I have sought to expand my understanding of American history . No better author than Parkman for the early centuries . He spent years among many of the tribes he writes about , extensively read the writings of the earliest French explorers and settlers involved . Parkman's still stands as the most in depth and at the same time , most exciting histories of the North American peoples. He obviously respects the Native Americans but does not gloss over their character nor sets them on a pedestal . These histories of his are not P.C. inspired , but seeks to tell the truth and realities of mans interaction and often clashes , with men of totally different cultures. All his histories are about these early Americans are so exciting you can smell the smoke of campfires and hear the great speeches of Native American speakers and the foresight of the men , the French and English and American settlers who led in these early years . A truly eye opening book .