The Middle Ground

In "The Middle Ground," an acclaimed classic, the author explores the complex relationships between European settlers and Indigenous peoples from 1650 to 1815 in the Great Lakes region. Rather than focusing on conquest and assimilation, the book delves into the search for mutual understanding and shared meanings as both cultures interacted and formed new systems of exchange. It highlights the initial accommodations that emerged before the eventual breakdown of these connections, leading to a renewed portrayal of Native peoples as alien and exotic. The twentieth anniversary edition includes a new preface assessing the book's impact and legacy.