Black Fox

by Matt Braun

Book by Matthew Braun

Genres: Westerns

Paperback

First published January 1, 1972

About the author

Matt Braun is an author of fifty-six books, most of which are in the Western genre and has over 40 million copies in print.

Reviews

[Theophilus (Theo) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good. I was happy to find a book about Britton Johnson. I've read the history of the Elm Creek Massacre, and this book was the closest to the historical events. Britton Johnson was a former slave who managed to begin his own freighting business in Young County, Texas. His family suffered through the comanche and Kiowa raids near Fort Belknap. Eventually they were ransomed back, but he lost one son, killed in the raid. Author Braun has Britt rescue his own family whereas in historical reports indicate he rescued many of the white captives, his family was returned by a Native American friend. That's okay though, the story flows and is very vivid. Braun takes a few liberties with the ending, but it is actually no more heroic than Britt Johnson's actual demise (Braun substitutes white friends for the final scene with Britt instead of free black pioneers. Unfortunately, there is no happy ending, as in real life, for Britt Johnson. It's much better than the Hallmark movie trilogy by the same name, which headlines Christopher Reeve as Britt's former owner even thought the series is entitled, "Black Fox". If you liked the John Wayne movie "The Searchers", you will like this book better.

[Jay Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

Britt Johnson is a freed slave in 1860 who lives beside his former master. The Civil War starts and Johnson's wife and children along with many other women and children. Britt decides to go get them because none of the white men can. They would be scalped immediately. This story is based on fact although Braun has reduced the actual 7 years to one. The story is a good one, bravery comes in all colors.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

According to the Author's Note, "Though events depicted in "Black Fox" are historically accurate, certain liberties have been taken regarding time & place." It's a story of a freed black man, living in a white man's world, in the plains, at the outbreak of the civil war. He was tempted to join the Kiowas, because of the freedom they had. I think the freedom the Indians had was what the founders of this country wanted for everyone.

[Rebecca Cecil · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was so good. Not sure it is probably or will probably be banned. No one like reality.
The Book was about courage, rage, murder. About the passion to fight for what they want. In this book it us Texas. The white men are trying to take the Indians land. The Indians are not going to stand back and let the white man take it.
But mostly it is about 3 men. A white skin, so red skin and a black skin, who try to make and keep peace between it all.
I enjoyed this story. Sadly these fights came and are part if our history. History is one thing we can not change. We can only change is what is to come.
Hope you read and enjoy this book.

[Ranette · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an interesting story about Indians raid some whites and taking women.
when they are caught all the women return except one who wants to stay. Her cruel old husband comes after her, but she won't go.

[Kathryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little course for me, otherwise well written. Didn't like the ending.

[Jocelyn Marchan · Rating 4 out of 5]

It wasn't the easiest read, and I will admit that I had to put off reading the book off for a while. But I did like the book. It was my first cowboy and Indian book and will probably my last.

[Jason · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was pretty good as far as Western's go. I will read more of his work and maybe branch out to different authors. He is a good story teller. he handles his action well and has a good hold of his characters and stories.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

A pleasure to read. Highest marks.

And based on a true story? Icing on the cake.

[Megargee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like most of Matt Braun's novels, this one is grounded in an episode in history. Although I am not an expert, the portrayal of the characters and the times strikes me as authentic.

[Henry McLaughlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent Western that addresses racism from both the black and Indian perspective. Great characters the angage the reader right away. Based on true events. Highly recommend.