Tecumseh was the most extraordinary Indian in American history. This Shawnee chief envisioned the creation of a confederation of all the tribes of the North American continent into one strong Indian nation. For years he devoted all of his energies toward this purpose, attempting to hold his people's land by diplomacy rather than bloodshed. Had he succeeded in his purpose, he would have been the founder of an empire that rivaled in glory that of Mexico or Peru.

His was a typical carefree boyhood until the day he and his mother found his father murdered in the snow. Filled with hatred toward the white killers, Tecumseh swore vengeance on all whites and filled his days perfecting his riding and shooting skills. As a man and a leader, he met many good white men and realized that vengeance had to be tempered by judgment, and that he could best serve his people by understanding the problems common to both races.

His great oratorical powers, his statesmanship, his personal magnetism won him the passionate loyalty of his Indians and the admiration of even his white enemies. But he faced the bitter truth that peace treaties were worthless pieces of paper, that diplomacy was respected only when it was backed by a show of great force, so he renewed his efforts towards confederation. His plans were interrupted by the War of 1812. Since the Americans were suspicious of his motives, he allied himself with the British and proved to be an uncanny military strategist.

When Tecumseh died the mighty vision of an empire died with him. But the legends of his greatness as a statesman, a humanitarian, a great patriot devoted to a lost cause, lived on in the hearts and minds of men. A thrilling story of a courageous American who followed a dream to its last frontier.

From the dust jacket