Jay Feldman authored When the Mississippi Run Backwards : Empire, intrigue, murder, and New Madrid Earthquakes. Feldman is a Brooklyn native who played in a rock band while attending Brooklyn College. This was around 1963. Feldman moved to California after earning his Bachelor of Arts. At the time, he was an advocate of free speech and a member of a group that aimed to make a change. Feldman went on to earn his Master’s Degree and work towards his Doctorate. He began writing soon after in 1980. Feldman also has three other published books and several articles that have appeared in the New York Times, among others.
In the book, “When The Mississippi Ran Backwards”, there are many twists. They include the murdering of slaves working hard for their owners, trade wars, rival settlements and claiming of territory. Some of the most prominent historical figures include Andrew Jackson and Tecumseh. The chapter for which I am responsible is Chapter Thirteen, The Field of Slaughter. The book’s uniqueness shows just how cruel and greedy humans can be. It is a race to see who can kill more and gain the most land. It is the little details of history that are usually overlooked by teachers when teaching students.
The images I pictured in my head are similar to those of a comic. Feldman was able to combine a lot of history and make it look like a beautiful puzzle. Each piece is unique, but they are all so important to the story that they are woven together. Tecumseh gave a message to his brothers at the start of the book. He wanted them to know that caucasian people are not their ally. Tecumseh was trying to get his men’s attention by pointing out the loss, damage and suffering they have suffered because of people who are not considerate. Tecumseh wished to assure his people that the quake, which was his prophecy in this instance, would forever impact everyone’s life. The chapter also features the Lewis brother, also known by the name of Thomas Jefferson’s neices, and their brutal murder of a seventeen year-old boy. The earthquake brought to light the Lewis brothers’ true nature. The Lewis brothers were not the only ones affected by the quake. People all around the area have also been affected. The series that has occurred in the past led to our expansion, corruption and failure. It also brought about fear, loss and power. The book made me feel that the author did not want readers to be scared of history. This book is meant to make us aware of how difficult it was to live in the olden days. The brutality and harshness of the environment, the battles for territory, the discovery, as well the prosperity has helped us to become a nation. Our mistakes should encourage us to learn and improve.
The book mentions the earliest time period as being between the 1790s and the 19th century. The story takes place in Missouri and Arkansas. It also includes Tennessee, Kentucky, Indiana. Florida, Illinois, and Florida. It is interesting to see how these events all come together after a series earthquakes. As if the natural disasters had a deeper significance. The Field of Slaughter, Chapter Thirteen, tells the story of the sacrifices made by men to ensure that their country, America, or Britain, would be dominant during the War of 1812. Andrew Jackson’s battle to end the British rule, conducted with a desire to do so, set America apart from Britain. The British lost the ability to claim any land below the Canadian boundary. Battle of New Orleans established a path for westward expansion. What we call Manifest Destiny today. The field is slaughter has a historical significance that conveys America’s well fought territorial growth through its many losses. Feldman’s book is quite fascinating, but I wish that I knew more about history. I was intrigued by the murder. Not because it is a happy thing to read, but more so that people are willing to do anything for what they want.
Though some people do tend to break the rules, it’s not the norm. We live in an age where this type of behavior is frowned upon. It was common to commit crimes without thinking about it. This book made me realize how human beings can destroy the world if given the opportunity. The book was confusing at times and I’m to blame for that. This book is a must-read for anyone who loves history, and can handle the violence and gore. It is great for anyone that loves history and feels the need to connect the past with today.
