A very readable story of a couple's several-month stay at Tselani on the Navaho reservation, this book tries to do two things. First, it relates the experiences of the couple while living on the reservation. Second, it discusses policy, attitudes, and actions, or lack of them, by organizations and individuals working with the Navaho. The book does the first superbly, the second poorly.

If the reason for writing was to relate personal and frequently humorous experiences the couple acquired while pinch-hitting for a nurse, the book should have stopped at that point. Instead the authors philosophize and at times criticize Navahos, teachers, health officials and others based on their very limited understanding. An indication of the lack of depth may be seen in the attitude the book presents: that Navaho refuse to change and only under conditions of considerable duress can changes be accomplished. This is contrary to the attitude generally accepted by all serious students of the Navaho in relation to the tribal adaptive-adoptive attitude.

The book makes a notable contribution to the military history of United States-Indian relations, primarily during the period of 1867 through 1875. The work depends almost exclusively upon War Department and other official documents. It presents an excellent picture of the problems and solutions as seen through governmental sources. The Indian side is not set forth with the same emphasis and understanding.

It is a book all Texans, and others interested in Indians or residing in the Southern plains area, should read.

A well researched and carefully prepared book which makes an outstanding contribution to the history of the Southwest. No single work can cover in depth all the subjects discussed in Cycles of Conquest to the satisfaction of the sub-area specialist. However, Cycles of Conquest brings together data and ideas which no other book equals.

Spicer's work should prove most valuable for the students of culture change. It is regrettable that the manner of publication makes the price beyond that of most textbooks.

R.A.R.