This work investigates the systemic encroachment of white settlers and industrial interests upon the sacred lands and sovereign rights of various Native American tribes across the United States. Matthiessen, a renowned writer and naturalist, utilizes his background in investigative journalism and travel writing to document the ongoing struggles of indigenous peoples. By synthesizing historical context with contemporary reportage, he presents a framework that highlights the tension between federal policy, corporate expansion, and the preservation of ancestral territories.

The subject matter points to a dense, investigative text that prioritizes the voices of indigenous communities over official government narratives. The framing suggests a serious, scholarly, and empathetic examination of the historical and ongoing injustices faced by Native American populations.