"If Sitting Bull is the most famous American Indian, Tecumseh, the legendary Shawnee chieftain, is the most revered. In the early years of the nineteenth century he dreamed of welding the diverse North American tribes into a vast confederacy stretching from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico, strong enough to defend the cultures and lands of the Indians from the aggression of the United States. A charismatic leader with outstanding military and political talents, Tecumseh created a powerful pan-Indian alliance to replace intertribal conflict and indifference. A major figure in the War of 1812, he helped defeat American attempts to invade Canada, and his followers engaged U.S. armies across the entire frontier." "Although Tecumseh died in battle at the height of his fame with his vision of a great Indian confederacy in shreds, his reputation is secure. Unlike most Indian leaders, who operated locally or participated in intertribal warfare, Tecumseh does not stand for one tribe or nation but for all Native Americans. Despite his failed attempt at solidarity, he remains the ultimate symbol of endeavor and courage, unity and fraternity." "The product of thirty years of research in North America and Europe, this comprehensive and authoritative biography offers new revelations about every stage of the legendary chief's life by the leading scholar on Tecumseh and the Shawnees."--Jacket.

"A John Macrae Book." Maps of Tecumseh's country in 1810 and Tecumseh's south from 1811-1813 on endpapers. "A John Macrae/Owl Book." Copy in the Staff and Faculty Lounge is paperback; 24 cm.

Prologue. The shooting star -- The prelude. The panther and the turtle -- An Ohio childhood -- Rites of passage -- The raiders of Lookout Mountain -- An honor to die in battle -- Warrior of the Confederacy -- Chief -- The prophet. A revolution on the White River -- Surely God is in this place! -- Prophets and pilgrims -- An engine set to work by the British -- The open door -- A treaty too far -- The federalist. The Moses of the family -- Tecumseh's diplomacy -- An uncommon genius -- Storm on the Wabash -- Red sticks and earthquakes -- Rebuilding the union -- Last days of peace -- Ally of the redcoats. War across Detroit -- The moon of plums -- Attack and counterattack -- Fighting groundhogs -- An adequate sacrifice to Indian opinion -- Father, we see you are drawing back! -- Our lives are in the hands of the Great Spirit! -- Epilogue. Since our great chief Tecumtha has been killed.