In this biography, David Edmunds examines the life of legendary Shawnee leader Tecumesh and his pivotal role in defending the Native American way of life. Since his death as an avowed warrior at the Battle of the Thames in 1813, the details of Tecumseh's life have passed into the realm of legend, myth and drama. In this new edition with a fresh preface, David Edmunds considers the man who acted as a diplomat, a charismatic strategist who attempted to smooth cultural divisions between tribes and collectively oppose the seizure of their land. Tecumseh and the Quest for Indian Leadership makes clear the tense cultural environment of the period through exploring this important figure.

Includes maps of: Old Northwest; Detroit Frontier during the War of 1812.

Shawnees -- Learning the warrior's path -- Culture under siege -- Red Messiah -- "Moses of the Family" -- To Tippecanoe -- Red ascendancy -- Death on the Thames -- Tecumseh in retrospect -- Study and discussion questions -- Note on the sources -- Index.