Indigenous Continent: The Epic Contest for North America

Pekka Hämäläinen's book Indigenous Continent challenges the Eurocentric narrative of colonial America by showing that Native nations controlled the continent for centuries and shaped the actions of European imperialists and the development of the United States.

Format: Hardback
Length: 592 pages
Publication date: 21 October 2022
Publisher: WW Norton & Co

The notion of a "colonial America" has long been a cornerstone of American history and self-understanding, according to prevailing accounts. This narrative posits that this period laid the foundation for the modern United States. However, acclaimed historian Pekka Hämäläinen challenges this Eurocentric narrative by retelling the four centuries between first contacts and the peak of Native power from Indigenous perspectives.

By shifting our focus away from the well-worn episodes of Jamestown, Plymouth, the American Revolution, and other familiar landmarks on the conventional timeline, Hämäläinen presents a sovereign world of distinctive Native nations. These nations, far from mere victims of colonial aggression, controlled the continent for a significant portion of the nineteenth century, profoundly shaping the actions of European imperialists and the development of the United States.

Indigenous Continent is a groundbreaking work that restores Native Americans to their rightful place at the very fulcrum of American history. It challenges the dominant narratives that have marginalized and obscured their contributions and achievements. Through meticulous research and a deep understanding of Native culture and history, Hämäläinen offers a fresh perspective on a period that has long been shrouded in myth and misunderstanding.

This book is a must-read for anyone interested in American history, indigenous cultures, or the complex interplay between different societies and cultures throughout history. It provides a valuable contribution to our understanding of the past and offers a roadmap for a more inclusive and equitable future.

Weight: 974g
Dimension: 165 x 243 x 41 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781631496998