Johnny Logan: Shawnee Spy

by Allan W. Eckert

Johnny Logan was born Spemica Lawba, a Shawnee. Taken prisoner as a boy when his village was destroyed by an army under General Benjamin Logan, he is adopted by Logan. Later returned to his people, Johnny Logan becomes a spy for the Americans in the War of 1812 and gives up his life to prove his loyalty to the Americans.

Genres: History

217 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1983

About the author

Allan W. Eckert was an American historian, historical novelist, and naturalist.

Eckert was born in Buffalo, New York, and raised in the Chicago, Illinois area, but had been a long-time resident of Bellefontaine, Ohio, near where he attended college. As a young man, he hitch-hiked around the United States, living off the land and learning about wildlife. He began writing about nature and American history at the age of thirteen, eventually becoming an author of numerous books for children and adults. His children's novel, Incident at Hawk's Hill, was a runner-up for the Newbery Medal in 1972. One of his novels tells how the great auk went extinct.

In addition to his novels, he also wrote several unproduced screenplays and more than 225 Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom television shows for which he received an Emmy Award.

In a 1999 poll conducted by the Ohioana Library Association, jointly with Toni Morrison, Allan W. Eckert was voted "Favorite Ohio Writer of All Time."

Eckert died in his sleep on July 7, 2011, in Corona, California, at the age of 80.

Reviews

[Brian Andersen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice easy short read which is rare in an Allan Eckert book. I was a bit dubious of this when I picked it up but it was a really great story. He filled in some gaps of the story I already know but didn't go into too much detail on some of the important yet well covered elsewhere historical events. I really thought I was going to hate Johnny Logan but I didn't. Eckert made a good case for the reasons for his actions and I was kind of sad to see him go actually! I realize there is some historical debate regarding the lineage of Spemica Lawba who became Johnny Logan. The author went with the theory that this Shawnee was the daughter of Tecumseh's sister which would make Tecumseh his Uncle. This made the narrative even more interesting and entertaining. Highly recommended for anyone interested in this time period and new to Eckert's narrative style of historical storytelling.

[Donna Sundre · Rating 4 out of 5]

Again, Alllan Eckert is truly in command of this type of historic work. I found this book extremely difficult to finish, because I knew that the Shemanese (whites) would continue to betray the indians and every treaty they signed as soon as more immigrants arrived and more space was needed. Poor Johnny was trying to hard to merge the two worlds that he knew so well. He had a wonderful heart, but we all know the outcome.

[Cornelia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well-written true story about an incredible Shawnee warrior who supported peace with the US and was an American War Hero of the War of 1812.

[Tommy Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great book from Allan Eckert.

[Frank Kuron · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another classic Eckert novel. Well done!