Smallpox and the American Indian (World Disasters) [Library Binding]

Arthur Diamond (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1991 | ISBN-10: 1560060182 | ISBN-13: 978-1560060185

An account of the series of smallpox epidemics that decimated the native American population in the 1800s.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 5-9-- Well-organized content, evenhanded writing, and a good deal of information make this title useful not only for curricular needs but also for general readers. Diamond begins with an overview citing the fact that between 100,000 and 300,000 American Indians died as a result of smallpox; here, he concentrates on the tribes of the upper Missouri River and the devastation they suffered in the epidemic of 1837-1840. Other Indian nations and epidemics are mentioned to clarify the point that this was one of many, as were the afflicted tribes only a few of many. The causes and symptoms of the disease are given in vivid terms; the possible and numerous reasons for its rampant spread within the Indian nations are also examined. The disease is placed in the larger perspective as one of numerous factors leading to the demise of once-powerful Indian nations. The author makes clear that some white men were uncaring and even malicious in their response, or lack thereof, to the Indians' susceptibility. The text is objective; it is the story itself and the effective black-and-white reproductions that provide the sense of a national tragedy. This careful treatment should raise many practical and ethical questions in the minds of young readers. --Rosie Peasley, Empire Union School District, Modesto,
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Library Binding: 64 pages
• Publisher: Lucent Books (November 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1560060182
• ISBN-13: 978-1560060185
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.2 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,204,844 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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3.0 out of 5 stars Better than nothing, February 1, 2005

By 

J. Stout (Portsmouth, Ohio) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Smallpox and the American Indian (World Disasters) (Library Binding)

I was annoyed that Pontiac's Rebellion was not mentioned in this book, but Diamond doesn't start talking about smallpox until the 1830s.

I think the presentation of American Indian History here is a little weird. On the timeline (page 7) are such events as A.D.476: Fall of the Roman Empire, 1096-1219: Crusades, where you're like, "And this is revelant because...?" Others either trivialize Indians or are borderline offense. ("1621 Pilgrims celebrate first Thanksgiving with Indians at Plymouth, Massachusetts, 1991: Movie Dances With Wolves engages millions of Americans in the historical plight of the Indians' treatment by US government"). Are these the events that Indians would put on a timeline of their own history?

I am surprised that SLJ calls this book fair and objective. The term "squaw" is used throughout the history whenever the author is referring to a woman, and men are "braves." Throughout the book, Indians are blamed for their own deaths, and whites are portrayed as their wise protectors. Indians died because they were stupid or greedy. To me, it was a little like Jerry Falwell or whoever it was saying that gay people got AIDS because they were sinners.

I would give this book one star, but unfortunately, there isn't a lot published on this subject that is accessible for juveniles.