Chickasaw Lives: Sketches of Past and Present

Historical essays and profiles of Chickasaw people compiled by their tribal historian

Since he was hired by the Chickasaw Nation as tribal historian, Richard Green has followed his nose for good stories for more than fifteen years. Articles he has published during this time in The Journal of Chickasaw History and Culture and in the tribal newspaper, the Chickasaw Times, were well received by an interested and critical audience. The demand to have these essays and profiles collected in books resulted in the publication in 2007 of Chickasaw Lives, Volume One: Explorations in Tribal History, followed in 2008 by Chickasaw Lives, Volume Two: Profiles and Oral Histories.

Sketches of Past and Present is the third volume in the Chickasaw Lives series. In contrast to a conventional, chronological history, Green’s book is a fascinating amalgam of Chickasaw epochs and characters, grouped under headings of common themes. The reader is treated to stories of great Chickasaw athletes in the twentieth century, as well as an essay on the significance to Chickasaw history of the 1729 Natchez uprising. Green also offers an essay about Chief Piomingo’s famous meeting on July 11, 1794, with George Washington at his home in Philadelphia, along with a profile of Chickasaw firefighters who battle dangerous wildfires throughout the United States.

The third in an important series, this uniquely rich book promises to interest readers of Chickasaw history, certainly, but will also provide unique context and perspective for any student of American history.