Customer Reviews

Diné: A History of the Navajos

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"Dine'" is the story of the largest Native American tribe/nation in North America. Peter Iverson's narrative takes us from the emergence of the Navajo in the Four Corners area of the Colorado Plateau to the very recent past. Along the way we learn about the Dine' origin stories, the archaeological evidence for how they may have interacted with the Puebloan peoples that they encountered on the Plateau, and their settlement in the area (Dinetah) bounded by the four sacred mountains. Iverson takes us through the oftimes traumatic interactions between the Dine' and the governments of Spain, Mexico, and the United States. He pays particular attention, as he should, to the Long Walk, when, in 1864, the Dine' were forcibly removed from their land and marched hundreds of miles to the east to Fort Sumner and the miserable "reservation" at Bosque Redondo, where thousands died. Four years later, having signed a treaty with the United States, the Dine' returned to Dinetah, sadly one of the few instances where displaced First Americans were able to reclaim their ancestral homeland.

The balance of Iverson's book involves the key developments that have occurred since the late nineteenth century, in particular the evolution of Navajo tribal government, the often stormy relationship with the United States, and the changes that the Dine' have undergone in the last hundred or more years. One theme that the author returns to again and again is the resilience of Dine' culture, and the ability of the Navajo to incorporate new cultural elements and people into their lifeways.

Iverson is not the most elegant of writers, but he does manage to get his points across. The book is amply illustrated with historic photographs, although it could use a few more maps. The photos by Monty Roessel provide a colorful (literally) counterpoint to Iverson's text, and are arranged in two groups, the first highlighting the land, and the second highlighting the people of Dinetah. This is a worthy volume for anyone interested in the people who are so closely associated with the land and the spectacular landscape of the Four Corners area.

My sister took a position in Chinle Arizona for the National Indian Health Service. I wanted to know and understand more about the culture and what to expect when I visited. I ran across this book and even though it is clearly a text book, I was more than pleased. It was easy to read, written by someone with a wicked sense of humor and very informative.

The history is facinating even though very disturbing in many respects. It is well balanced and worth the time.

Peter Iverson has one of the best ways of delivering the Navajo history to the public. He is a storyteller from way back and relates the History of the Navajos from the beginning to present day (1400's to present). A thoroughly interesting and entertaining way of presenting the Dine' story. If you are interested in Native American History, if you are interested in the History of the Navajo tribe in particular, then this is the book for you. They have a rich history and beautiful culture and it is easy to see (once you read the book) how they have survived and grown to 300,000 people overtime. It is absolutely amazing how they have become the largest Native American tribe in America.

I am a relocated Navajo, since 1956 to Ca. I never was "taught" my native culture. Because we lived in the "white man's world" I have since returned many times to my native homeland, hurt and lonely. I am now learning what was taken away from my soul. The Navajo. This book is another truth for me. Some of the stories are ones that my mother has told me. My grandfather was an infant during the long walk home.

I bought this book in order for my Granddaughter to learn about a part of her heritage that has never been explored. I highly reccommend anyone truly interested in learning about the Navajo Culture read this book!

The Dine are an ancient people, and I was looking forward to learning a bit of their long history and culture. I was disappointed to discover that only about 15 of 400 pages cover history prior to the Europeans showing up. And that first chapter on their long history feels incomplete and rushed. The rest of the book gives a quite detailed but dry recounting of their recent history.

I recently visited the Navajo Nation. I found this book to be very interesting and informative, giving me the history of the people and places I saw. Although it is used as a textbook, it is so interesting that I find it hard to put down. It is entertaining and an easy read. The photographs are great.

A coherent, cogent and lengthy history of the Navajos was much needed. Well worth purchasing and reading. The average American does not know much about our native peoples unfortunately. I wish all schools would really teach more authentic history so that every citizen can bring to bear pressure on Congress to help all tribes with their needs and problems. We are always giving to other people in far away places, while our own are neglected.

Professor Iverson uses a perfect research and writing technique that is second to none. His works are the best historical records of any in modern existence. He truly is a man who knows his history. He will never be forgotten as a superb author. As a Professor, he is the world's best.

This was a gift for someone else so I haven't actually read the book. I think it was recommended by a Native American source, so that is why I got it. My friend wishes to find out about her Navajo heritage.