The Rediscovery of America: Native Peoples and the Unmaking of U.S. History

Title: The Rediscovery of America: Native Peoples and the Unmaking of U.S. History

Author: Ned Blackhawk

The Rediscovery of America: Native Peoples and the Unmaking of U.S. History by Ned Blackhawk offers a transformative perspective on American history, centering Native Americans in the nation's narrative. Winning the National Book Award for Nonfiction, this work recontextualizes five centuries of U.S. history, challenging the myth that Native Americans were merely passive victims to European invaders. Instead, Blackhawk asserts their central role in every century of American development, enriching the American ideal of a democratic society for all.

Blackhawk's book has been praised for its insightful and innovative approach. It shifts the focus from the typical Eurocentric perspective, emphasizing the importance of Native American history in understanding the evolution of modern America. The narrative gains momentum as it progresses from the colonial period to contemporary times, highlighting the duality of Native American life: managing change while preserving identity, traditions, and sovereignty.

While the early chapters may lack cohesion and loop back and forth in time with some repetition, the overall narrative is compelling. The book is recognized for striking a masterful balance between a broad overview and detailed snapshots of key people and events, providing a new and vital understanding of American history.

The Rediscovery of America is a significant contribution to the field of history, offering a fresh lens through which to view the nation's past. It's a testament to Blackhawk's rigorous scholarship and represents a major shift in how American history is understood and taught.