One Nation Under the Gun

by Rick Hornung

Book Overview

An account of the Mohawk civil war describes how the killing of two Mohawks during an all-night shoot out in the Akwesasne territory in 1990 led to a war between two rival factions over the... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0679412654
• ISBN13: 9780679412656
• Release Date: April 1992
• Publisher: Pantheon Books
• Length: 294 Pages
• Weight: 1.30 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.3" x 6.6" x 9.6"

Customer Reviews

the first and best about indian gaming

This is bound to be a classic, one of those books scholars will use as a reference in trying to understand the transformation of Indian nations in the late 20th century. Several years before Indian casinos changed the economic landscape of the southern New England and other sections of North America, Rick Hornung was one of the first reporters on the case. In 1989-1990, he traveled to Mohawk lands, artfully documenting the Mohawks' violent civil war over the effort to build, run and maintain lucrative casinos. While most nations negotiated settlements and compacts with state and federal governments, the Mohawks refused to give up their sovereignty over reserved lands. This decision to resist and begin a new, dynamic economy is at the core of Hornung's gripping, exciting and incisive chronicle of what happens to an Indian community when it must decide between gambling or other forms of economic and political development. Adding to the complexity and excitement is Hornung's shrewd awareness of how troubles in New York spilled across the St. Lawrence River and caused an armed revolt on the streets of Montreal. Determined to let the various present their views, Hornung creates a vivid and unfrogettable protrait of a Mohawk community faced with the conflicting demands of preserving the past and securing a future. From one confrontation to the next, Hornung weaves a tight narrative of suspense and political intrigue that often erupts into violence. In his book, the Mohawks are astute and intelligent participants in the struggle to redefine their own identity in a world of loss, longing and betrayal.

Intelligent and Relevant

This account of the Mohawk Civil War, near the end of the 20th century, proves even more relevant at the beginning of the 21st, as gambling laws and Indians make new news. Rick Hornung invites the men and women whose story this is, to speak from their own places of division and betrayal. With honesty and intelligence, Hornung's report brings these people to the understanding of his readers. One Nation Under The Gun is one of the most important books for anyone brave enough to look deep inside conflict and struggle. It is a must read for the serious student of history, politics, and government.