A Voyage Long and Strange by Hortwiz - Book Report/Review Example

Sur Book Review: A Voyage Long and Strange: Introduction: In this book, the discusses the discovery of the American country. It deals with the discussion of the different encounters through which the different people interacted and led to the settling of many other people in the area that led to the formation of the discovery of America. The details of this research work dwell on the contrasting and comparison of the different encounters between the Native Americans and the Europeans, the interactions between the different races ranging from the English, the French and other Spanish explorers. The study also discusses the different approaches that the different races applied in their interactions with the Native Americans. It tries to establish any changes in treatment that occurred during this time and the different reasons that led to the differences in the interactions. Thesis statement: The interactions of the different people led to the discovery of the current America. Through these interactions, the Americans reacted in different ways that led to the various behaviors of the different races involved in developing it to discovery. The struggle through which America obtained independence filled with difficulties and strange occurrences hence the choice of the heading a Voyage Long and Strange. Comparison and a contrast of encounters between Native Americans and the Europeans: Historically, Europeans discovered America. The story of discovery dwells on the occurrences that led to the discovery of the nation. Interactions between the Native Americans and the Europeans is the center of the discovery. The story of discovery in this book starts with the discussion of Eirik a fugitive that fled from Norway as a result of killings taking place (Horwitz, p.11). The encounters that Eirik had with the Native Americans at the time led to a number of deaths. Through these interactions that raised volatility within the natives and the Norwegian, different movements made led to the discovery of other places such as the Greenland. Through these movements, Eirik establishes trade with Europe that led to the development of the trade in luxury goods. The interactions grew into a fertile relationship that saw the associations of the different races of people in the country grow favorable. Aspects of religion too created tensions. An example of the religious issues present during these times includes the differences that arose between Eirik and the wife. The wife converted to Christianity and the Christian believes by then did not allow pagans to have sex with Christians. The wife considered Eirik a pagan due to the religious beliefs prevalent then. The other people that came in to explore the land where the current America rests included Bjarni. Bjarni after tasting dew that they found on grass and felt it was great considered these among other reason that made the land prove productive to them. Considering this aspect, the land proved viable for agriculture with much of considerations in livestock farming (Horwitz, p.13). The interactions between the Bjarni and the natives were aimed at creating agricultural benefits for all that engaged, and hence the successful acceptance from the natives compares to Eirik, who faced resistance due to the homicidal behavior posed earlier. Through the same interactions, the discovery of wines and other agricultural products followed. The foods that the natives consumed too differed from those of many states. In the story, the writer discusses on the mixture of foods that existed in the area as a result of the many races of people that existed here. These ranged from those of the Jewish, the Canadians among other races. The Spanish too covered the area with own dishes too. These were encountered on the way to Viking that was first European settlements that the people of Europe made in America before its discovery. Through the discovery, each of the tribes involved wanted to name their own as the discoverers. The Scandinavian Emigres aimed at elevating their own as the discoverer disputed the historical consideration of Columbus as the discoverer. These marked the interactions between the people marking and the different people that found something marked it in their way. The Newport Tower that was discovered earlier developed into the first windmill also an Indian descent was buried with a kettle of English origin as a symbol. Kensington stone too is counted in the discoveries (Horwitz, 15). Based on the above, the encounters, that led to the discovery of America, involved a wide range of races ranging from people of European origin, Indians, Spanish, and others. The major people involved in the discovery were the Europeans that played a bigger role in this discovery. The exploratory nature of the Europeans and their desire for colonial control influenced these behaviors leading to the identification of the land that is the current America. Approaches used by the different races in interactions with the Natives: The different races involved all had different goals in their interactions with the Native Americans. Some aimed at reasons for trade while others aimed at agricultural benefits, securing of land for settlement and these intentions determined the treatment that the Native Americans obtained from them. The interactions of the different goals that the different people had in the land led to the successful development of the American soils and land. These actions led to the discovery of the abilities that the country had that have seen it grow to might in the overtime. Some of these proved adventurous in nature and through their adventures, they discovered many aspects. Others proved conquistadors and others aimed at the formation of colonies. All these interacted to give America its glory and growth. These people treated the Native Americans differently some proving brutal with Eirik as an example killing a number of the natives aiming at obtaining what belonged to them while others aimed at discovery and formation of reasonable alliances that marked the growth of their association. The treatments differed and in the long run occasioned different thoughts from the natives. Over time, some of the races changed their approach towards the natives as a way of enabling them develops better relationships that yielded better returns. The difference that existed between the different people from different countries that stayed in the country, was as a result of the different goals that each people had. These proved as their driving force towards creating a better life. Conclusion: Analyzing these, one can sum the interactions of the different races and people from different countries to have helped in the formation of the current America. These have played a role in leading to discoveries that marked the lives of the Native Americans. The aspects, that majorly connected the different people from different countries, revolved around business aspects, farming and agriculture related items, the farming life that many had adopted and the availability of free land. The journey to America’s independence took a longer time and involved many interactions and encounters some of which led to constructive relations that have continued existing to date. These saw many deaths as discoveries too realized and through these, the American dream has proven possible. Despite the many deaths that marred the discovery, many discoveries too featured. Farm lands discoveries, free lands for settlement, identification of different places and races that existed in the native land and the creation of alliances with different countries. These provided the Americans with a background that their economy now revolve around. Work Cited: Hortwiz, Tony. A Voyage Long and Strange: on the Trail of Vikings, Conquistadors, and other Adventurers in Early America. Henry Holt and Company. 2008. Read More