Cochise: Chiricahua Apache Chief

The Civilization of the American Indian Series

By: Edwin R. Sweeney

Narrated by: S. George Lee

When it acquired New Mexico and Arizona, the United States inherited the territory of a people who had been a thorn in side of Mexico since 1821, and Spain before that. Known collectively as Apaches, these Indians lived in diverse, widely scattered groups with many names - Mescaleros, Chiricahuas, and Jicarillas, to name but three.

Cochise, a Chiricahua, was said to be the most resourceful, most brutal, most feared Apache. He and his warriors raided in both Mexico and the United States, crossing the border both ways to obtain sanctuary after raids for cattle, horses, and other livestock. Once, only he was captured and imprisoned; on the day he was freed he vowed never to be taken again. From that day, he gave no quarter and asked none. Always at the head of his warriors in battle, he led a charmed life, being wounded several times, but always surviving.

In 1861, when his brother was executed by Americans at Apache Pass, Cochise declared war. He fought relentlessly for a decade, and then only in the face of overwhelming military superiority did he agree to peace and accept the reservation.

The book is published by University of Oklahoma Press.

©1991 University of Oklahoma Press (P)2015 Redwood Audiobooks

Critic reviews

"This book is the definitive life story of history's most important Apache chief and restores him to his proper preeminent role in the region's history." ( Choice)

"Trailing Cochise through nearly every skirmish and battle of his career, the narrative is a veritable catalogue of persecution, treachery and cruelty on both sides." ( Publishers Weekly)

Cochise-Chiricahua Apache Chief

Loaded with history. Enjoyed listening to this book while I was in that area for 3 wks.

The embodiment of character integrity & integrity.

Love the book. Fascinating character facility ban facility accidentally life took me a while to get used to the narrator who has a very gentle sing song approach to reading the book but very steady. Enough dates his reading clearly precisely and slowly enough to be understood and every particular. Extremely educational. Is definitely a good read.

An interesting and well annotated biography.

I enjoyed this thoroughly... I listed to 2/3 of it while camping in the Chiricahua Mountains... amazing how much violence occurred in these mountains 140 + years ago...

Finally.....real history of a Great Apache

very well written and obviously researched. As an Apache myself I am very grateful for the time,effort and true facts. Cochise may not have been loved by all but he was an intelligent, motivated and brave leader of his and other Apache bands.

Horrible narration and production

I thought the story was balanced and did a good job explaining the Apache wars. Much is a list of dates and places. The production was poorly done and hard to listen to.

Good history

What made the experience of listening to Cochise: Chiricahua Apache Chief the most enjoyable?

Simply the learning about Cochise, and the Apache civilization and culture.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Cochise: Chiricahua Apache Chief?

The description of the Bascomb Affair (Apache Pass) which is really the beginning of the Apache wars.

Did S. George Lee do a good job differentiating all the characters? How?

This is a history book, so that really dies not apply.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No, the density of the information requires time to digest.

Any additional comments?

My main problem with this Audible program is the narration. The narrator's voice was fine, however, many of the words are mispronounced. "Mogollon" and "Cienega," for instance, and also many of the Apache and Spanish names were mispronounced throughout the narration. I think the narrator should have taken a little time and looked into how these words are commonly spoken.

Epic, Detailed History

very detailed account with input from so many sources. you can understand the history in depth. loved the narrator