3770. The Yamassee, by William Gilmore Simms (read 20 July 2003) This 1835 work by a well-known Southern writer is generally considered his best novel, and I found it moved fast and full of melodrama. It is laid in South Carolina in 1715, when the Yamassee tribe and other Indians revolted. Simms has a regard that historical fiction not change facts, a good trait. The book is very much written in the style of early 19th century works, reminding one of Scott and even Dickens. The attitude to Indians is quite balanced, but there is a patronizing and demeaning attitude to black slaves, including a silly scene where a slave begs not to be freed. Overall I was glad I read the book, though. ( )