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Book Reviews of The Firekeeper: A Narrative of the Eastern Frontier

The Firekeeper: A Narrative of the Eastern Frontier
The Firekeeper A Narrative of the Eastern Frontier
Author: Robert Moss
ISBN-13: 9780812548471
ISBN-10: 0812548477
Publication Date: 9/1996
Pages: 688
Rating:
  • Currently 3.2/5 Stars.
 3

3.2 stars, based on 3 ratings
Publisher: TOR
Book Type: Mass Market Paperback
Reviews: Amazon | Write a Review

2 Book Reviews submitted by our Members...sorted by voted most helpful

reviewed The Firekeeper: A Narrative of the Eastern Frontier on + 67 more book reviews
From Publishers Weekly
In Moss's vibrant docu-novel, the American colonial frontier is aflame during the 1700s as imperial rivalry pits colonists against British and French armies and their Indian allies. This follow-up to Fire Along the Sky tells the fictionalized story of the real-life Sir William Johnson, an Irish immigrant who settled in New York's Mohawk Valley to earn his fortune and became the only white chief (the "Firekeeper") of the Iroquois of the Six Nations. In Moss's politically correct account, "Billy" is depicted as a high-spirited rake, a shrewd but honest businessman and the only white man the Indians trust. Seeing the treacherous efforts of both French and British efforts to steal Indian lands, Johnson fights colonial corruption and duplicity to defend the Six Nations from the white man's menace. When the French and Indian War erupts in 1756 and the valleys of the frontier burn and bleed from raids and ambushes, his leadership and influence keep the Six Nations firmly on the British side; eventually, the Indians join his militia in the assault against the French fort at Crown Point during the Battle of Lake George. Surrounding Johnson are such colorful historical figures as Ben Franklin, George Washington and the hapless General Braddock, all carefully woven into the narrative. Moss, who is perhaps best known for his suspense novels (Moscow Rules, etc.), backs his vigorous adventure story with detailed research, summarized in extensive source notes. Author tour.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.
reviewed The Firekeeper: A Narrative of the Eastern Frontier on + 26 more book reviews
In Moss's vibrant docu-novel, the American colonial frontier is aflame during the 1700s as imperial rivalry pits colonists against British and French armies and their Indian allies. This follow-up to Fire Along the Sky tells the fictionalized story of the real-life Sir William Johnson, an Irish immigrant who settled in New York's Mohawk Valley to earn his fortune and became the only white chief (the "Firekeeper") of the Iroquois of the Six Nations. In Moss's politically correct account, "Billy" is depicted as a high-spirited rake, a shrewd but honest businessman and the only white man the Indians trust. Seeing the treacherous efforts of both French and British efforts to steal Indian lands, Johnson fights colonial corruption and duplicity to defend the Six Nations from the white man's menace. When the French and Indian War erupts in 1756 and the valleys of the frontier burn and bleed from raids and ambushes, his leadership and influence keep the Six Nations firmly on the British side; eventually, the Indians join his militia in the assault against the French fort at Crown Point during the Battle of Lake George. Surrounding Johnson are such colorful historical figures as Ben Franklin, George Washington and the hapless General Braddock, all carefully woven into the narrative. Moss, who is perhaps best known for his suspense novels (Moscow Rules, etc.), backs his vigorous adventure story with detailed research, summarized in extensive source notes.