Gallop Toward the Sun

Tecumseh and William Henry Harrison's Struggle for the Destiny of a Nation

By: Peter Stark

Narrated by: Eric Jason Martin

Length: 11 hrs and 55 mins

Publisher's summary

A vivid account of the rivalry between future president William Henry Harrison and the Shawnee chief Tecumseh—and of the Native American alliance that fought westward expansion—from the New York Times bestselling author of Astoria

“Taut, multi-layered . . . a much-needed reevaluation of this crucial period of our nation’s history.”—Laurence Bergreen, author of Over the Edge of the World

The conquest of Indigenous land in the eastern United States through corrupt treaties and genocidal violence laid the groundwork for the conquest of the American West. In Gallop Toward the Sun, acclaimed author Peter Stark exposes the fundamental conflicts at play through the little-known but consequential struggle between two extraordinary leaders.

William Henry Harrison was born to a prominent Virginia family, the son of a signer of the Declaration of Independence. He journeyed west, became governor of the vast Indiana Territory, and sought statehood by attracting settlers and imposing one-sided treaties.

Tecumseh, by all accounts one of the nineteenth century’s greatest leaders, belonged to an honored line of Shawnee warriors and chiefs. His father, killed while fighting the Virginians flooding into Kentucky, extracted a promise from his sons to “never give in” to the land-hungry Americans. An eloquent speaker, Tecumseh traveled from Minnesota to Florida and west to the Great Plains convincing far-flung tribes to join a great confederacy and face down their common enemy. Eager to stop U.S. expansion, the British backed Tecumseh’s confederacy in a series of battles during the forgotten western front of the War of 1812 that would determine control over the North American continent.

Tecumseh’s brave stand was likely the last chance to protect Indigenous people from U.S. expansion—and prevent the upstart United States from becoming a world power. In this fast-paced narrative—with its sharply drawn characters, high-stakes diplomacy, and bloody battles—Peter Stark brings this pivotal moment to life.

©2023 Peter Stark (P)2023 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“As the title promises, Peter Stark’s taut, multi-layered narrative of the legendary Shawnee chief Tecumseh, William Henry Harrison, and the making of a very young United States of America pulled me in and wouldn’t let go. Gallop Toward the Sun offers a much-needed reevaluation of this crucial period of our nation’s history.”—Laurence Bergreen, author of Over the Edge of the World

“Vivid biographical detail and astute analysis of how Harrison and Tecumseh’s competing visions for the future fueled the conflict make this is an informative chapter in the history of the American frontier.”—Publishers Weekly

“Stark is a master of bringing history to breathing, bleeding life. He animates a little-known era with powerful twin protagonists—Tecumseh and Harrison—each epic in his own way. . . . A great read.”—Michael Punke, bestselling author of The Revenant

The story of adversity between Tecumseh, the native leader and Harrison.

This story was very well researched and written in a way that made it exciting and interesting. I found the reader disappointing in his flat voice and lack of drama.

Good

The narrator pauses a bit too much sometimes. it sounds like he's stalling. very good overall.

Good duel biography of Tecumseh and Harrison

While there’s not much new information to be found here, Gallop Toward the Sun works well as a quick bio of both Tecumseh and William Henry Harrison framed against the early expansions and conflicts of the United States. It’s a great starting place for those new to this important era of history.

Shame on how we have “settled” America

The book was well narrated and powerful in impact. I recommend reading it, especially if you are not well informed on the real truth of American domestic history.