Black Elk Speaks: Being the Life Story of a Holy Man of the Oglala Sioux [Paperback]

Nicholas Black Elk (Author), John G. Neihardt (Collaborator)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 2004

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

Editorial Reviews

From the Inside Flap

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.

Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: University of Nebraska Press; 3rd edition (November 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0803283857
• ISBN-13: 978-0803283855
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.3 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #27,341 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #10 in Books > Biographies & Memoirs > Ethnic & National > Native American
  • #49 in Books > History > Americas > Native American

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

37 of 37 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Literary Classic, American Classic,, August 1, 2005

By 

CNJ (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Black Elk Speaks: Being the Life Story of a Holy Man of the Oglala Sioux (Paperback)

I could not have read this book without then reading the original notes from which it was taken. "Black Elk Speaks" is a lovely piece of literature, but it is incomplete without the original notes, published as "The Sixth Grandfather: Black Elk's Teachings Given to John G. Neihardt." I admire Black Elk's ability to express universal philosophical insights. This book will be understood on many levels, but was meant to appeal to those seeking a mature contemplation on the great mystery of life.

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Refreshing challenge to mainstream ways of knowing, August 21, 2007

By 

Barbara Z. Johnson "Doctoral student in educa... (Duluth, MN USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Black Elk Speaks: Being the Life Story of a Holy Man of the Oglala Sioux (Paperback)

This book is quite difficult to read on many levels - but the challenge it presents to mainstream, American readers is worth stretching one's mind to encompass.

As with any written account of an oral presentation, it often seems as if it lacks polish. But its directness is part of its art. It is not a story told to entertain. It is a recounting of an important story and a vision unfulfilled, a factor that puzzles the sympathetic reader as much as it seemed to grieve Black Elk himself.

The value to many readers lies in hearing a different point of view no only on history but also on valid ways of knowing and thinking. As a counterpoint to European epistemology, this book is worth the effort to see the world through another set of eyes.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars In Depth Wisdom, February 18, 2008

By 

M. B. Jackson (Starkville, MS United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Black Elk Speaks: Being the Life Story of a Holy Man of the Oglala Sioux (Paperback)

This book is very different from many others that I have read about Native Americans. It feels as though Black Elk is there having a conversation with you. A very personal book. Provides valuable insights to life no matter what your ethnic background.