Blogroll

Book Review: Principle Over Party by R. Alton Lee

Why do certain political ideas take root and gain acceptance while others advocated by the same party or movement do not? That question can’t help but come to mind reading R. Alton Lee’s Principle over Party: The Farmers’ Alliance and Populism in South Dakota, 1880-1900.

The Farmers’ Alliance and the political parties to which it […]

Book Review: Sitting Bull, Prisoner of War by Dennis C. Pope

Whether cast in terms of manifest destiny or, more crudely, “the Indian problem,” at its core the conflict between white and Native Americans was a clash of cultures. While not necessarily the centerpiece, Dakota Territory was frequently a stage upon which it played out. Despite the fact it focuses on a narrow slice of the […]

Book Review: Wild Bill Hickok & Calamity Jane: Deadwood Legends by James D. McLaird

“Legend” is a word tossed around too easily and misused too often. According to the American Heritage Dictionary, a legend is “an unverified story handed down from earlier times, especially one popularly believed to be historical.”

In titling his latest book, James D. McLaird demonstrates he knows what the word means. Wild Bill Hickok & […]

Book Review: Seth Bullock: Black Hills Lawman by David A. Wolff

By their nature, historic figures tend to be locked on particular periods in their lives. If they also happen to become a key character on television or in film, it is fairly certain they will be forever stereotyped by that portrayal. For many, Seth Bullock has become the handsome, somewhat idealistic and good-hearted sheriff from […]