American Indian Quotations [Hardcover]

Howard J. Langer (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0313291217 | ISBN-13: 978-0313291210 | Publication Date: June 30, 1996 | Edition: 2nd Pntg.

The first book of American Indian quotations, this volume offers 800 quotations covering more than four centuries of American life. The quotations include the words of warriors, poets, politicians, doctors, lawyers, athletes, and others. Arranged chronologically, they enable one to follow the history of American Indians since Columbus through the words of those who lived through centuries of despoilment, disease, and death. Putting real people into the tragedy that has been the story of Indian life, the book includes quotes not only about historic incidents, but also of Indian views on education, values, ecology, family, and religion. There is humor as well as quotations of defiance, war, and bloodshed. The language is rich and colorful, always moving.

The book provides brief biographical information on those quoted, including both contemporary and historical figures. The material is cross-referenced with subject, key word, author, and tribal indexes. The work is a reference book, a history book, and a resource for speakers and educators.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Among their hundreds of pages, standard quotation books only include a few quotations from Native Americans, and the ones they include about Native Americans are often the same old derogatory sayings. Many other Native Americans besides Geronimo, Chief Joseph, Seattle, Sitting Bull, and Tecumseh have spoken profound words or written great thoughts. Users of this resource will become acquainted with many other Native Americans. Charles Curtis, Larry Echohawk, Ishi, Susan LaFlesche Picotte, Tatanga Mani, Grace Thorpe, and Annie Dodge Wauneka are among the more than 200 Native Americans who speak forth, cry out, and share their cultures. This book contains almost 800 quotations from the sixteenth century to the present; the number of contemporary quotations included is significant. Arrangement is chronological by speaker. U.S. Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell was selected for inclusion, as were Dennis Banks, Russell Means, and prizewinning authors Michael Dorris and Louise Erdrich. The source for each quotation is given (page numbers are not, however). Although the sources are varied, quite a few are modern books by major publishers. Smaller presses are also represented, as are literary and other magazines. A small section at the end of the book contains anonymous quotations, prayers, and proverbs.

A sentence or two of biographical information is provided for each author, and his or her tribe is identified immediately before the quotations. Black-and-white portraits are provided for 22 of the people. There are three indexes: author, subject and keyword, and tribe. Necessary cross-references are given in the author and tribe indexes.

Patrons at public, secondary-school, and academic libraries need to hear the voices of these Native Americans. They will be informed, enlightened, and enriched by this source.

Review

?This book contains almost 800 quotations from the sixteenth century to the present; the number of contemporary quotations is significant...Patrons at public, secondary-school, and academic libraries need to hear the voices of these Native Americans. They will be informed, enlightened, and enriched by this source.?-Booklist/Reference Books Bulletin

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 288 pages
• Publisher: Greenwood; 2nd Pntg. edition (June 30, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0313291217
• ISBN-13: 978-0313291210
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 6.4 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,430,755 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)