In 1877, the Nez Perce tribe was exiled from their homeland in the Pacific Northwest to Indian Territory for eight years. Pearson (U. of California, Berkeley) explores this previously undocumented era in Native American studies by using newly discovered sources and oral histories that offer firsthand accounts of this odyssey, which was finally resolved in a positive manner in 1885. The author shows how the aftermath of the Nez Perce War actually provided the beginning of a foundation in civil rights 80 years before this concept was officially recognized by the United States. This account should interest history buffs and students of Native American Studies. Annotation ©2008 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)