WARPATHS: INVASIONS OF NORTH AMERICAN. by Steele, Ian K - 1994

New York: Oxford University Press, 1994. 282 pp, 9 1/2" H. B&w maps, plans, photographs, reproductions. "(P)rovides a sweeping history of the numerous European invasions of North America, painting a dramatic new portrait of the centuries of warfare that shook the continent. Steele's fascinating account destroys the old image of technologically advanced Europeans overrunning primitive savages. Instead, he reveals how Amerindians rose to the challenge of each successive invasion with martial and diplomatic skill, from the defeat of Ponce de Leon in 1513 to a negotiated peace with the British in 1765. In war after war, the Amerindians and Europeans battled in a precarious balance, adapting each other's technology and tactics and seeking each other out as allies and as supply sources of food and weapons. Steele follows the experience of the Spanish at San Agustin, the English at Jamestown and Plymouth, the French at Quebec, and the Dutch at Albany, revealing the vast range of Amerindian strategies for coping with invaders. He continues the story through the arrival of European regulars in 1755, showing how the Amerindians adapted to the resulting changes in warfare and the ultimate British victory over the French. In the end, the triumphant English were faced with a powerful Amerindian campaign against their outlying posts that forced them to accept a military stalemate on the frontier, leading to a negotiated balance of power in 1765." Very light wrinkling at top/bottom of spine. Dust jacket has minor edge wear.. First Edition. Hard Cover. Very Good+/Very Good+.