It was called "the dirtiest campaign in American history."

This work assesses Blaine's role as an architect of the US empire and revisits the imperialistic goals of this two-time Secretary of State. It examines his pivotal role in shaping American foreign relations and looks at the reasons why America acquired an overseas empire at the turn of the century.

More than half of Maine has never been settled--millions of acres of quasi-wilderness.

Originally published: New York: Simon & Schuster, 2011.

The headlines have been full of controversy over casinos, racinos, land claims settlements, and sovereign rights for Native Americans in Maine-and it's likely that we'll be talking about these complex issues for some time yet. A capable historian with an enjoyable narrative style, Neil Rolde puts these controversies in context by telling the larger story of Maine Indians since earliest times. There are many generous voices in this book, sharing their stories and hopes and fears. It's a privilege to listen to them and broaden our understanding of the issues faced by Native Americans in Maine.

From its earliest beginnings, the land that became Maine produced adventurous inhabitants who went outside its boundaries to do interesting things that sometimes made them famous or even infamous.