The Hopi Survival Kit: The Prophecies, Instructions and Warnings Revealed by the Last Elders (Compass) [Paperback]

Thomas E. Mails (Author)

Book Description

Series: Compass | Publication Date: July 1, 1997

Presents the entire range of Hopi prophecy and spiritual instruction while preparing people for the hard times ahead by explaining how to recognize and understand these expected events. Reprint."

Product Details

• Paperback: 400 pages
• Publisher: Penguin (Non-Classics) (July 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0140195459
• ISBN-13: 978-0140195453
• Product Dimensions: 6.9 x 5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 2.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (28 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #156,531 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #70 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > Other Practices > Tribal & Ethnic
  • #79 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > Earth-Based Religions > Native American

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

125 of 140 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Whose review matters most? The Hopi's. They pan it., July 4, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Hopi Survival Kit: The Prophecies, Instructions and Warnings Revealed by the Last Elders (Compass) (Paperback)

I read this book in preparation for a three and a half day trip to Hopiland a couple of years ago. What an eye-opening surprise. Thomas Mails has an awkward, rushed quality to his text, but I forgave him for stylistic rough spots in light of the urgency of his message that Hopi prophecy must come to light. How do the Hopi respond? With groans. With anger and resentment. I spoke to at least a dozen Hopi, all of whom consider Mails an intruder, one who invaded their culture and plundered it for his own profit and professional advancement. 'There's a pattern to what he does,' they pointed out. 'Mails finds a so-called 'last living repository' of traditional wisdom, interviews him and presents this material as speaking for the whole tribe.' Dan Evahema is one, and there are others who have been the sources of Mails' wanderings. Dan Evahema did not hold a position of authority among the Hopi; he just happened to be available for the interview. There are clan distinction which Mails does not recognize in his book which mean quite a lot to the Hopi, who in fact don't wish these clan distinctions to be anybody else's reading material in the first place. I wasn't prepared for the thoroughly disgusted reaction to this book among every single Hopi I met. 'Nuff said. It reminds me of Vine DeLoria's point at the end of chapter one of _Custer Died For Your Sins_, in which he says he would like to see a cultural leave-us-alone treaty.

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars From a friend of Chief Dan Evemhema, March 31, 2007

By 

Bear Clan Woman (Arizona) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Hopi Survival Kit: The Prophecies, Instructions and Warnings Revealed by the Last Elders (Compass) (Paperback)

Regardless of writing style, as a Native American woman who practiced her Medicine on Third Mesa in Hopi for years I assure anyone who wishes to find the true Prophesies will find them in this book bearing Dan Evemhema's signature. Strictly for profit books on the subject, however beautifully written would not contain such pure renditions of the Prophecies, as strictly for profit books on the subject are not a part of Hopi Religious Culture. Don't be fooled. The Elders were very aware.

33 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Don't be put off., September 3, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: The Hopi Survival Kit: The Prophecies, Instructions and Warnings Revealed by the Last Elders (Compass) (Paperback)

Dont be put off by the other reviews, they disuade you from reading an extreemly important message just because the style of writing isn't to their taste. Read it yourself and make your own judgement, i found the book very inspiring and enjoyed reading it.

As for Mails being regarded as an outsider and not speaking for the hopi, the reader should have read the book more closely as this issue is addressed in the book. No one Hopi could ever speak for all of them, as their views are so divided. Thomas Mails and Dan Evehema are traditionalists who are trying to pass on an ancient message. The progressives may not like this, or the book, but they can have their opinion, and you can have yours. This book will help you make up your own mind.

I agree that the style of writing was difficult, but i feel the content is far more important. If only more people in the world listened to the message the book conveys, i believe it would be a better place.

Read the book, don't be put off by those who try to dissuade you.