A History of the Osage People - Softcover

Burns, Louis F.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0817350187 ISBN 13: 9780817350185

Publisher: University Alabama Press, 2004

Synopsis

Four centuries. One people. A legacy that shaped a nation.

Osage traditional lands are located in mid-continental America encompassed by the present-day states of Arkansas, Missouri, Kansas, and Oklahoma. Major waterways through these lands and the defensible terrain of the Ozark range provided the tribe a distinct advantage in prehistoric and early historic times. A warlike people, the Osage long encroached on neighboring tribal lands, especially those of the Caddo to the southwest. Yet good natural boundaries and centuries of success in warfare afforded the tribe little advantage in attempts to forestall Euro-American westward expansion. Three major routes to the West―the Missouri and Arkansas Rivers and the Continental Trail―crossed Osage land, so conflict with the newcomers was inevitable.

Louis Burns draws on ancestral oral traditions and research in a broad body of literature to tell the story of the Osage people. He writes clearly and concisely, from the Osage perspective. First published in 1989 and for many years out of print, this revised edition is augmented by a new preface and maps. Because of its masterful compilation and synthesis of the known data, A History of the Osage People continues to be the best reference for information on an important American Indian people.
 

About this title

About the Author

Louis F. Burns, of Osage-French-Scottish heritage, is a member of the Mottled Eagle Clan and author of six books, including Symbolic and Decorative Art of the Osage People.

Edition details

• Publisher: University Alabama Press
• Publication date: 2004
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0817350187
• ISBN 13: 9780817350185
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 2
• Number of pages: 592