Sketches of Indian Character Being a Brief Survey of the Principal Features of Character Exhibited by the North American Indians; Illustrating the Aphorism of the Socialists, that "Man is the creature of circumstances"

"Sketches of Indian Character" by James Napier Bailey is a detailed look into the lives and personalities of North American Indians, arguing that their way of life is molded by their surroundings and social situations. Bailey starts his exploration by setting the stage for a balanced analysis of the good and bad traits seen within the cultures of the North American Indians. Bailey challenges the common idea that Indians are simply cruel and impossible to improve, suggesting the circumstances which shape their behavior is an environmental and societal one. The book sets out to look at both the traits of the North American Indians and how European attempts to change them affect their distinctive characteristics. He highlights their courage, freedom, and complex social interactions that stem from their political and economic situations, painting a nuanced picture of a misunderstood people.