Grey Owl: The Many Faces of Archie Belaney [Hardcover]

Jane Billinghurst (Author), Donald B. Smith (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1999

Both a love letter to nature and a story of incredible deception, this book relates the story of Archie Belaney, a man born into an affluent British family who passed himself off to the world as a Native American.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 150 pages
• Publisher: Kodansha America; illustrated edition edition (September 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1568362935
• ISBN-13: 978-1568362939
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 6.5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,272,800 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

52 of 52 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Two books in one. Beautifully illustrated., July 26, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Grey Owl: The Many Faces of Archie Belaney (Hardcover)

It has been said, "one cannot judge a book by it's cover", however, we must also keep in mind that there are no absolutes as this book is a story which is depicted, in large measure, by the cover. Sensitive, warm, and poetic presentation of the life and contributions of Grey Owl. The photos exceptional in quality, and accurate as to life and times of the era. These are real people, places, and times that were a part of North American history. The manner in which sayings and aspects of Grey Owl are available as the story unfolds are done in such a manner I think you get two books for the price of one. I read the book from cover to cover the first time then re-read the white pages only, and then followed by reading the tan colored pages. Either way it is easy, fast, and enjoyable. I think the author did an excellent job in demonstrating the efforts of Grey Owl. He was an interesting fellow who had a vision and purpose in life which is so unique that a major moving picture has been make about him as well as four documantaries. Jane Billinghurst has created a work which makes possible an interpretation of the content, by the reader, as it is a factual and well documented treatise. There have been several books published about Grey Owl, in my opinion this is, like the Land of Shadows (Don Smith), is a must read for a deeper appreciation of this most remarkable fellow, Grey Owl.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Well Written Account of an Incredible Life, May 23, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Grey Owl: The Many Faces of Archie Belaney (Hardcover)

This is a wonderful book. Well researched and balanced. Jane Billinghurst tells the story of Archie B. and I could not put it down. Other's have borrowed it and have praised it also. I am off to check out what else Billinghurst has written!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Masterpiece on Man and Nature, February 28, 2003

By 

riccotto "riccotto" (Vienna, Austria) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Grey Owl: The Many Faces of Archie Belaney (Hardcover)

Beautifully -- in places lyrically -- written, this small volume makes a compelling case for preservation of the natural beauty that once prevailed throughout North America, and which now has become all too rare. Never straying far from her main theme (the life of Grey Owl), Jane Billinghurst draws us into the passion and dedication of her subject, leading us reflect on environmental questions not as dry policy issues, but as ones that can relate to an almost spiritual connection between the individual and his natural surroundings. Must reading for historians, environmentalists, and those with an interest in Canada, this insightful book is thoroughly rewarding for the general reader as well. Very highly recommended.