Osceola and the Great Seminole War: A Struggle for Justice and Freedom by Thom Hatch
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a terrific history of Osceola, the plight of the Creeks and the Seminole Wars. The research shines through, including the many pages of bibliography.

Unlike too many history books, author, Hatch does what should be done: Not be afraid to state you don’t know. Most histories state “facts” with little consideration of other viewpoints or counter “facts”. Hatch throughout his book presents different views and then gives some reasoning for various sides, leaving conclusions to the reader. Something else that Hatch does is an excellent job of including the year events are happening every page or so. Why on earth most don’t do that or leave years out entirely is beyond me.

Hatch obviously works to create a readable book and not one drowning in mundane facts. I like those mundane facts, but that’s what footnotes and a bibliography is for. A book that is harder to read defeat the purpose. I noticed another reviewer, here, complaining that Hatch didn’t only present the reviewer’s viewpoint. Unfortunately, I’m noticing contemporary history books being carved out with an axe to grind. Hatch’s is not one of those and kudos to him for being open minded.

There are a few angles Hatch deviat3es from. One if the well, & over, told story of Osceola’s head used to scare the doctor’s children. Not a word about it. There are a few other instances of this also. i wonder why.

Nevertheless, this is an excellent history and ….

Bottom line: I highly recommend it. 10 out of 10 points.

A post note: I started this book in August of 2017. During the fracas created by hurricane Irma for a few weeks, my copy of this book vanished. I found it much later while extremely busy. That is why there is so much time between start and finish.

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