From the Deep Woods to Civilization: Chapters in the Autobiography of an Indian [Paperback]

Charles A. Eastman (Author), Raymond Wilson (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0803258739 | ISBN-13: 978-0803258730 | Publication Date: September 1, 1977

In an earlier book, Indian Boyhood, Charles Alexander Eastman (Ohiyesa) recounted the story of his traditional Sioux Childhood and youth. From the Deep Woods to Civilization, first published in 1916, continues the narrative, beginning with his abrupt entry into the mainstream of Anglo-American life in 1873 at the age of fifteen. Eastman went on to become one of the best known educated Indians of his time, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree from Dartmouth in 1887 and a medical degree from Boston University in 1890. From his first job as physician at Pine Ridge Agency, where he witnessed the events that culminated in the Wounded Knee massacre, he devoted his life, both in and out of government service, to helping his fellow Indians adapt to the white world while retaining the best of their own culture.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This stimulating book is one of the few that really deserve the over-worked term, a human document."

About the Author

Raymond Wilson, a professor of history at Fort Hays State University and author of Ohiyesa: Charles Eastman, Santee Sioux (1983), discusses Eastman's life and work in his introduction to this Bison Books edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 230 pages
• Publisher: University of Nebraska Press (September 1, 1977)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0803258739
• ISBN-13: 978-0803258730
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 5.3 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #572,857 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Autobiography of Ohiyesa, February 3, 2002

By 

W. Lambdin "Two Bears" (Ellensburg, WA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: From the Deep Woods to Civilization: Chapters in the Autobiography of an Indian (Paperback)

If you have read the writings of Ohiyesa (Charles Alexander Eastman); I HIGHLY recommend this book to you.

It helped me understand the forces that shaped this man.

My favorite areas are

The assorted photos of his father "Many Lightnings", his wife, his son Ohiyesa at the age of 5.

Events that occured while he was attending school in the East, and the bigotry he encountered from "SOME" white people.

Events where he served as a medical doctor on the Pine Ridge reservation, and caring for the survivors of the Wounded Knee masacre in 1890.

Events where he traveled among various indian nations to get items used by indians for museums.

Events where he worked with the Boy Scouts and Campfire Girls.

And much more.

If this book is your introduction to the writings of Ohiyesa; I would recommend that your next purchase would be "The Soul Of The Indian".

Wah doh Ogedoda (We give thanks Great Spirit)

14 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars From the deep woods to civilization, June 3, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: From the Deep Woods to Civilization: Chapters in the Autobiography of an Indian (Paperback)

There are certainly not enough autobiographies of Native Americans, and few that can compare with Eastman's story and journey to find civilization. As Eastman follows Christianity and the White Man's Civilization, he finds himself realizing the paradox of the two worlds. Upon returning to a more civilized world, he gives a captivating look at how Jesus was an Indian and how different the White world and Native American world was during his life. A perfect self-enlightenment book.