Black Elk Speaks
by John G Neihardt

Name: Black Elk Speaks
Brand: John G Neihardt
SKU: 9780871296153
Rating: 4.04 (615 reviews)

Black Elk Speaks Book Cover — Black Elk Speaks Cover

Highlights

Large Cast

Female

Adaptation

What readers are saying

Readers find 'Black Elk Speaks' a profound exploration of Native American culture and history, capturing the spirit and struggles of the Lakota Sioux. Many describe it as emotionally moving and a critical read that sheds light on historical injustices faced by indigenous peoples. The book is praised for its authentic voice and the deep spiritual insights of its protagonist, Black Elk.

Emotionally moving portrayalAuthentic Native American voiceInsightful historical perspectiveSome found it very sad

Synopsis

Named one of the ten best spiritual books of the twentieth century by Philip Zaleski of HarperSanFrancisco, Black Elk Speaks is the acclaimed story of Lakota visionary and healer Nicholas Black Elk (1863 1950) and his people during the momentous, twilight years of the nineteenth century.

Black Elk grew up in a time when white settlers were invading the Lakotas' homeland, decimating buffalo herds and threatening to extinguish the Lakotas' way of life.

Black Elk and other Lakotas fought back, a dogged resistance that resulted in a remarkable victory at the Little Bighorn and an unspeakable tragedy at Wounded Knee.

Beautifully told by the celebrated poet and writer John G. Neihardt, Black Elk Speaks offers much more than a life story.

Black Elk's profound and arresting religious visions of the unity of humanity and the world around him have transformed his account into a venerated spiritual classic.

Whether appreciated as a collaborative autobiography, a history of a Native American nation, or an enduring spiritual testament for all humankind, Black Elk Speaks is unforgettable.

This special edition features all three prefaces to Black Elk Speaks that John G. Neihardt wrote at different points in his life, a map of Black Elk's world, a reset text, a listing of Lakota words newly translated and reproduced using the latest orthographic standards, and color paintings by Lakota artist Standing Bear that have not been widely available for decades.