Title: Black Elk Speaks: Being the Life Story of a Holy Man of the Oglala Sioux
Author: John G. Neihardt
First published January 1, 1932
270 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780803283855 (ISBN10: 0803283857)
Rating: 4.12
Overview
“Black Elk Speaks” is a timeless account of the life and visions of the Oglala Lakota visionary and healer, Nicholas Black Elk, during the tumultuous years of the late 1800s. Through John G.
Neihardt’s vivid storytelling, readers are transported back to a bygone era and offered a glimpse into the beliefs, traditions, and hardships of the Lakota people. Black Elk’s profound visions of unity and interconnectedness are as relevant today as they were a century ago, and this book has become a classic in its own right, transcending genres and inspiring readers of all backgrounds.
By sharing Black Elk’s experiences with the world, Neihardt has created a powerful and deeply moving testament to the human spirit.
About the Author
John Gneisenau Neihardt was an American author and poet who lived from 1881 to 1973. He was known for his works on the American West and Native American culture, including his epic poem “A Cycle of the West.” Neihardt’s writing was deeply influenced by his experiences living among indigenous communities and his interest in their traditions and spirituality.
He believed in the power of storytelling to convey important cultural and spiritual truths, and his work reflects this belief. Despite his success as a writer, Neihardt remained humble and committed to his craft throughout his life.
He is remembered as a dedicated and compassionate advocate for the preservation of Native American culture and history.
Editoral Review
Black Elk Speaks: Being the Life Story of a Holy Man of the Oglala Sioux by John G. Neihardt is a landmark book that was first published on January 1, 1932.
Neihardt, an American poet, writer, and ethnographer, wrote this book after interviewing a medicine man named Black Elk, who was one of the last surviving members of the Oglala Sioux tribe in South Dakota. The book tells the life story of Black Elk and provides a unique insight into the culture, traditions, and spirituality of the Native American people in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
This book is a work of historical and cultural significance, as it sheds light on the experiences of the Native American people during a time of rapid change and upheaval in the United States. It also highlights the struggles and triumphs of Black Elk, who witnessed the Battle of Little Bighorn, the massacre at Wounded Knee, and the forced relocation of his people onto reservations.
Black Elk Speaks is written in a poetic and evocative style that immerses the reader in the spiritual and mystical world of the Lakota people. Neihardt’s prose is elegant and lyrical, and he uses vivid imagery to bring Black Elk’s story to life.
The themes of the book are timeless and universal, including the search for meaning and purpose in life, the role of spirituality in human existence, and the importance of cultural traditions and values. The main character of the book is Black Elk, who is portrayed as a wise and humble man with a deep spiritual connection to the natural world.
Other important characters include Black Elk’s family members, fellow tribe members, and white settlers who interacted with the Lakota people. The setting of the book is the Great Plains region of the United States, which was home to many Native American tribes before the arrival of European settlers.
The conflicts in the book revolve around the clash of cultures and the struggle for survival that the Native American people faced as their way of life was threatened by the encroachment of settlers. Overall, Black Elk Speaks is a profound and thought-provoking book that offers a unique perspective on American history and culture.
While it is not without its flaws, including some inaccuracies and biases in Neihardt’s portrayal of the Lakota people, it is still a valuable and important book that deserves to be read and studied. Anyone who is interested in Native American history, spirituality, or cultural studies would benefit from reading this book.
It is also a great choice for those who appreciate elegant and poetic writing, as Neihardt’s prose is truly beautiful. I would give Black Elk Speaks a rating of 4 out of 5 stars, based on its literary and historical significance, its nuanced portrayal of Black Elk and his people, and its relevance to contemporary issues such as cultural identity and environmentalism.
