James Merrell's brilliant book is an account of the "go-betweens," the Europeans and Indians who moved between cultures on the Pennsylvania frontier in efforts to maintain the peace. It is also a reflection on the meanings of wilderness to the colonists and natives of the New World. From the Quaker colony's founding in the 1680s into the 1750s, Merrell shows us how the go-betweens survived in the woods, dealing with problems of food, travel, lodging, and safety, and how they sought to bridge the vast cultural gaps between the Europeans and the Indians. The futility of these efforts became clear in the sickening plummet into war after 1750. "A stunningly original and exceedingly well-written account of diplomacy on the edge of the Pennsylvania wilderness."--Publishers Weekly

About the Author
James H. Merrell is professor of history at Vassar College and the author of (Norton), winner of the Bancroft Prize.

Awards
Winner of Bancroft Prize 2000. Short-listed for Pulitzer Prize 2000.



Book Information
ISBN 9780393319767
Author James H. Merrell
Format Paperback
Page Count 464
Imprint WW Norton & Co
Publisher WW Norton & Co
Weight(grams) 470g
Dimensions(mm) 211mm * 142mm * 30mm