seen each as individuals grappling each in their respective ways -- sometimes wisely profound, sometimes petty and mean -- to maintain a remarkable and admirable lifestyle that was sadly and cruelly destroyed. A highly recommended read for anyone interested in a richly detailed, apparently accurate, and remarkably individualized account of this time in American History.

This is perhaps the definitive account of the Apache conflicts in the American Southwest and northern Mexico, particularly in the period from the time of Mangas Coloradas through Cochise, Victorio and Geronimo. Personally I think it could have been even more interesting if Roberts had started earlier in Apache history and included the Apache interactions with the Spaniards, Pueblo Indians, and so on. Roberts would be the ideal author to incorporate that early history, as some of his other writings (such as "In Search of the Old Ones") demonstrate his interest and expertise in the ancient Indian civilations of the Southwest and Mexico. In any case, anyone who wishes to learn more about the late 19th century Apache conflicts and the personalities involved will certainly appreciate the scholarship and flowing writing style of this book. And the comprehensive bibliography provides plenty of leads for those who may wish to read the original source materials. After finishing this book I was inspired to revisit some of the sites in southeastern Arizona such as Cochise Stronghold, the Chiricahua Mountains and Fort Bowie, and they came to life for me in a way they never had before.

A fascinating, balanced, and extraordinarily detailed account of the brutal conquest of a proud warrior tribe, Once They Moved Like the Wind provides rare insights into the Southwest's most violent era.

Author Roberts recreates the "profound distrust" and layers of "cultural misunderstanding" that lead to the intense racial hatred between the Apaches, the Mexicans, and American settlers. Roberts' powerful narrative doesn't idealize the sometimes brutal Apache traditions (cutting off a wife's nose if she was suspected of adultery, etc). Yet, it seems to me, that the real villains clearly remain the Mexican troops who purchased Indian scalps and casually murdered Apaches for fun and profit. The American settlers, who seem to be hysterical, are likewise committed to Manifest Destiny and seizing the Apaches' traditional lands. The federal government and U.S. Cavalry, to my surprise, played the role of both hunting Apaches and protecting them from the local settler population.

This book details some real quirky personalities from General Cook to Geromino and documents a few forgotten dirty wars. (Cochise still comes across a great chief who almost forced the federal government to abandon New Mexico and Arizona to the Apache during the Civil War.)

An almost perfect gift for history teachers, relatives living in the Southwest, or addicts of 19th Century American history. Don't be surprised if a clever travel agent uses this book for organizing tours in Arizona and New Mexico one day!!!

This is a fascinating and well written account of the Apache and their war against whites and Mexico from the 1860's to their total loss of freedom that ends with Geronimo and his final band's surrender and incarceration. Roberts writes in a very readable and flowing style providing insights and first hand quotes from both sides of the conflicts. He also gives you both sides of any controversy, particularly letting the reader know the veracity of individuals with conflicting statements, which is very refreshing. Roberts is able to clearly differentiate between the different tribes that were identified generically as Apache and he presents a fascinating history involving the many chiefs that led their people during the conflict. The author covers extraordinary well the different chiefs and their roles, such as the great Cochise (Chokonen), Mangas Colorado (Chihenne), Victoria (Chihenne), Juh (Nednhi), Nana (Chihenne) and of course the infamous warrior Geronimo (Bedonkohe). The biographies and retelling of events are so descriptive and thorough that you get a genuine feel for the main characters, the conditions of the mountains and deserts and the people, white, Mexican and Indian. The first chapter starts with Lt. Bascom's ill-fated effort to retrieve a child by holding hostages from the wrong tribe, Cochise's, which sets up a violent war against the whites and a distrust that lasts for decades. That, among several failures such as consolidating reservations and the killing of a medicine man (similar to the killing of Sitting Bull just a few years later), substantiates the Apache distrust of whites. The brutality between parties is evenly told by Roberts as women and children suffer during American and Mexican attacks on Apache villages while the violence towards whites, particularly Mexicans who the Apache loathe, is hard to fathom particularly towards the isolated ranchers and their young children. And the killing and torture is in extreme brutal fashion fueling hatred and fear among the Arizona population. One Apache explains the violence as emanating from a deep hated associated with the violent deaths of their own people by their enemies. Perhaps the best example of this is by when a chief eats lunch with his best white friend and then calmly executes him after dinner demonstrating his severance from trusting whites. Besides the Apache, Roberts covers the agents from the successful but slighted Jeffords to the young egocentric Clum called "strutting turkey" by the Apache to the various Generals that tried their hand in subduing the "renegade Apache", Stoneman, Howard, Crook and Miles. The eccentric Crook is most successful utilizing Apache scouts to go deep into the mountains of the difficult and isolated Sierre Madre to track Geronimo but he is finally undermined publicly by Geronimo's frequent escapes and changes of heart. Thankfully, Roberts recognizes the role of Lt. Gatewood who finally brings Geronimo's band in as the self centered General Miles provides Gatewood no record of accomplishment. At the end, Roberts provides details on the Chirichua's long imprisonment and isolation and Geronimo's post capture history, he with withstood numerous bullets living to an amazing 85. This is the best book on the Apache fight for independence, it is an exciting book to read and one of my all time favorites.

This book is a masterpiece in research and insight! It is a no holds barred look into the workings of both the Apache, the "Blue Coats" and the circumstances they found themselves in. If your a history buff, or a lover of the Apache way, then this book is a must. Sometimes it is graphic, but the author takes pains to help you understand why certain incidents and behaviors occurred. He also explains differences within the tribal bands, their chiefs and what made them tick. Insight is given into the alliances within these factions or bands. And that these alliances were formed to overcome the obstacles and hardships the Apache faced. Confusion, racism, and fear among the white eyes, coupled with indecision from the great white fathers in Washington exacerbated the situation. A point that stuck with me is a lack of compassion or understanding of why the different bands wanted to live in certain areas, or couldn't accept living on a reservation that wasn't in a geographical location they were used to. The government in all its supposed wisdom was blind to certain things that could have made a peaceful co-existence with the white citizens much easier, and faster. I would have liked to have seen more information about Lozen the woman Apache warrior who was known to have special powers as did Geronimo. However there is some information on her. The author also points out discrepancies in stories and why some may not be as reliable due to bias and other reasons. This is a book that is rather intricate with lots of pages. I read a little each night and savored every moment. It is a book that you will go back to, or read again because of the fact there is so much information.

I was given this book as a gift and I found it to be one of the best books that I have read regarding the Apaches. It was also very interesting to read. I have been reading books about Geronimo since about 1955 and this made me interested in finding out more about Victorio and Mangas Coloradas.

This is an incredible tale of the end of the free Apache. Well written and eye opening. This book illustrates an attitude of the American government that does not seem to have changed much when it comes to occupying foreign cultures.

I purchased this book after spending several weeks hiking in the Chiricahua's. I was moved by what I read and the things I had seen in this history filled area. I'm going back to Cochise County Arizona to explore areas in the book I hadn't been to.

A VERY INTERESTING BOOK ON THE INDIAN WARS IN THE SOUTHWEST. ROBERTS DOES NOT SUGAR COAT THE WAYS OF THE 'WHITE EYES'ON THE GROUND AND IN WASHINGTON. AFTER READING SEVERAL BOOKS ON THE INDIAN CULTURE, ONE CAN SOMEWHAT SYMPATHIZE WITH THEIR POINT OF VIEW. WHAT IF WE CORRALED ALL THE BLACK SLAVES INTO RESERVATIONS, WOULDNT THAT HAVE BEEN JUST AS SINFUL. ONE CAN NOT GO WRONG IN BUYING OR LENDING THIS BOOK, YOU WLL NOT BE SORRY. I JUST WISH ROBERTS WOULD WRITE AN ANOTHER BOOK ON SOMETHING I AM INTERESTED IN, MOUNTAIN CLIMBING IS NOT ONE OF THEM. ROBERTS STYLE OF WRITING MAKES A POSSIBLE DRY SUBJECT INTERESTING.

A great book. If you even have a passing interest in the Apaches, New Mexico, Arizona, American Indian Tribes, etc., you'll enjoy this book.