“This engaging history examines the political, military, religious, and public memory narratives of early Kentucky, explaining how frontier terror framed heroism, undermining the egalitarian promise of Kentucke and transforming a trans-Appalachian region into an Old South state.”

“This is an eminently readable book, and [Friend] has done a wonderful job of weaving together the voices of the residents of frontier Kentucky of all racial and social groups. . . . Kentucke's Frontiers is a wonderful resource for those interested in learning more about the first trans-Appalachian state and the trans-Appalachian west more broadly. ”
 — The Tennessee Historical Quarterly

“Anyone interested in the history of the American frontier or the creation of the Bluegrass State will certainly want to add this volume to his or her library. ”
 — The Journal of Southern History

“This is a fine contribution to the historiography of Kentucky and frontier history. Kentucke's Frontiers is a 'must have' for professors and students who are interested in both of these subjects. ”
 — Northwest Ohio History

“Kentucke's Frontiers . . . is an excellent book—thoroughly researched, beautifully written, handsomely produced, and creatively documented. ”
 — North Carolina Historical Review

“Friend's narrative is detailed and engaging . . . [His] skillful infusion of contemporary historiography and methodology separates his study of frontier Kentucky from previous works. ”
 — The Journal of American History

“In this rich, challenging, and enjoyable book, Friend examines the social, cultural, economic, political, and military histories of Kentucke (now Kentucky) from the 1720s to the War of 1812. . . . The merits of this sweeping book are too numerous to chronicle sufficiently in this brief review. Nevertheless, Friend is at his strongest in his examination of the roles of memory and mythology in justifying white domination.”
 — American Studies

“Deftly weaving together numerous interpretive strands, Craig Friend’s first-rate study explains how the passage from 'Kentucke' to 'Kentucky' turned the first trans-Appalachian frontier from the leading edge of America’s New West to the border of its Old South. This book is both an essential and an elegant read. ”
 — Stephen Aron, author of How the West Was Lost: The Transformation of Kentucky From Daniel Boone to Henry Clay