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3.94 AVERAGE
3.94 AVERAGE
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
sad
slow-paced
adventurous
informative
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
informative
sad
medium-paced
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-paced
informative
reflective
medium-paced
Review of "The Premier Edition": Black Elk relates details of his visions, personal and cultural history to Neihardt, through the English translation of Black Elk's son, and Neihardt's textual finesse, as necessary to be "heard" by a non-Native audience. This edition includes text notes and an excellent essay by Raymond L. DeMallie. DeMallie untangles Neihardt's prose from Black Elk's original transcripts and then uses his essay to explain and support Neihardt's respectful treatment of the material Black Elk gifts him with.
The book itself is a bit fragmented, and should be read as a heavily-handled biography, not the autobiography the first person narration would suggest. I found the parallels between Biblical prophecy vision tradition and Black Elk's vision fascinating.
The book itself is a bit fragmented, and should be read as a heavily-handled biography, not the autobiography the first person narration would suggest. I found the parallels between Biblical prophecy vision tradition and Black Elk's vision fascinating.
A fantastic window on the world of Native American culture, religious practice, and beliefs. As a 15-year-old reader, 22 years ago I was struck by the purity of spirit that transpires from Black Elk's recounts, and I fell in love with Native Americans. It did not last long, but I was touched. I remember this book as being the first one I read that made me wonder how many beautiful things reside within us.
Grandfather, Great Spirit, once more behold me on earth and lean to hear my feeble voice. You lived first, and you are older than all need, older than all prayer. All things belong to you --- the two-leggeds, the four-leggeds, the wings of the air and all green things that live. You have set the powers of the four quarters to cross each other. The good road and the road of difficulties you have made to cross; and where they cross the place is holy. Day in and day out, forever, you are the life of things.
Therefore I am sending a voice Great Spirit, my Grandfather, forgetting nothing you have made, the stars of the universe and the grasses of the earth.
You have said to me, when I was still young and could hope, that in difficulty I should send a voice four times, once for each quarter of the earth, and you would hear me.
Today I send a voice for a people in despair.
Therefore I am sending a voice Great Spirit, my Grandfather, forgetting nothing you have made, the stars of the universe and the grasses of the earth.
You have said to me, when I was still young and could hope, that in difficulty I should send a voice four times, once for each quarter of the earth, and you would hear me.
Today I send a voice for a people in despair.
Didn’t get back to it. Did read more than 20 pages, of course, because started with the preliminaries at the beginning, but was on page 20. Found it interesting. But once I put it down I didn’t pick it back up and I don’t know if/when I might in the future.