Empire of the Summer Moon: Quanah Parker and the Rise and Fall of the Comanches, the Most Powerful Indian Tribe in American History Book Cover

Empire of the Summer Moon: Quanah Parker and the Rise and Fall of the Comanches, the Most Powerful Indian Tribe in American History

Book Overview: Empire of the Summer Moon: Quanah Parker and the Rise and Fall of the Comanches, the Most Powerful Indian Tribe in American History

This stunning historical account of the forty-year battle between Comanche Indians and white settlers for control of the American West “is nothing short of a revelation…will leave dust and blood on your jeans” (The New York Times Book Review).

Empire of the Summer Moon spans two astonishing stories. The first traces the rise and fall of the Comanches, the most powerful Indian tribe in American history. The second entails one of the most remarkable narratives ever to come out of the Old West: the epic saga of the pioneer woman Cynthia Ann Parker and her mixed-blood son Quanah, who became the last and greatest chief of the Comanches.

Although readers may be more familiar with the tribal names Apache and Sioux, it was in fact the legendary fighting ability of the Comanches that determined when the American West opened up. Comanche boys became adept bareback riders by age six; full Comanche braves were considered the best horsemen who ever rode. They were so masterful at war and so skillful with their arrows and lances that they stopped the northern drive of colonial Spain from Mexico and halted the French expansion westward from Louisiana. White settlers arriving in Texas from the eastern United States were surprised to find the frontier being rolled backward by Comanches incensed by the invasion of their tribal lands.

The war with the Comanches lasted four decades, in effect holding up the development of the new American nation. Gwynne’s exhilarating account delivers a sweeping narrative that encompasses Spanish colonialism, the Civil War, the destruction of the buffalo herds, and the arrival of the railroads, and the amazing story of Cynthia Ann Parker and her son Quanah–a historical feast for anyone interested in how the United States came into being.

Hailed by critics, S. C. Gwynne’s account of these events is meticulously researched, intellectually provocative, and, above all, thrillingly told. Empire of the Summer Moon announces him as a major new writer of American history.

The Epic New York Times Bestseller
Finalist for the Pulitzer Prize
Finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award
A New York Times Notable Book
Winner of the Texas Book Award
Winner of the Oklahoma Book Award

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“S.G. Gwynne’s Empire of the Summer Moon is many things–a thrilling account of the Texas frontier in the nineteenth century, a vivid description of the Comanche nation, a fascinating portrait of Cynthia Ann Parker and her son, the mysterious, magnificent Quanah–but most of all it is a ripping good read. Gwynne writes history with a pounding pulse and a beating heart. In Empire of the Summer Moon he’s given us an epic frontier peopled with real men and women, living and dying and hoping and dreaming at the bloody edge of civilization. I couldn’t put it down.”
–Jake Silverstein, Editor, Texas Monthly, and author of Nothing Happened and Then It Did

“Sam Gwynne is a master story-teller and a dogged reporter, and in this book he makes history come to life in a way that everyone — not just students of the Texas myth — will find irresistible. I couldn’t put it down.”
–Evan Smith, CEO and Editor in Chief, The Texas Tribune

“Man for man, the Comanches were the fiercest and most resourceful warriors in North America, and they held onto their domain with an almost otherworldly tenacity. In this sweeping work, S.C. Gwynne recreates the Comanche’s lost world with gusto and style–and without sentimentality. After reading Empire of the Summer Moon, you’ll never think about Texas, or the Great Plains, in quite the same way again.”
–Hampton Sides, author of Blood and Thunder and Hellhound On His Trail

S. C. Gwynne

S. C. Gwynne is an acclaimed American author and journalist, best known for his compelling works in both historical and contemporary literature. His career is highlighted by an array of commendable achievements, including a Pulitzer Prize nomination gained during his tenure at Time Magazine, where he served as both senior editor and bureau chief. His distinct narrative style and meticulous research have earned him substantial recognition in the literary world and high respect amongst his readers.

Gwynne’s venture into the realm of book authorship has led to notable works such as the New York Times best seller “Empire of the Summer Moon,” a historical depiction of the Comanche tribe, serving as an exceptional testament to his adept storytelling capabilities. His other well-received works include “Rebel Yell,” a critically acclaimed biography of Stonewall Jackson, and “The Perfect Pass,” an exploration of innovative strategies in American football.

In addition to his contributions in print, Gwynne’s versatility shines through his work in public speaking and documentary films. His deep understanding of a wide array of subjects, as well as his ability to capture and share these narratives in a compelling yet accessible manner, lend credence to his reputation. Altogether, S. C. Gwynne remains a highly regarded figure in the literature and journalism sphere, celebrated for his ability to beautifully encapsulate both historical and contemporary stories with expert finesse.

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