by Richard Slotkin

“Deserves the careful attention of everyone concerned with the history of American culture or literature. ”—Comparative Literature

“Slotkin’s large aim is to understand what kind of national myths emerged from the American frontier experience. . . . [He] discusses at length the newcomers’ search for an understanding of their first years in the New World [and] emphasizes the myths that arose from the experiences of whites with Indians and with the land.” —Western American Literature

National Book Award Finalist: A study of national myths, lore, and identity that “will interest all those concerned with American cultural history” (American Political Science Review).

Winner of the American Historical Association’s Albert J. Beveridge Award for Best Book in American History