Autobiography of Red Cloud: War Leader of the Oglalas [Paperback]

R. Eli Paul (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 1997

Red Cloud was the only Native American leader ever to win a war against the United States Army. Here, for the first time in print, is Red Cloud's "as-told-to" autobiography in which he shares the story of his early years.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

The first biography in many years of Sioux chief Red Cloud was Robert Larson's Red Cloud (LJ 4/1/97). Now comes Red Cloud's autobiography. Editor Paul, the historian of the Nebraska State Historical Society, recounts the strange twists of fate that overtook this document. In 1893, Red Cloud was encouraged to give an account of his life, which was then recorded by others. The manuscript was given to Addison Sheldon, then director of the Nebraska State Historical Society, who did nothing with it except have it copied in 1932 by his assistant, Mari Sandoz. Because of its obscure background, its ending in the early 1860s, and the negative images of Red Cloud (Sandoz, for instance, cast him as a villain in her Crazy Horse, published in 1942), the manuscript continued to languish. The autobiography is an exciting glimpse of the life of the Plains Indians before their defeat and removal to reservation life. Worthy reading for both scholarly and lay readers.?Charles V. Cowling, Drake Memorial Lib., Brockport, N.Y.
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From the Back Cover

Red Cloud was the only Native American leader ever to win a war against the United States Army. Here, for the first time in print is Red Cloud's 'as-told-to' autobiography in which he shares the story of his early years.

Product Details

• Paperback: 222 pages
• Publisher: Montana Historical Society Press; 1st edition (January 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0917298500
• ISBN-13: 978-0917298509
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #524,741 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A valued mirror to the world of the culture, nation & man., May 8, 2000

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Autobiography of Red Cloud: War Leader of the Oglalas (Paperback)

The story of the rediscovery of The Autobiography Of Red Cloud is told in the introduction. Though much edited, the narrative derives from talks between Red Cloud and Samuel Deon, an old trader friend, recounted to Charles Allen, contemporary postmaster at Pine Ridge. The Autobiography Of Red Cloud spans the life experiences of Red Cloud up to 1865-66, the time when the Oglala chose the war path against whites. Written in the third person and otherwise heavily edited, The Autobiography Of Red Cloud tells much of Oglala life and war practices prior to 1865. These reminiscences detail Red Cloud's experience in war with his Tribe's traditional enemies - Shoshones, Pawnees, Arikaras, Arapaho, and Crow. A vivid picture of Lakota plains life at the height of glory days emerges. The high regard for honorable battle with a worthy adversary, the daily and seasonal patterns and activities of the tribe and many daring exploits establish the foundation for Red Cloud's well deserved reputation as war leader. A picture of a shrewd, astute man with uncanny timing emerges. Also delineated like a war bonnet is the habit of command, not always easily held among the Lakota. Another of Red Cloud's demonstrated skills is the ability to analyze a natural setting and then use it to tactical advantage, as well as to predict the plans and moves of his enemy. The sometimes close relationship between enemy tribes is richly described or inferred. To read The Autobiography Of Red Cloud is to have some experience of that 200 plus year old life of the Plains Indians - hunting buffalo, riding and stealing horses, following the game in season, etc. that so briefly held full flower before white settlement took over. In the aftermath even today, it will be a valuable mirror to the world of the culture, the nation, and the man.

Nancy Lorraine Reviewer

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good Portrait of a Brave and Intelligent Warrior., May 16, 2003

By 

"politicalnut" (Naperville, IL United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Autobiography of Red Cloud: War Leader of the Oglalas (Paperback)

This is quick read, but well worth it. On occasion the editor lacks detail, but the content is very useful for anyone seeking a greater grasp of life as an Oglalas Sioux.

5.0 out of 5 stars Love this Book, September 28, 2011

By 

Joyce Little White Dove (Blythe, Ca USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Autobiography of Red Cloud: War Leader of the Oglalas (Paperback)

The Story is more personal in this book. Loved wedding ceremony of Red Cloud and Pretty Owl were married. It is another good one for my Family tree.

Thank you
Joyce