Centennial
Chronicles the lives of individuals involved in the development and exploitation of the American West, particularly Colorado
A stunning panorama of the West, Centennial is an enthralling celebration of our country, brimming with the glory and the greatness of the American past that only bestselling author James Michener could bring to stunning life.
From the Native Americans, the migrating white men and women, the cowboys, and the foreigners, it is a story of trappers, traders, homesteaders, gold seekers, ranchers, and hunters–all caught up in the dramatic events and violent conflicts that shaped the destiny of our legendary West.
″The way we react to the Indian will always remain this nation’s unique moral headache. It may seem a smaller problem than our Negro one, and less important, but many other sections of the world have had to grapple with slavery and its consequences. There’s no parallel for our treatment of the Indian.″
James A. Michener tells the story of the fictional town of Centennial, Colorado, from its founding in 1875 to its centennial in 1975. The novel follows the lives of several families who settle in Centennial, and it explores the challenges and triumphs of frontier life.
Centennial is a sprawling epic that spans 100 years and features a large cast of characters. The novel is rich in detail and historical accuracy, and it provides a vivid portrait of life on the American frontier.
One of the strengths of Centennial is its focus on the human element of history. Michener does not shy away from the hardships and tragedies that the settlers faced, but he also highlights their courage, determination, and resilience. He also shows how the settlers’ experiences shaped the development of the American West.
Another strength of Centennial is its narrative style. Michener tells the story of Centennial in a clear and engaging way. He uses vivid language and vivid imagery to bring the events of the novel to life. He also weaves together the stories of the major families in Centennial, which makes the novel more interesting and easier to follow.
Here are some of the specific strengths of Centennial:
- Michener’s research is impeccable. He draws on a wide range of sources, including historical documents, personal accounts, and interviews. This gives the novel a strong sense of authenticity.
- Michener’s writing style is clear, engaging, and informative. He uses vivid language and vivid imagery to bring the events of the novel to life.
- Michener does an excellent job of weaving together the stories of the major families in Centennial. This makes the novel more interesting and easier to follow.
- Michener provides a balanced and objective account of the history of the American West. He does not shy away from the hardships and tragedies that the settlers faced, but he also highlights their courage, determination, and resilience.
Overall, Centennial is an excellent book for anyone interested in learning more about the American West. It is well-researched, well-written, and engaging. I highly recommend it.