Throughout history, Indian leaders and their methods of leadership have both perplexed and fascinated other Americans. Because war chiefs played leading roles in the confrontations with whites, it is they who most often emerge from the pages of history. But there were many other leaders who sought security for their tribesmen in accommodation or friendship with the Anglo-Americans. Indeed, as the twelve subjects whose careers are examined in this collection illustrate, Indian political leadership has manifested itself in a wide variety of patterns.

Spanning the period from colonial times to the present, the essays are devoted to Old Briton, Joseph Brant (or, Thayendenegea), Alexander McGillivray, Red Bird, John Ross, Satanta, Washakie, Sitting Bull, Quanah Parker, Dennis Bushyhead, Carlos Montezuma, and Peter MacDonald.