Chief Joseph & the Flight of the Nez Perce: The Untold Story of an American Tragedy

by Kent Nerburn

Book Overview

Hidden in the shadow cast by the great western expeditions of Lewis and Clark lies another journey every bit as poignant, every bit as dramatic, and every bit as essential to an understanding of who we are as a nation -- the 1,800-mile journey made by Chief Joseph and eight hundred Nez Perce men, women, and children from their homelands in what is now eastern Oregon through the most difficult, mountainous country in western America to the high,...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0061136085
• ISBN13: 9780061136085
• Release Date: October 2006
• Publisher: HarperOne
• Length: 448 Pages
• Weight: 0.78 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 5.2" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

Nerburn Get's It Right

As one who has visited the Dakotas, Wyoming and Montana on virtually an annual basis for almost 50 years, I recognize that by going to the physical source of his subject, Dr. Nerburn has captured the spirit of the Nez Perce saga. Past biographies of Joseph such as Beal, I Will Fight No More Forever: Chief Joseph and the Nez Perce War (1973), fail to disclose that he was hardly a Napoleonic war leader, but rather the caretaker of his tribe during their crisis. Similarly, earlier efforts to describe the Nez Perce fell short in explaining the importance of their Appaloosa horse breeding to tribal pride. As an owner of such equines, I understand how unique is that breed in terms of stamina and courage. In short, the author, through his four years of meaningful interaction with the Nez Perce of today, coupled with intensive academic research of such record as exists of their history, has presented a fair, realistic portrayal of a veritable sin committed by the then government of our country, crying out for atonement even today. Adrian P. Schoone 6220 Partridge Hills Dr. Racine, WI 53406

Nerburn's Fascinating Labor of Love

The flight of Chief Joseph and the Nez Perce in the 1800's is told with love and great skill by Kent Nerburn in his new book. The events are historically accurate, but presented as a great story by a great story teller. It's history that reads like a novel. I felt like I was there with the soldiers in the frozen North as they pursued the small band who desired only the freedom to live as their creator intended. I was there with the Nez Perce as their elders and children died one by one during the tragic flight. I felt their pain and suffering. I recommend this book highly to anyone not satisfied with the history as it was taught to us in our schools, and who desire the true story of this sad chapter in the story of the American West. I say thanks to Mr. Nerburn for this fascinating and absorbing labor of love. Five Stars.

Takes us right there

What I like about Kent Nerburn's books is that they make you feel like you are present in an event. Neither Wolf nor Dog is one of my favorite books of all time because it brought me into a story in a way I didn't think was possible. Chief Joseph and the Flight of the Nez Perce does the same thing in a very different way because it is a part of our history as a nation and not just the story of one man like Neither Wolf nor Dog. I feel like I took a long sad journey when I read this book. I learned things about America I never knew and wish I had been taught. I will make my children read this book if their teachers in history don't. This is a book everyone should read who wants to know what really happened in our nation. It is easy reading because it reads like a story or a novel. It reads like a Steven Ambrose book but takes you much closer to the actual events. If you want to feel like you are actually there with the Nez Perce and Chief Joseph on their journey this is the book for you. It will open your eyes.

a biography like no other...a sad, but beautiful, masterpiece

wow. this is truly an amazing book. anyone familiar with mr. nerburn's works may not be surprised by the fact that before you know it you have finished the book...and you don't want it to be over. his style and prose allows the reader to visualize like no other history book can. it is amazing that this is a biography, not a work of fiction. the depth and knowledge that was accumulated by mr. nerburn is astounding and lends its hand to the fact that this is not just a work done by a historian, but by a person deeply and wholly affected by the mistreatment of the american indian. his heart is in, and on, each and every page. you cannot afford to pass on this biography. surely, it will become known as "the" book on the plight of the nez perce. it is a beautiful, perfectly written, masterpiece.

Chief Joseph seen in a whole new light

I devoured this new book about Chief Joseph and even took notes on it...some inspiring things I wanted to remember, as well as some convicting things I must never forget. I have read other works about the Nez Perce and, in fact, I live in the Pacific Northwest and have visited many of the areas related to this part of history. But, I have never heard or read some of the things that Mr. Nerburn includes in his book. They are real and intimate and raw...and clearly tell "the rest of the story". I was sad when I finished it...like a very honest friend had to stop our very wonderful interaction. I will keep my copy and read it again and reference it often. I have read several of Mr. Nerburn's books...his voice resonates with my own. I highly recommend all of his work, but at this moment I would encourage everyone to get a fresh and vivid look at this man, Joseph, and his people by reading this book. You won't regret it.