Forts of the American Frontier

A nice introduction to the forts built in the American West during the 18th century. Detailed sections on fort types, defensive features, and construction methods (depending on distance from resources and labor available) follow the section on evolution of fortifications. A snapshot of life in the forts reveals privation, exhausting labor, severe weather effects, and long periods of isolation broken (rarely) by Indian attack or forces staging from the fort to attack Indian settlements. The section on forts under siege or attack is necessarily brief but isn't really the focus of the book. As with most Fortress series books this volume finishes with a look at surviving examples, somewhat rare in this case. Where this book really shines is in the detail drawings and plates. The illustrations are easily comparable to a larger book, which generally has more information, but at several times the cost. Highly recommended as an introduction or general reference to the 19th century American West.