Product ReviewsBlack Elk Speaks : The Complete Edition by John G. Neihardt (2014, Trade Paperback)

Neihardt took justifiable liberties?

Recommend getting this complete edition because it includes annotations by R. DeMallie. He reviewed the interview transcript and shows the reader the significant differences between the transcript and the book text. I applaud Neihardt for writing this book but found myself taking issue with some of his (poetic and otherwise)license. Some of it serves and some of it doesn't. Becoming aware of the deviations from the transcript, my impression was that Neihardt often wrote with a sort of implied or intuited sentiment that may often indeed have been Black Elks', but not necessarily. Perhaps Neihardt felt enough of "one-mind" with Black Elk that these liberties were justified, to himself and to the reader. And maybe it's best this way.

At any rate, this work gives the reader an important sense of the tremendous loss and heartbreak experienced by the native peoples in the early building of the US. Also some sense of the mutual tribalism and tendency toward violence characteristic of both Europeans and Natives. In a way, it was a monumental conflict set up and just waiting to happen.Read full review...

Wonderful Read

This was recommend to me by a friend who knew I was extremely interested in my forefathers way of life. I find it to be a very informative book and I am enjoying the read. I recommend "Black Elk Speaks" very highly. It does give one a view of the American Indian's life style.Read full review...

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Poignant

A well compiled, first-hand account of a Native American warrior & medicine man who did his best to preserve the history of his people in the aftermath of the destruction of their culture.

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This Speaks to me.

While it is easier for me to read the previous versions, I do like the additional appendices and photographs.
The ledger drawings are also reproduced much more clearly in this edition.
I only wish there were a hardcover edition.Read full review...

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Epic

Studied this great piece in the 1960's at the University of Iowa. Just as interesting and meaningful today as it was then, if not moreso given societies' "neo-woke" culture. Truly a worthwhile read.

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History

Excellent historical book, and very readable. A sad but important part of the evolution ofAmerica.

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Native American Informed

I love the information about the history and the belief system of the Native Americans.

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very interesting story

Very good condition

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: second.sale