A scholar of 20th-century American Indian history, Peter Iverson brings a deep understanding of the past to his work. His academic background informs his meticulous approach, offering readers nuanced insights into historical narratives. Iverson's writing is characterized by its scholarly rigor and its dedication to illuminating complex subjects with clarity and depth.
Focusing on Indian cattle ranching, the book highlights its economic viability and cultural significance. It illustrates how ranchers express generosity through sharing cattle and food, especially during celebrations. The narrative emphasizes the pride associated with expert riding skills and the ability to raise prime cattle, showcasing how Indian ranchers can thrive and compete within a predominantly non-Indian society.
This comprehensive narrative traces the history of the Navajos from their origins to the beginning of the twenty-first century. Based on extensive archival research, traditional accounts, interviews, historic and contemporary photographs, and firsthand observation, it provides a detailed, up-to-date portrait of the Diné past and present that will be essential for scholars, students, and interested general readers, both Navajo and non-Navajo. As Iverson points out, Navajo identity is rooted in the land bordered by the four sacred mountains. At the same time, the Navajos have always incorporated new elements, new peoples, and new ways of doing things. The author explains how the Diné remember past promises, recall past sacrifices, and continue to build upon past achievements to construct and sustain North America's largest native community. Provided is a concise and provocative analysis of Navajo origins and their relations with the Spanish, with other Indian communities, and with the first Anglo-Americans in the Southwest. Following an insightful account of the traumatic Long Walk era and of key developments following the return from exile at Fort Sumner, the author considers the major themes and events of the twentieth century, including political leadership, livestock reduction, the Code Talkers, schools, health care, government, economic development, the arts, and athletics.
