Don Coldsmith

Don Coldsmith (1926-2009) was an American author best known for his "Spanish Bit Saga" series of historical Western novels depicting Native American life on the Great Plains. His works focused on the cultural changes brought by the introduction of horses to Plains Indian tribes through Spanish contact. A practicing physician in Kansas for over 40 years, Coldsmith wrote more than 40 books and received multiple Western Writers of America Spur Awards for his fiction. His Spanish Bit series, which grew to 29 novels, began with Trail of the Spanish Bit (1980) and traced generations of a fictional Plains Indian tribe. Beyond fiction, Coldsmith penned regular newspaper columns about the American West and authored several nonfiction works about frontier history and Native American culture. His background as a doctor in rural Kansas and extensive research into Plains Indian history and customs informed the authentic details in his writing. His contributions to Western literature were recognized when he served as president of Western Writers of America and was inducted into the Kansas Notable Books List Hall of Fame. The Spanish Bit series remains his most enduring work, notable for portraying Native American perspectives during the transformative period following European contact.

Readers praise Coldsmith's historical accuracy and detail in depicting Native American life, particularly in his Spanish Bit Saga series. Many note his ability to write from indigenous perspectives without romanticizing or stereotyping. Reviewers highlight his straightforward writing style and character development. Readers liked: - Authentic portrayal of tribal customs and daily life - Well-researched historical elements - Character relationships across multiple generations - Clear, accessible prose Common criticisms: - Slow pacing in some books - Similar plot structures across series - Limited dialogue in certain volumes - Character names can be confusing to track Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: Average 4.1/5 across all books Amazon: 4.3/5 average customer rating Spanish Bit Saga series averages slightly higher at 4.4/5 "His books taught me more about Plains Indian culture than any textbook," writes one Amazon reviewer. Another notes: "The stories feel authentic but some move too slowly for my taste."

Spanish Bit Saga: Trail of the Spanish Bit (1980) A Spanish horse becomes separated from conquistadors and falls into the hands of a Plains Indian tribe, changing their way of life forever.

Follow the Wind (1980) A young warrior of the People faces challenges and growth as he learns the ways of the horse and his tribe's traditions.

Buffalo Medicine (1981) The story follows a medicine man's apprentice as he learns the spiritual and healing practices of his people.

Thunderstick (1982) A Native American tribe encounters firearms for the first time and must adapt to this new technology.

The Changing Wind (1982) Chronicles how European diseases impact a Plains tribe and their traditional way of life.

Lost Band (1983) A small group becomes separated from their main tribe and must survive on their own in unfamiliar territory.

Track of the Bear (1984) A young brave undertakes a dangerous solo journey to prove himself worthy of becoming a full warrior.

Trail of the Eagle (1985) The story of a warrior who must lead his people through a time of significant change and challenges.

The Sacred Hills (1985) A medicine man seeks to protect his tribe's sacred grounds from encroaching settlers.

Child of the Dead (1986) Follows an orphaned child who is raised by a tribe and grows to become an important leader.