2 Comments
Apr 4, 2022Liked by Michael David Cobb Bowen

As to the Comanches, I recommend T. H. Fehrenbach’s, “Comanches: The History of a People.” Its original subtitle was, “The Destruction of a People,” but this title was nixed by academics and Social Justice Warriors--I.e., people who put the ferocious Comanches on par with The Gentle Tasadays. Fehrenbach sets the record straight with plain candor, solid research and no SJW bullshit. It is clear he respects the survival skills and the courage of the Comanche and he chronicles their history and great battles as well as their artisanal and oratorical skills. Fehrenbach fought in Korea, saw lots of death, and also went to Princeton. In spite of that, he’s not full of PC bullshit. Instead, he’s respectful and measured in his assessments.

Expand full comment
author

Thanks a lot for that. The book I got sick of was from S. C. Gwynne who spent an inordinate amount of time talking about the myths surrounding Quanah Parker's white mother and how her very existence affected Americans. I was originally intrigued by references to the Comanche weaved into Neal Stephenson's latest Termination Shock, and I'm guessing they figured into Cormac McCarthy's Blood Meridian one of the most masterful pieces of literature ever.

I did get out to UCLA and browsed through Rennard Strickland and Muriel H. Wright, but have been cured in my unease by the mere awesome presence of the stacks. I have not been in stacks in ages, but even harkening back to The Strand in NYC I am reminded to be humble in the face of all of the writing that has been produced and never will be disciplined into systems of action that demonstrate consistency and completeness.

I am also just starting Slow Horses (and watching) and The Expert System's Brother.

Expand full comment