Book Review: ANNE F. HYDE, “BORN OF LAKES AND PLAINS: MIXED-DESCENT PEOPLES AND THE MAKING OF THE AMERICAN WEST”. NEW YORK: W. W. NORTON & COMPANY, 2022, 442 P.

Abstract

It is a privilege for me to review this book for many reasons. First of all, it represents today’s best American research in matters of history, anthropology, mentalities, traditional culture: it is vivid, enlightening, enjoyable. As a book about politicians’ cynicism and abuse, invasion of neighbours’ territories, utmost violence, gruesome battles and raids, atrocities, massacres, unlimited cruelty – it was first published in the spring of 2022, this fateful year for our entire world peace. As such, it echoes a kind of atmosphere nowadays rendered familiar once again, unfortunately, though in some other parts of the same world. As usual, those who suffer are families of people with no decision power, but with the stamina of good survivors.