Blood and Thunder

In 'Blood and Thunder', Hampton Sides provides a detailed and engaging history of the American West, focusing on the life of Kit Carson, a trapper, scout, and soldier.

The book spans over three decades, from the early days of the trappers to the final pacification of the Navajo by General Sherman.

It explores the complexities of Carson's personality, his respect for and interactions with Native American tribes, and his role in the devastating conflicts that shaped the region.

The narrative also delves into the broader historical context, including the Mexican-American War and the ideology of 'Manifest Destiny', highlighting the brutal and often overlooked aspects of the American West's conquest.