"Rosen provides a detailed study of an under-explored feature of U.S.-Native American relations—the role of the states—and makes valuable contributions to a number of social sciences literatures."—Kevin Bruyneel, Journal of American History
"This important book succeeds in making the case that states exercised considerable control over Indian peoples during the 19th century—at times creatively interpreting or even contradicting federal Indian policy."—T. A. Britten, Choice
"Rosen has produced a most comprehensive study. . . . The author has succeeded in integrating a huge amount of significant material culled from both primary and secondary sources. . . . A valuable reference for historians and general readers."—Yasuhide Kawashima, American Historical Review
"Rosen's extensive notes and comprehensive research allow her to document in great detail the efforts of states to control certain aspects of Indian lives through legislation and courts. . . . Anyone interested—and there are likely many—in state law and American Indians should read this book."—Christian McMillen, Western Historical Quarterly
"Rosen has made an impressive contribution to the fields of Indian law and U.S.-Indian history. . . . Her timely and important book will help readers understand the evolving state-tribal relations in the early twenty-first century."—Donald L. Fixico, The Annals of Iowa
"While the role of the federal government and tribal relations has long been documented, the role of the state and the immediacy and daily conflict of early state/tribal relations is less well known. Rosen's book provides valuable research and insights on the early state laws, cases, and constitutions in relation to Indian peoples."—Kathryn E. Fort, Great Plains Research
"Lucidly written and rooted in careful research, the book represents a significant contribution to the literature on Indian law and Native American political history."—Andrew Denson, Georgia Historical Quarterly
"This is an important book for legal history as well as American Indian history. The extent of state law intrusion into tribal affairs is now clearly delineated."—Gordon Morris Bakken, Journal of the West