54 pages • 1 hour read
S.C. GwynneEmpire of the Summer Moon
Nonfiction | Biography | Adult | Published in 2010A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Empire of the Summer Moon by S.C. Gwynne chronicles the rise and fall of the Comanche Nation and the story of Quanah Parker, a prominent Comanche leader who was the son of a captured settler, Cynthia Ann Parker. The Comanches mastered horse warfare and dominated the Southern Plains, but American westward expansion and military campaigns ultimately forced them onto reservations. Sensitive topics include violence, cultural upheaval, and the impact of colonization on Indigenous peoples.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Empire of the Summer Moon by S.C. Gwynne is widely praised for its detailed and engaging narrative on the history of the Comanche tribe and their conflicts with settlers. Critics commend its vivid storytelling and thorough research. However, some point out a lack of balanced perspective on Native American experiences. Overall, it is a compelling but occasionally one-sided account.
Who Should Read Empire of the Summer Moon?
Readers who enjoy immersive historical narratives akin to Undaunted Courage by Stephen E. Ambrose or Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee by Dee Brown will relish Empire of the Summer Moon by S.C. Gwynne. This book appeals to those fascinated by Native American history, frontier life, and vividly detailed accounts of the American West.