Beginning with conquistador Ferdinand DeSoto's fateful encounter with Indians of the southeast in the 1500s, A Paradise of Blood: The Creek War of 1813-14 by Howard T. Weir, III, narrates the complete story of the cultural clash and centuries-long struggle for this landscape of stunning beauty. Using contemporary letters, military reports, and other primary sources, the author places the Creek War in the context of Tecumseh's fight for Native American independence and the ongoing war between the United States and European powers for control of North America.

A rope of sand -- Rise of the prophets -- The red clubs -- Run up to tragedy -- The lion upon the fold -- Upon the silver plain -- Invasion -- Jackson overreaches -- Twilight of the gods.