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Geronimo
A fast-paced biography of the most famous North American Indian of all time, with new material to reveal the man behind the legend
Renowned for ferocity in battle, legendary for an uncanny ability to elude capture, feared for the violence of his vengeful raids, the Apache fighter Geronimo captured the public imagination in his own time and remains a figure of mythical proportion today. This thoroughly researched biography by a renowned historian of the American West strips away the myths and rumors that have long obscured the real Geronimo and presents an authentic portrait of a man with unique strengths and weaknesses and a destiny that swept him into the fierce storms of history. Historian Robert Utley draws on an array of new sources and his own lifelong research on the mountain West and white-Indian conflicts of the late nineteenth century to create an updated, accurate, and highly exciting narrative of Geronimo's life. Utley unfolds the story through the alternating perspectives of whites and Apaches, and he arrives at a more nuanced understanding of Geronimo's character and motivation than ever before. What it was like to be an Apache fighter-in-training, why Indians as well as whites feared Geronimo, how Geronimo maintained his freedom, and why he finally surrendered—the answers to these questions and many more fill the pages of this irresistable volume.
Renowned for ferocity in battle, legendary for an uncanny ability to elude capture, feared for the violence of his vengeful raids, the Apache fighter Geronimo captured the public imagination in his own time and remains a figure of mythical proportion today. This thoroughly researched biography by a renowned historian of the American West strips away the myths and rumors that have long obscured the real Geronimo and presents an authentic portrait of a man with unique strengths and weaknesses and a destiny that swept him into the fierce storms of history. Historian Robert Utley draws on an array of new sources and his own lifelong research on the mountain West and white-Indian conflicts of the late nineteenth century to create an updated, accurate, and highly exciting narrative of Geronimo's life. Utley unfolds the story through the alternating perspectives of whites and Apaches, and he arrives at a more nuanced understanding of Geronimo's character and motivation than ever before. What it was like to be an Apache fighter-in-training, why Indians as well as whites feared Geronimo, how Geronimo maintained his freedom, and why he finally surrendered—the answers to these questions and many more fill the pages of this irresistable volume.
376 pages, Paperback
First published November 15, 2012
93 people are currently reading
957 people want to read
About the author
Robert M. Utley
92 books73 followersA specialist in Native American history and the history of the American West, Robert Marshall Utley was a former chief historian of the National Park Service. He earned a Bachelor of Science in history from Purdue University in 1951, and an Master of Arts in history from Indiana University in 1952. Utley served as Regional Historian of the Southwest Region of the NPS in Santa Fe from 1957 to 1964, and as Chief Historian in Washington, D.C. from 1964 until his retirement in 1980.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
February 19, 2017
The American West is indebted to Robert M Utley for his many books on the history of the area. For many years, he served as chief historian for the National Park Service. His biography of Geronimo is superb at threading his way through the blind canyons of history to arrive at a well-reasoned appreciation of the role that Geronimo played for the Chiricahua Apaches that raided with him in Arizona, New Mexico, and across the border into Mexico.
Instead of concentrating exclusively on the more sensational raids of Geronimo and his allies, Utley also discusses at length his treatment as well as that of his fellow Chiricahuas in captivity in Florida, Alabama, and Oklahoma.
Instead of concentrating exclusively on the more sensational raids of Geronimo and his allies, Utley also discusses at length his treatment as well as that of his fellow Chiricahuas in captivity in Florida, Alabama, and Oklahoma.
February 19, 2017
Everyone's probably heard the name, but most folks don't know much more than that. Who was Geronimo? I've read a lot of books about Indians and/or the Old West. This is probably the best researched book about the enigmatic Apache leader I've ever read.
Utley has done an incredible job combing through original sources. Not just books written by some of the people involved, but Army reports, telegrams, newspapers, and journals. The Apache weren't known for writing things down, but as their star faded, many of them gave interviews with reporters and scholars.
Eventually, a portrait of the man behind the legend emerges. The book doesn't take sides: it shows the good and the bad of Geronimo, his people, the US Army and government, and the Mexican soldiers that all played a part in what some call the Apache Wars. There was lying and betrayal on all sides, and Utley has found the documentation to show it.
I knew some of what I read here, but by no means all of it. I learned a lot. The Apaches were lied to by the US Army and government, certainly. But they lied as well. Geronimo told many lies: to the Army, to the Mexicans, to his own people. He was also brave, a brilliant leader and fighter, and, according to many sources, had Power, what has often been mistranslated as "medicine."
No one comes out looking great in this book, but all sides end up looking human. People make mistakes, say the wrong thing, and react badly to challenges. A few things to clear up: Geronimo was never a chief, and never claimed to be. Utley is very clear on this point. And he wasn't fighting for his homeland.
This is a non-fiction, scholarly work. I found it fascinating, but I really like this era and these people. It's not an adventure story. Know that going in. It's more a scholarly work than a story.
Utley has done an incredible job combing through original sources. Not just books written by some of the people involved, but Army reports, telegrams, newspapers, and journals. The Apache weren't known for writing things down, but as their star faded, many of them gave interviews with reporters and scholars.
Eventually, a portrait of the man behind the legend emerges. The book doesn't take sides: it shows the good and the bad of Geronimo, his people, the US Army and government, and the Mexican soldiers that all played a part in what some call the Apache Wars. There was lying and betrayal on all sides, and Utley has found the documentation to show it.
I knew some of what I read here, but by no means all of it. I learned a lot. The Apaches were lied to by the US Army and government, certainly. But they lied as well. Geronimo told many lies: to the Army, to the Mexicans, to his own people. He was also brave, a brilliant leader and fighter, and, according to many sources, had Power, what has often been mistranslated as "medicine."
No one comes out looking great in this book, but all sides end up looking human. People make mistakes, say the wrong thing, and react badly to challenges. A few things to clear up: Geronimo was never a chief, and never claimed to be. Utley is very clear on this point. And he wasn't fighting for his homeland.
This is a non-fiction, scholarly work. I found it fascinating, but I really like this era and these people. It's not an adventure story. Know that going in. It's more a scholarly work than a story.
Want to read
November 1, 2019BookBub 199
January 31, 2013
Great new bio of the Apache war leader.
Note that I did not call him a "chief." That's because he wasn't.
And, that's part of what makes this book great. Without demonizing him, Robert Utley cleans away the myths many moderns have perpetuated about him, showing that he was no saint. (Or, per another recent Utley bio, that he was no Sitting Bull.)
Utley says that previous Apaches, whether just war and raiding leaders or chiefs, generally distinguished between war and raiding. But, Geronimo, he says, didn't. Rather, he was just driven all his life by a hatred of Mexicans.
Utley, former historian of the National Park Service, takes the reader through Apacheria on both sides of the border -- southern Arizona and New Mexico, and northern Sonora and Chihuahua, into the rugged fastness of severe mountains. He puts Geronimo against the background of other Apaches, including but not limited to Cochise, Victorio and Mangas Colorado. He also details Gen. George Crook's repeated efforts to bring various Apache raiders out of Mexico and onto reservations.
For anyone who wants a serious, insightful bio of this Indian icon, the first one of any sort in more than a generation, this is a must-read.
Note that I did not call him a "chief." That's because he wasn't.
And, that's part of what makes this book great. Without demonizing him, Robert Utley cleans away the myths many moderns have perpetuated about him, showing that he was no saint. (Or, per another recent Utley bio, that he was no Sitting Bull.)
Utley says that previous Apaches, whether just war and raiding leaders or chiefs, generally distinguished between war and raiding. But, Geronimo, he says, didn't. Rather, he was just driven all his life by a hatred of Mexicans.
Utley, former historian of the National Park Service, takes the reader through Apacheria on both sides of the border -- southern Arizona and New Mexico, and northern Sonora and Chihuahua, into the rugged fastness of severe mountains. He puts Geronimo against the background of other Apaches, including but not limited to Cochise, Victorio and Mangas Colorado. He also details Gen. George Crook's repeated efforts to bring various Apache raiders out of Mexico and onto reservations.
For anyone who wants a serious, insightful bio of this Indian icon, the first one of any sort in more than a generation, this is a must-read.
February 28, 2015
A good account of Geronimo's life and struggle to defend his home. The author tries to strip away the myth surrounding Geronimo and give an accurate account of the events. For the most part he is successful.
December 24, 2014
Power through the beginning--yes, it starts rather dry, but by the end you will feel as though you are ridding along with Geronimo and Naiche as they hightail it through the Sonorans. Worth the read!
January 9, 2018
This book does an excellent job of stripping away the myth of Geronimo. The notion of him being a noble savage fighting for his homeland was completely shattered. The truth of the matter is that he was more of a bloodthirsty thug with a contradictory personality.
The main problem I had with the book was that at times it is all over the place. Events are retold by both the Apaches and American accounts on different pages. It becomes very repetitive. There is also way too much description of the mountain ranges. This book could have condensed at least 30 pages.
The main problem I had with the book was that at times it is all over the place. Events are retold by both the Apaches and American accounts on different pages. It becomes very repetitive. There is also way too much description of the mountain ranges. This book could have condensed at least 30 pages.
August 10, 2018
In this biography of Apache shaman Geronimo, the writer describes the life of one of the most well-known Native Americans. The book primarily focuses on Geronimo's many interactions with Anglo settlers, Mexicans, and his contemporary Apache leaders. It's not always easy to do this with a biography, but I wish that it had focused a little more on Geronimo as a person as opposed to the many battles that he had participated in. It was still a very worthwhile read though. The Apache People and their story is an important part of American history.
August 14, 2021
A first rate look at Geronimo and his life. Utley goes deep in his biography of this famed Indian leader and his battles with his own people, the US government and the residents of Northern Mexico and Southern Arizona.
March 17, 2016
The book Geronimo was about how the Apache warrior Geronimo fought against the Mexicans and the United States. He started off as a normal Apache warrior married with three kids on a raid into Mexico. When he and eight other Apache warriors went into the Mexican town for supplies there camp was attacked. His wife and his children were all killed. Geronimo vowed revenge on Mexico. His tribe continued to steal Mexican supplies and kill Mexicans. When every raid in Mexico was over Geronimo wanted more. The apaches and the Mexicans fought in many battles and when it seemed like the apaches were winning the United States charged them from behind. The United States forced the apaches out of their camp and into the middle of the war. Soon after that Geronimo had his mightiest battle. He was in an normal battle with the Mexicans when he heard the general say, “ You must kill that ***** Indian named Geronimo and his band, don't worry about your men just destroy those ****** Indians.” When Geronimo heard this he and his men charged behind the bunker and killed all the Mexicans. The Indians agreed to a truce with the US for trading purposes they were betrayed. They took most of their supplies and went to Apache Tejo for a so called trade when all the Indians in the party were killed. Including their tribe leader Mangus-Colorado. Geronimo took over as tribe leader, but without weapons and food they were forced to surrender to the United States.
To me this book was great and action packed. There was non stop battles and constant suspense. The battles were chapter after chapter and they would not stop. Some of the battles were quick and swift with no detail. That was one of the parts that I did not like. When Geronimo lost his wife and kids I was thinking “this is going to get interesting.” One other thing that I thought was lame and did not really need to be there was the ending and the beginning. The ending was really lame, it happened after he surrendered and it said where he was and what he was doing chapter after chapter. The beginning of the book was so confusing I did not put it into my summary. It was about how the history of the Indians, how this dragon would kill all children born of the Apache Tribe and eat them. So when this mother had a child she would try to keep it a secret from the dragon. Eventually the dragon found out and challenged him to a archery duel. The boy had an wooden bow and spear tipped arrows while the dragon, had a bow the size of a tree trunk and his arrows were made from sharpened boulders. When the dragon tried to fire at the boy he would jump to the clouds and scream. The dragon then missed all four arrows and it was the boys turn. The dragon taunted him and was saying “you can't even break through one layer of my skin and if you do I'll still have 3 more.” The boy shot down all of the dragons layers with ease with the help of the stars.
To me this book was great and action packed. There was non stop battles and constant suspense. The battles were chapter after chapter and they would not stop. Some of the battles were quick and swift with no detail. That was one of the parts that I did not like. When Geronimo lost his wife and kids I was thinking “this is going to get interesting.” One other thing that I thought was lame and did not really need to be there was the ending and the beginning. The ending was really lame, it happened after he surrendered and it said where he was and what he was doing chapter after chapter. The beginning of the book was so confusing I did not put it into my summary. It was about how the history of the Indians, how this dragon would kill all children born of the Apache Tribe and eat them. So when this mother had a child she would try to keep it a secret from the dragon. Eventually the dragon found out and challenged him to a archery duel. The boy had an wooden bow and spear tipped arrows while the dragon, had a bow the size of a tree trunk and his arrows were made from sharpened boulders. When the dragon tried to fire at the boy he would jump to the clouds and scream. The dragon then missed all four arrows and it was the boys turn. The dragon taunted him and was saying “you can't even break through one layer of my skin and if you do I'll still have 3 more.” The boy shot down all of the dragons layers with ease with the help of the stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 17, 2014
I won this book as a Good Reads Give Away
America’s history with and treatment of the Native Americans is clouded by many false and sensationalized stories from the Old West. The author has done a terrific job of chronicling Geronimo’s life while framing it in the larger context of the period. He objectively is able to represent both the Governments/ US Army’s side of the story and that if the Indians which makes this a rounded perspective. In the end the reader is left with a far different and richer perspective on Geronimo and the Apaches than what is commonly known. Without spoiling the book further I would recommend this book to anyone interested in Geronimo, Indian Affairs or the old West.
America’s history with and treatment of the Native Americans is clouded by many false and sensationalized stories from the Old West. The author has done a terrific job of chronicling Geronimo’s life while framing it in the larger context of the period. He objectively is able to represent both the Governments/ US Army’s side of the story and that if the Indians which makes this a rounded perspective. In the end the reader is left with a far different and richer perspective on Geronimo and the Apaches than what is commonly known. Without spoiling the book further I would recommend this book to anyone interested in Geronimo, Indian Affairs or the old West.
February 4, 2013
Balanced history of Geronimo and the Apache wars. Kind of dry and chonologically based. Not much effort to let the reader see and feel the era so we could better understand why things happened the way they did and what it was like to be an Apache war leader. I don't feel I learned anything about Geronimo that I didn't already know.
January 22, 2015
Admitted revisionist history of Geronimo and the Apache Wars. The author makes use of sources that came to light in the last half of the 20th century. Utley offers ideas why Geronimo is better remember than powerful Apache chiefs. This is a good insight to the history of the American Southwest and Northern Mexico in regards to the Apache.
September 18, 2013
I won this book from Goodreads.
This book is a lot of history from Geronimo's youth and on up.Was not quite what I was expecting it to be.There are some wonderful pictures from in the 1800's to 1905.One was of Geronimo driving a 1904 Locomobile in Oklahoma.
This book is a lot of history from Geronimo's youth and on up.Was not quite what I was expecting it to be.There are some wonderful pictures from in the 1800's to 1905.One was of Geronimo driving a 1904 Locomobile in Oklahoma.
August 1, 2013
Great story telling of the Native American Geronimo from his life to his death. Every page kept me interested in the story and wanting to continue it. There was never really a dull moment. This book is definitely worth reading.
May 15, 2014
I was thrilled to win this hardback book through Goodreads. The book is well researched and written. I'm passing it on to other family members and friends to read. I love biographies, and this one is a welcome addition to my collection!
November 13, 2013
An informative book, there's no doubt about that, but this one just didn't hold my attention.
March 2, 2015
Pretty amazing the life of this remarkable native american. He died a prisoner, but lived a free man. Very interesting.
February 7, 2014
As always with Robert Utley, this was a powerful and thorough look on the life of Geronimo. Fine book.
January 20, 2014
Bounces around and hard to follow. Maps are hard to understand
June 13, 2015
very interesting history of the american indians in the 1800s. He writes an excellent history of the indians and Geronimo in particular.
Read
December 30, 2018very informative, truthful about why Geromino did what he did, revenge on the white man
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews