A number of new (used) books have arrived at the Historical Society bookstore, thanks to a donation from a lover of local history and an Historical Society supporter.  He knew that this is one way to support the HCHS and to spread the appreciation of local history to a broader public.  A good example for everyone.

       One treasure in this recent trove is The Indian History of the Modoc War by Jeff Riddle.  First published in 1914, it tells of northern California's Indian Wars from a unique perspective. The author, himself part Modoc and part white, was on site during this tragic historic period.

       He says in his introduction, "In writing this little book I want to say I did what I thought was my duty.  I have read so many different books on or about the Modoc War of 1872 and '73. The books I read were so disgusting . . . I must say the authors of some of the books were never in the neighborhood...  In my work I aim to give both sides of the troubles of the Modoc Indians and the whites. The Indian side has never been given to the public yet."

       He then proceeds to do so in an intimate and immediate way that makes the reader feel present at the events of a century and a half ago. Chapter by chapter, Riddle takes us through every stage of this two year conflict that in many ways embodies similar experiences in neighboring Humboldt County and across the nation.

       Throughout, the author continually apologized for his "lack of education,” but the book breathes real understanding, and concludes with detailed and scholarly-seeming biographies of characters involved, both white and Modoc, plus correspondence and official documents.  Seldom seen photographs abound.  

       This book is such an historical treasure, it is an honor to have it for sale at the Society.  We are particularly grateful to the donor for having given us a chance to share it and would like to urge others with surplus local history books to donate them to our bookstore and to spread the love of history even further.

The Indian History of the Modoc War is in good condition. There is some spotting and foxing on the cover and the page sides, but the pages are otherwise clean and the binding is tight. It is a 1981 paperback re-print of the original 1914 edition.