The Soul of the Indian: An Interpretation Review

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(More customer reviews)Ohiyesa wrote this book in 1911, and did a masterful job at conveying spiritual truths in simple language that anyone can understand.
Ohiyesa tries to impart that this form of spirituality is more about a state of mind and heart instead of performing ceremonies by rote.
There are many little gems of wisdom in this book, and it would be a great place to start if you wish to explore the American Indian (Sioux) form of spirituality.
Here are a few of those gems I mentioned above.
Page XII "My little book does not pretend to be a scientific treatise. It is as true as I can nake it to my childhood teaching and ancestral ideals"
Page XIII "We know that the God of the lettered and the unlettered, of the Greek and the barbarian is after all the same God;"
Page 4 "Our faith might not be formulated in creeds, nor forced on any who were unwilling to receive it; hence there was no preaching, proselyting, nor persecution"
Page 4 "He (the indian) would deem it sacriledge to build a house for Him (the Great Spirit) who may be met face to face in the mysterious , shadowy aisles of the primeval forest"
Page 13 "The Indian no more worships the Sun than the Christian adores the Cross"
Page 14 "We believed that the spirit pervades all creation and that every creature posesses a soul in some degree, though not necessarily a soul conscious of itself."
Page 15 "He (The indian) paid homage to the spirits in prescribed prayers and offerings)
Page 45 "In the life of the indian there was only one inevitable duty,--the duty of prayer--the daily recognition of the Unseen and Eternal. His daily devotions were more necessary to him than daily food."
Much wisdom for a book more than 90 years old!
I encourage questions and comments about my reviews; Two Bears.
Wah doh Ogedoda (We give thanks Great Spirit)

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Charles Alexander Eastman (1858-1939) was a mixed-blood Sioux. His maternal grandmother, daughter of Chief Cloudman of the Mdewankton Sioux, was married to a well-known western artist, Captain Seth Eastman, and in 1847 their daughter Mary Nancy Eastman became the wife of Chief Many Lightnings, a Wahpeton Sioux. Their fifth child, Charles Alexander Eastman, as a four-year old was given the name Ohiyesa (the Winner). During the Sioux Uprising of 1862 Ohiyesa became separated from his father-his mother had died soon after his birth-and fled from the reservation in Minnesota to Canada under the protection of his grandmother and uncle. There he was schooled in the Indian ways until the age of fifteen, when he was reunited with his father, who took him back to his homestead in present South Dakota. Eastman went on to become one of the best-known Indians of his time, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree from Dartmouth in 1887 and a medical degree from Boston University three years later. From his first appointment as a physician at Pine Ridge Agency, where he witnessed the events that culminated in the Wounded Knee massacre, he sought to bring understanding between Native and non-Native Americans. In addition to two autobiographical works, Indian Boyhood (1902) and From the Deep Woods to Civilization (1916), Charles Eastman wrote nine other books, some in collaboration with his wife, Elaine Goodale Eastman (who has told her story in Sister to the Sioux, also a Bison Book).In The Soul of the Indian, first published in 1911, the author's aim has been "to paint the religious life of the typical American Indian as it was before he knew the white man."

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Hwa Rang Do: Defend, Take Down, Submit Review

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(More customer reviews)First off I am not a practitioner of Hwa Rang Do; the book was recommended to me by my uncle who has his fifth degree black belt in the system and who is very involved in the organization. My experience has been in Kenpo, Kung Fu and Brazilian Jujitsu. I found this book very interesting; I have experience with the majority of the techniques or concepts in the book in one form or another. I enjoyed Mr. Lee's presentation of these techniques, he explains them in an easy to understand format. Although it is my understanding that this is just the tip of the iceberg of what is said to be a complete and dynamic system.
The chapters detailing the history of the art are very informative, especially to someone that knows nothing about the system. The book also briefly talked about the philosophical aspects of Hwa Rang Do. The book is a good intro to the style for anyone curious or anyone considering studying it (like me); it could also give the experienced practitioner a deeper understanding of the arts evolution, and a handful of its techniques. Over all, this is book is informative and worth the money.
My only complaint is that the pictures are small; this problem would have been easily fixed by expanding the size of the book. Considering this is my only complaint, I would recommend this book to anyone interested in the art, or just expanding your martial arts knowledge.



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In Hwa Rang Do: Defend, Take Down, Submit, authors Taejoon Lee (the eldest son of Dr. Joo Bang Lee) and Mark Cheng present a variety of easy-to-understand self-defense techniques complete with set-ups and variations for different attack situations. Through detailed photographs and instructions, this well-rounded collection of striking, joint-manipulation, throwing, grappling and submission techniques will help you develop empty-hand defenses for any position from any angle!Also included is a comprehensive technical analysis of hwa rang do submissions and a detailed history of the art, complete with archival photographs and representative artwork. The military, cultural, mythical and philosophical origins of the legendary Hwarang Corps are discussed in unprecedented detail, providing a multi-dimensional history that leads all the way up to hwa rang do's current leader, Dr. Joo Bang Lee.Hwa Rang Do: Defend, Take Down, Submit is the first official publication produced by the World Hwa Rang Do Association in more than 25 years. Black Belt is proud to present this guide to hwa rang do's technical and cultural significance for a new generation of historians, instructors and practitioners.

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Crow Dog: Four Generations of Sioux Medicine Men Review

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(More customer reviews)In the beginning paragraph it says, "We are still making history." as Crow Dog explains his family roots. That sentence sums up the book for me. It is history. The history that is learned and not lost by Crow Dog. The ceremonies and native ways that he is trying to maintain and to pass on are intricately described. I don't think I have read a book that is so visually written. I could picture the things he described. I savored this book for a few months, letting each chapter sink in. Although the book is written in a simple manner there is nothing simple about the information shared. A great read!

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Tae Kwon Do: Secrets of Korean Karate Review

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(More customer reviews)Outstanding demonstration and explanation of this highly popular style of karate which,moreso than most places great emphasis on foot technique.The text is easy to understand and its' thoroughness of detail and display of skill in technique make it second only to Jordan Roth's masterwork Black Belt Karate.It must be said that this book would probably not serve a novice student too well as there are some moves which could prove difficult to master,like the front and side-limbering kicks and the flying roundhouse kick.This book should perhaps be best viewed as a companion piece to Roth's as there are several techniques not covered in that book,such as the hook kick and the rising heel kick.Great emphasis is placed on sparring so I would say that it is absolutely essential to work with a partner when referring to this book.As one who enjoys the kicking techniques of karate this book definitely comes highly recommended.Class cover shot of a perfectly executed side thrust kick enhances this book's already considerable appeal and usefulness.

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In this classic volume, illustrated with nearly 1,000 photographs, the author explains when, where, why, and how to best apply the deadly techniques of Tae Kwon Do.This book gives pinpoint explanations of the advantages and disadvantages of each move, analyzing them step by step from offensive, defensive, and counterattacking perspectives.The techniques presented are applicable to any martial arts system, making this book of interest not only to practitioners of Tae Kwon Do but also of karate and kung fu.

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Taekwondo: The State of the Art Review

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(More customer reviews)Taekwondo The State of the Art
Authors:Masters Sung Chul Whang; Jun Chul Whang; Brandon Saltz; Foreword and contribution by Master is comprehensive and deals with History, Philosophy, Warm ups; Stances; Steps and Footwork; Blocks; Hand strikes; Kicks; Sparring; and Poomse. The authors have chosen to use illustrations rather than photographs and the results are quite good. Korean terms are used throughout as part of the titles. Headings for almost all sections in the book and all the stances, kicks, strikes, blocks, etc. are included. As always, since English sounds don't always match Korean, the spelling is a crap shoot. Of particular note is the use of G instead of K for a palatal consonant in such Korean words as (Gyoroogi) (sparring) here versus Kyorugi in some other books.
Of all the books I've read, I like this one the best-so far. There is more detail and supporting discussion. As I read the material, I felt like I was being coached by someone who was not only very competent, but also someone who understood the problems of junior belt level students such as myself.
This book will appeal to the serious Taekwondo students no matter what reasons they have for taking Taekwondo. It is only missing discussion of self defense. However, there is a frank discussion in the philosophy chapter that addresses the authors' feelings about the thought processes of people in the discipline about the merits of sportized Taekwondo versus martial art. This is an important discussion and should be read by young Taekwondoists as they determine why they are taking TKD. [For the dedicated student, The Martial Artist's Book of Five Rings by Miyamoto Musashi interpreted by Stephen F. Kaufman, Hanshi 10th Dan, has even more relevant discussion.]
The book deals with stances, hand strikes and kicks and stresses the rationale behind each. It is detailed in its discussion and maintains the importance of the proper stances and striking technique. The extensive section on steps and footwork is the most comprehensive I've see so far. They discuss transitions from position to position. With these sections the authors build you carefully towards the sections on sparring and poomse(forms) Because of the lengthy build up, only the Taeguk patterns are shown. The authors acknowledge other patterns such as the Palgwe, but focus on the current WTF authorized patterns. The discussion on the patterns is excellent. If read with the preceding material in their book, a student can greatly increase their understanding of why they are doing things and how they may improve. [Please understand that no-one should feel they can learn Taekwondo properly without the instruction of a Master such as Master Seung. No book replaces an experienced teacher, but it offers some insights and additional information that may not come up in the classes very often.]
What makes this book especially appealing to someone like me, is the information about the Taeguk series-the Taeguk is the circle containing the um/yang symbols within the 8 sets of 3 bars. For the first time as a Taekwondo student, I could start to understand the significance. The authors have given us a brief but important opening into the discipline.
In addition, they have advanced an image of the ultimate state to which patterns should aspire. It demonstrates the purpose of each motion.
As a beginning, but serious TKD student, if I could only buy one book on Taekwondo, I would buy this one.

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A comprehensive instructional guide to the world's most popular martial art. 16-pp. photo insert. 350 illustrations. Media attention.

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Ruby Ridge: The Truth and Tragedy of the Randy Weaver Family Review

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(More customer reviews)The book is both disturbing and important. It traces the tragedy of Ruby Ridge, Idaho from the very beginning, even before Idaho. It profiles Randy and Vicki Weaver when they first meant and follows through their marriage, their children and their move to Idaho. It explores their different beliefs in depth and both their problems and triumphs throughout their marriage.
It explains how the U.S. Marshall Service and the ATF first noticed Randy Weaver and why they were interested in him. Did they initially set him up? It explains what the reaction of the FBI was when they were called to the scene. How the government agencies invovled escalated the problem to a new level. How the lack of communication within the government made a bad situation worse.
It follows the aftermath of the seige and the shootings into the evidence gathering stage and through the trial. It follows the survivors and what they have become, their tribulations.
This is a very important book for everyone to read. It is about lack of tolerance in others beliefs. About the governments miscommunications and lack of sharing information between departments. This has been going on for years, way before 9-11. It delves into the fact that government agencies don't like to admit they were wrong and will sacrifice the little guy to protect the big guy. It show that there is hard working decent people working for the government as well as complete self serving, intolerant, career mongers looking for nothing but advancement and the connections to insulate themselves from the decisions they've made.
Randy Weaver and his family thought differently than many. They wanted to be left alone. And they were pushed and pushed to the breaking point. Attacked and surrounded and attacked again. The Weaver's paid the price for their beliefs but the government agents that overstepped their bounds have never been brought to justice or even held accountable with more than meager 15 day suspensions. The courts felt the government wrong enough to award a monetary settlement to the Weaver's. When will the total truth come out?
This is an excellent book full of information and presented well. It is engrossing and pulls you in from the beginning. It reads well. I recommend it to everyone.

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On the last hot day of summer in 1992, gunfire cracked over a rocky knob in northern Idaho, just south of the Canadian border. By the next day three people were dead, and a small war was joined, pitting the full might of federal law enforcement against one well-armed family. Drawing on extensive interviews with Randy Weaver's family, government insiders, and others, Jess Walter traces the paths that led the Weavers to their confrontation with federal agents and led the government to treat a family like a gang of criminals.
This is the story of what happened on Ruby Ridge: the tragic and unlikely series of events that destroyed a family, brought down the number-two man in the FBI, and left in its wake a nation increasingly attuned to the dangers of unchecked federal power.

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Prison Writings: My Life Is My Sun Dance Review

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(More customer reviews)"Prison Writings", by Leonard Peltier, is quite an eye-opener. This political prisoner maintains his innocence and demonstrates it through his heart and compassion. At times, each chapter appears to be a stream of consciousness dependent on his mood (he wrote it in prison where he still remains), but he always evaluated his mood and came back full circle and has come to terms that he may never leave but that his hope in humanity might help lift him and thousands of others wrongfully imprisoned.
His words have compelled me to do further research and there are many related books, articles and even a documentary film by Robert Redford titled "Incident at Oglala: The Leonard Peltier Story". I encourage everyone to read it and watch the film available through rental or purchase.
Whether you believe in his innocence or not is not the point. The point is that our current system remains flawed despite the cold hearts that are too scared to take a serious look into their conscience.
Leonard Peltier has definitely changed my once hardened heart. I am still a cynic and angry often, but thinking about his struggles through unfair justice keeps me focused. It is an easy read if you don't mind the harsh realities of our justice system, or lack thereof!
"Mitakuye Oyasin!" Learn this meaning from his book - it will serve you well in your life.

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Father Francis M. Craft, Missionary to the Sioux Review

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(More customer reviews)This book, written by a ancestor the subject, details the life of Fr. Francis M. Craft, a most unusual Catholic priest. The book provides some insight into the development and politics of Catholic missionary efforts on the Standing Rock and Pine Creek reservations.
Fr. Craft had a very interesting life. He went to war when he was 10; serving as a runner/messenger in the Civil War and also served as a mercenary in Europe. He tried to become a Jesuit, but could not adapt to the Jesuit discipline and eventually became a secular priest (a priest without an order).
A good portion of Fr. Craft's life was devoted to mission work to the Sioux and in trying to start an order of Native American Sisters. Fr. Craft was a very unusual person---indeed there is a good argument to be made that he was insane at one point (one chapter of the book is titled "Was Father Craft Insane?"). Fr. Craft was also had problems with authority and viewed other people's actions though a fairly large lens of paranoia. All of these traits hindered rather than helped Fr. Craft in his work.
But, as the book relates, there is no doubting Fr. Craft's devotion to his mission and the extreme lengths he went to help the Indians on the Standing Rock and Pine Ridge reservations. The author does a very good job at showing the politics of the time--both in the government and between the Protestants and Catholics. It is very obvious that the author has done a great deal of research on his subject---though many primary documents were destroyed after the death of the primary participants.
This book is definitely worth reading if you have an interest in the missionary work to the Indians in the 19th century. It will whet your appetite for more information. Enjoy!

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In the Spirit of Crazy Horse Review

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(More customer reviews)This is a marvelously well researched book. In respsonse to some of the bad reviews I have read I have to say that yes, Matthiessen does not try to hide the fact that he sides with the Indians. Yes the book is biased in the favor of the Indians. So what. When you examine the FBI and the US Government's history of maltreatment of all minorities, especially native peoples, why should an author feel obligated to paint the establishment in a flattering light. He is simply exposing the ugly truth of the dark underbelly of our "democracy".
This is hard for some people to handle, thus the poor reviews. Ask yourself this, in the midst of phenomenal violence why does the FBI never investigate dozens of unsolved murders, instead devoting lots of man-hours to tracking down Jimmy Eagle for the theft of a pair of cowboy boots???You be the judge.
This is an amazing read. Thankfully, the FBI, Special Agent David Price and Governor William Janklow all lost in thier legal attempts to keep this information from us. So celebrate freedom of press and curl up with this book!!!Freedom for Leonard

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A look at the events surrounding the incarceration of native American activist Leonard Peltier elucidates the traditional Indian concept of the sacred inviolability of the earth and presents new evidence supporting Peltier's claims of innocence, arguing for a new trial. Reprint.

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American Indian Removal and the Trail to Wounded Knee (Defining Moments) Review

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(More customer reviews)Defining Moments: American Indian Removal and the Trail to Wounded Knee is the latest installment in the "Defining Moments" series of invaluable resources chronicling important events in America's history. Like all volumes in the series, American Indian Removal and the Trail to Wounded Knee is divided into three sections: the Narrative Overview section, summarizing the events of the governmental policy that ultimately led to an infamous massacre; the Biographies section which concentrates information about key historical figures (along with a list of resources for further information on various individuals); and the Primary Sources section offering a wide assortment of original references and documents - letters, memoirs, official records, and much more. Black-and-white photographs illustrate this detailed, practical, user-friendly historical compendium, highly recommended for public and college library reference shelves.


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One of the introductory volumes in a series designed to provide authoritative, useful resources on American History, Defining Moments: American Indian Removal and the Trail to Wounded Knee provides readers with a detailed overview of the 1890 massacre of more than 250 Native American men, women, and children by the United States Cavalry at Wounded Knee Creek in South Dakota. The authors analyze the conditions that led to this horrific event and its effect on the country's political, cultural, and social landscape, then and now. The research presented here is arranged in three distinct sections: narrative overview; biographies, which includes background on principal figures involved in the massacre; and primary sources. This unique and comprehensive volume also includes a glossary of important people, places, and terms, as well as a chronology of events, a subject index, and an annotated list of sources for further study. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

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Alexander the Fabulous: The Man Who Brought the World to Its Knees Review

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(More customer reviews)An excellent text to accompany the Oliver Stone movie, "Alexander," this book is astonishingly well-researched and written by Michael Alvear with assistance from Vicky Shecter, who is now working on a children's book about Alexander the Great.
If you laugh out loud at David Sedaris books, this book may remind you of what a serious ancient history book would be like if David Sedaris had written it. It is a laugh a minute. Yet, the basic facts provided are correct. This book just makes it FUN to learn a bit of history that most people (even in Greece!) know far too little about.
I am a public librarian, and have read at least 12 books on Alexander the Great in the past six months. What one inevitably finds when researching Alexander is that his life is hotly debated by many differing factions: Should he be called Macedonian or Greek? Should he be called bisexual or gay? Should he be hailed as a hero and liberator or condemned as a mass murderer? Was he buried in Alexandria or someplace else? Did he have a part in killing his father or not? You can forget about finding a book that makes EVERYONE happy, though the best overall book I have found is Robin Lane Fox's "Alexander the Great" published in 1986 by Penguin Books. I believe it stands head and shoulders over any other book on Alexander, and every public library MUST have that book. Oliver Stone chose Robin Lane Fox to be his historical consultant for the film "Alexander." I would avoid the new book by Paul Cartledge even though it is new; the Robin Lane Fox book simply covers so much more and does it so much better. Also, the account of Alexander's travels by Arrian is a must.
Every library needs sources on Alexander, however, for those who may not care to read the serious history texts. Mary Renault's "Persian Boy" is outstanding for fiction readers, and her other books on Alexander, especially "The Nature of Alexander," are also excellent. But for those who want to really have FUN as they learn their history, you just can't beat Michael Alvear's "Alexander the Fabulous."
Anyone who is terribly homophobic may not like this book, but then again, anyone who is terribly homophobic is not likely to be reading about Alexander the Great anyway. After Jesus Christ, Alexander may be the most influential human to ever live, and there should be as many books about his life in our libraries as possible. The fact that he was gay or bisexual should not be a reason for not providing a book about his extraordinary life.
Don't miss this great book! You will be ever so glad you found it!

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He conquered the known world. He united it for the first time with a common language. His military tactics are still being studied-and used-by today's warriors. He is considered the most courageous and heroic warrior in history. But (and more importantly): He was hot. His boyfriends were hotter. He could throw hissy fits that would take Liza Minelli's breath away. He traveled with an advance publicity team. He was so vain, if Preparation H had existed, his enemies would have rubbed it on his ego. He had fag hags hanging off him like laundry. We're approaching 2,350 years after his death and people are still fascinated by Alexander the Great. Even Socrates, Plato and Aristotle, the people who gave us language, math and philosophy, didn't have Oliver Stone making movies about them. All the great conquerors that followed Alexander tried to emulate him-Julius Caesar, Napoleon, Jeff Striker. Michael Alvear presents a most unusual biography of history's greatest warrior.

Michael Alvear is a syndicated columnist whose commentary has been heard on NPR. He is the author of Men Are Pigs, But We Love Bacon.

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The Politics of Hallowed Ground: Wounded Knee and the Struggle for Indian Sovereignty Review

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(More customer reviews)What first strikes this reader is the very frank and engrossing personal narrative, as well as the description of the on-going political struggle of the Sioux in their battle for the return of the Black Hills in South Dakota. The diary entries of lawyer Mario Gonzales and the commentaries of Elizabeth Cook-Lynn gave me an opportunity to re-think important events in Sioux and American history over the past century (including Custer and the Little Big Horn, the Wounded Knee Massacre of 1890, and others). The authors also show very clearly how these linked histories continue to influence the actions of individuals (white or Indian) and governments today. Cook-Lynn is especially deft at evaluating the political, economic,and racial motivations of the various stakeholders, from the factions within different Sioux tribes, the governors and congressmen, federal agencies, to the white landowners. The centerpiece of the book is the fight by the Sioux for the return of the Black Hills (preserved for the tribes by treaty in 1868), as well as the related fight for a monument to the Sioux massacred by government troups at Wounded Knee. But as the story unfolds, it became a means for me to understand the treaty rights and sovereign rights of not just the Sioux but other Indian nations in this country. Gonzales relates details of the legal battles and community struggles, and shows an amazing persistence and courage in his pursuit of justice for the Sioux. I hope that other readers come away from this book with as strong a sense as I did: of our need to resolve these ethical and legal dilemmas by recognition of Indian treaty rights and sovereignty. I'm grateful to the authors for their frank discussions of the real difficulties inherent in this task, and for outlining the rewards to all of us if they succeed.

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The powerful story of the ongoing struggle of indigenous Americans in 20th-century United States and of its shift in focus from traditional battlefield and massacre sites to federal courtrooms and the halls of Congress. Mario Gonzalez has served as attorney for the Sioux Nation and Elizabeth Cook-Lynn is a Native American writer. Together their two voices will draw the reader into the continuing struggle of the Sioux people to achieve justice.

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Moonshine: Recipes * Tall Tales * Drinking Songs * Historical Stuff * Knee-Slappers * How to Make It * How to Drink It * Pleasin' the Law * Recoverin' the Next Day Review

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(More customer reviews)Well, this will be short... The book covers everything you'll need to know to make REAL hooch, moonshine, "licker", etc. Whichever you call it, you'll know exactly the needed materials and methods to get the job done. Being an experienced brewer, I can tell you there are some pretty good (thou basic) recipes as well that'll get you started off in the right direction. After learning the basics, you'll be ready to venture off on your own in the recipe department and create virtually anything you can dream up. And as a passing point, if you get tired of making that ole 'Mountain Dew' and need to get to town, you can put that 'ole pot distiller' to use feedin' your work truck too. Lastly, the author really knows what he's talking about since he rates the other brewin books on the market in the back of his book, and I'd have to agree with his reviews since I've read many of the others as well. Here's to the freedom to create the drinks you like and to the "spirits" that's kept America goin' since before George Washington fired up his own personal still.
Cheers!

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Eyewitness at Wounded Knee (Great Plains Photography) Review

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(More customer reviews)Was so inspired by the photographs in this book, I took it with me on one of my visits to Wounded Knee, to compare and photograph pictures from on or near the same place the photographer(s) did at that time, at the massacre site as well as the town itself.There are many pictures that I had not seen anywhere else in this book, and anyone interested in this place in history has got to have it. Textually very good as well.

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On a wintry day in December 1890, near a creek named Wounded Knee on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota, the Seventh Cavalry of the U.S. Army opened fire on an encampment of Sioux Indians. This assault claimed more than 250 lives, including those of many Indian women and children. The tragedy at Wounded Knee has often been written about, but the existing photographs have received little attention until now.Eyewitness at Wounded Knee brings together and assesses for the first time some 150 photographs that were made before and immediately after the massacre. Present at the scene were two itinerant photographers, George Trager and Clarence Grant Morelodge, whose work has never before been published. Accompanying commentaries focus on both the Indian and the military sides of the story. Richard E. Jensen analyzes the political and economic quagmire in which the Sioux found themselves after 1877. R. Eli Paul considers the army's role at Wounded Knee. John E. Carter discusses the photographers and also the reporters and relic hunters who were looking to profit from the misfortune of others.
For this Bison Books edition each image has been digitally enhanced and restored, making the photographs as compelling as the event itself. Heather Cox Richardson tells the story behind the endeavor to present a meaningful account of this significant historical event.

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Trail to Wounded Knee: The Last Stand of the Plains Indians 1860-1890 (National Geographic) Review

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(More customer reviews)When I first looked at this book I thought it would be either a white man's history of the American west or an apologists view of our failed Indian policies of the 19th century. But as I delved into it deeper, I was impressed with Herman Viola's knowledge and writing style. He is director of a Smithsonian division and uses his skills to write a history that is neither pro-imperialism nor apologetic. The Indian wars were a disgrace to American "foreign" policy but those of us living in the 21st century need an accurate account of them to allow us to come to terms with our own history.
Since National Geographic published the book there are plenty of maps and photographs to add life to the book. This is not a dry old history book but is meant to be read and used as reference for further research into the subject. It is a good companion to the Dee Brown classic "Bury my Heart at Wounded Knee" though I doubt the author really tried to dispell any points Dee Brown may have made. The Trail to Wounded Knee is an important book that provides insight into our past. For this reason anyone interested in Indian policy or 19th century American history should seriously consider reading this book.

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A meticulously researched, richly illustrated study chronicles the decimation of the Plains Indians and their culture over the course of a single generation, spanning three decades of warfare from 1860 to 1890, leading to the final massacre at Wounded Knee.

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Lost Bird Of Wounded Knee: Spirit Of The Lakota Review

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(More customer reviews)In December 1890 the United States of America massacred an unarmed band of Lakota men, women and children at Wounded Knee, South Dakota. Most of them were starving and many of them were very ill. They were cut down like prey in the bitter snows of the Badlands and it was a sad day for Human Beings, one of many days I can never get out of my heart. There was a tiny miracle that day. A little baby girl survived unharmed, protected were she fell, by the body of her murdered mother. She was taken in by other Lakota people but Brigadier General and future Assistant District Attorney of the United States, Leonard W. Colby kidnapped and then adopted the baby as a "living curio." This murderous, inhumane and corrupt man wanted a little souvenir so he stole a human being, a helpless infant, and ripped her away from her people and her culture. He exploited her to attract prominent tribes as clients of his law practice. His wife, Clara B. Colby, who later divorced him was a prominent suffragist and newspaper editor. She tried to give this little Lost Bird a stable home and she meant well but she could never replace the Lakota ways or help Lost Bird to fit in to an alien and inhumane world. Lost Bird, whose real name was Zintkala Nuni only lived to be 29 years old and her short life was filled with pain and degradation and tragedy. She suffered sexual abuse, violence, prostitution and rejection. She was a being caught between two worlds and accepted in neither. The author of this book has done a wonderful job of bringing this poignant story to light. She illustrates the atmosphere of the times and offers rich insight into the insidious racism of the America of that time. This is a story of not only the cruelty that was done to the Native peoples of this land but of the misogynous, unscrupulous and socially unjust attitudes and actions of the leaders and people of this country. It is a testiment to endurance, a chronicle of tragedy. In 1991 Zintkala Nuni was returned from her burial place in California to Wounded Knee on the Pine Ridge Reservation in the Badlands of South Dakota. She was buried with respect and ceremony among her people. Last summer I drove past the crowded impoverished homes to pay my respects to the people who died that day at Wounded Knee. I saw the harsh reality of the ancient gray hills of the Badlands with their ghostly beauty. I saw the offerings and prayer bundles in the burial grounds. I talked with two men selling souvenirs, trying to make a few dollars in a place where work is so hard to find. The arrogance and greed that murdered so many people, that stole a little girl from her people, that sought to cripple and defeat a powerful People is still alive and walking in the land but it has not succeeded. This book may help people to feel the injustice in their heart of hearts. It may illuminate our past and open our eyes to the injustice we still condone, many of us, with our silence. It is a powerful and moving story, well told.

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In The Shadow of Wounded Knee: The Untold Final Chapter of the Indian Wars Review

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(More customer reviews)The more you read about American history the more you come to realize the significance that so many obscure and long forgotten events had on the history of our nation. I have read about a great many such events over the past few years and this was a major reason that I was drawn to Roger DiSilvestro's new book "In The Shadow Of Wounded Knee". Certainly I had read about the tragic events that had taken place at Wounded Knee SD in that last week of December 1890. But I was totally clueless about the subsequent assassination of Lt. Edward Casey by a young Lakota warrier known as Plenty Horses and of the ambush and cold-blooded killing just days later of a middle-aged Lakota Indian known as Few Tails by three brothers named Culbertson. Both Plenty Horses and the Culbertson brothers would be accused of murder and be forced to stand trial. The outcomes of these trials were assumed to be a foregone conclusion but events were rapidly unfolding that had the potential to alter the outcomes of one or both of these trials.
There was much at stake for both the Lakota Indians and for the newly arrived ranchers and settlers.
Understanding just what was going on in the Dakotas during these troubled times would be extremely difficult without an understanding of the history of relations between the U.S. government and the Indian nations. In the first four chapters of "In The Shadow Of Wounded Knee" Roger DiSilvestro does a superb job of getting the reader up to speed on this checkered history. And so when these two unfortunate killings occur in January 1891 the reader is abundantly aware of the context in which this violence took place. At the same time you will be much more likely to understand the highly charged climate that surrounded each of these trials. If you are an avid reader of history like I am then "In The Shadow of Wounded Knee" will give you another little piece of the puzzle that will help you to understand just what was going on in the Plains as hostilities between the U.S. Army and the Indian nations were beginning to wind down. Clearly most Indian leaders could see the handwriting on the wall. "In The Shadow of Wounded Knee" is extremely well researched and very well written. My kudos to Roger DiSilvestro for a job well done. Highly Recommended.

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