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by: John G. Neihardt
Binding: Paperback
Dewey Decimal Number: 978.0049752440092
EAN: 9780803283855
ISBN: 0803283857
Label: Bison Books
Manufacturer: Bison Books
Number Of Items: 1
Number Of Pages: 320
Publication Date: November 01, 2004
Publisher: Bison Books
Sales Rank: 71546
Studio: Bison Books
Related Items:
Editorial Review:
Product Description:
Black Elk Speaks is the story of the Lakota visionary and healer Nicholas Black Elk (1863-1950) and his people during the momentous twilight years of the nineteenth century. Black Elk met the distinguished poet, writer, and critic John G. Neihardt (1881-1973) in 1930 on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota and chose Neihardt to tell his story. Neihardt understood and conveyed Black Elk’s experiences in this powerful and inspirational message for all humankind.
When Black Elk received his great vision, white settlers were invading the Lakotas’ homeland, decimating buffalo herds, and threatening to extinguish the Lakotas’ way of life. The Lakotas fought fiercely to retain their freedom and way of life, a dogged resistance that resulted in a remarkable victory at the Little Bighorn and an unspeakable tragedy at Wounded Knee. Black Elk Speaks offers much more than a precious glimpse of a vanished time, however. As related by Neihardt, Black Elk’s searing visions of the unity of humanity and the earth have made this book a venerated spiritual classic. Whether appreciated as the poignant tale of a Lakota life, a history of a Native nation, or an enduring spiritual testament, Black Elk Speaks is unforgettable.
This new edition features two additional essays by John G. Neihardt that further illuminate his experience with Black Elk; an essay by Alexis Petri, great-granddaughter of John G. Neihardt, that celebrates Neihardt’s remarkable accomplishments; and a look at the legacy of the special relationship between Neihardt and Black Elk, written by Lori Utecht, editor of Knowledge and Opinion: Essays and Literary Criticism of John G. Neihardt.
For more information on John G. Neihardt, visit www.neihardt.com
Customer Reviews
Average Rating: 
Rating:  - Spectacular
A must have for any anthropology student, historian, or light worker. Beautifully translated and easy to read.
Rating: - The Power is in the Understanding
The Power is in the Understanding
The "meaning" of this book is summarized by Black Elk himself when he says, and repeats, toward the end of the book "The power is in the Understanding". He is explaining how it was decided that he should share with the rest of his tribe a vision he has been entrusted with. They develop a ritual dance, which acts out his vision. In this manner, the entire tribe participates in the communication of this vision, and hopefully results in understanding ... Read More
Rating: - Black Elk Speaks
It's nice to read a book these days that's actually well written.
Easy to read. Love Black Elk's sense of humor!
Rating:  - New book looks used
I purchased this new, and expected it to be sealed. Not only was it not sealed, but a couple of pages were folded. I would have returned this item. However, I bought this as a gift and was on a timeline. I also purchased a new CD which came in a busted case. I have always trusted Amazon, and been very satisfied in the past.
Very disappointed.
Rating: - A wise and interesting read.
I have to disagree with some people's assessment of this title. I found this book to be very insightful and very intimate in nature. I suppose for non-fiction I do tend to a have preference for books that have an approachable, if not conversational style. And that is really what this feels like. Black Elk recounts his life and spiritual experience with beautiful imagery that proves to be quite profound in its simplicity. While the Native American culture is highly romanticized through many works ... Read More
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