Buffalo & Erie County Public Library Staff Review by Carol Ann Strahl:
Driven West is a remarkable historical narrative covering four decades of American history from the 1820’s to the 1860’s. It is filled with stories concerning public figures with whom we are all familiar. Yet the book also discusses historical figures perhaps considered footnotes in our American chronicle but who nevertheless contributed to the Nation’s rise to eminence.
This acclaimed author of Our Vietnam: The War 1954-1975 has again proven his literary and fact-finding acumen. Throughout Driven West he weaves a Native American allegory, i.e., the Cherokee Nation and the challenges they faced internally attempting to establish their sovereignty in the face of the policy of Manifest Destiny. One of the most interesting characters depicted is Henry Clay. He was an important and powerful figure in Washington, sometimes operating in a clandestine manner.
The rancor in political circles that we are experiencing today is just a continuation of the behavior exhibited in the stories contained in this fascinating book. It is meticulously written and imbued with a plethora of historical facts and personages. Any student of history will treasure this tome.
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