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Summary:
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 Customer Rating:
Spectacular
Customer Rating:
A must have for any anthropology student, historian, or light worker. Beautifully translated and easy to read.
The Power is in the Understanding
Customer Rating:
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 of its message. I believe Black Elk's motivation in participating in the interviews, which this book captures, is his desire to share with all people the truth of what happened to him and his people, and the truth of what his spiritual lessons offer.
He wants to empower everyone through understanding. The Power is in the Understanding.
Most review's I've read on this book fall primarily into two camps: "Scholastic" (this is a great work of history / theology) or "Unappreciative" (I don't understand why anyone would want to read this).
This book is a verbatim (edited for presentation I assume) dictation of interviews with Black Elk. So, this is not a book read for "entertainment". However, as a historical documentation it cannot be replaced.
This is a must-read for anyone interested in Theology and/or Native American studies.
Black Elk Speaks
Customer Rating:
It's nice to read a book these days that's actually well written. Easy to read. Love Black Elk's sense of humor!
New book looks used
Customer Rating:
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.
A wise and interesting read.
Customer Rating:
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 by people not of that ethnicity, I think this book gives readers something that the others don't. A look into the lives of Native Americans through their eyes. Real, flawed, but genuine. While many might think that Black Elk may despise the white man for his ways and the treatment of his people, there is a great understanding that underlies his words that displays a great respect for his fellow man regardless of skin color. Neihardt and Black Elk were kindred spirits and this comes through. In the end, like Chief Seattle said before him, Black Elk serves to remind readers of man's connection to the earth and to one another.
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