The Main Stalk: A Synthesis of Navajo Philosophy [Paperback]

John R. Farella (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1, 1990

"Although they are among the most studied people on earth, the Navajo possess a complex philosophy. . . . A valuable source for those deeply interested in the structure of the Navajo universe, its mythology, and its central concept of long life and happiness. —Masterkey

"This is a stimulating book. Essentially, it criticizes previous discussions of Navajo religion and philosophy for greatly underestimating their complexity and sophistication. . . . What the author discovers in Navajo thought is that the key concepts are interrelated in a grand, moral, ethical, philosophic, and cosmic unity." —American Anthropologist

"Discredits dualists, both non-Indian and Indian, who see simplistic oppositions of Good and Evil in Navajo culture and philosophy. The concept of walking in beauty, as related to the proper growth of the corn plant, unifies the book, and Farella does some impressive cross-cultural linguistic analysis to derive practical and ceremonial applications of these central Navajo metaphors. . . . This is one of the better books on Indian religion" —Choice

Editorial Reviews

From the Inside Flap

"Although they are among the most studied people on earth, the Navajo possess a complex philosophy. . . . A valuable source for those deeply interested in the structure of the Navajo universe, its mythology, and its central concept of long life and happiness. —Masterkey

"This is a stimulating book. Essentially, it criticizes previous discussions of Navajo religion and philosophy for greatly underestimating their complexity and sophistication. . . . What the author discovers in Navajo thought is that the key concepts are interrelated in a grand, moral, ethical, philosophic, and cosmic unity." —American Anthropologist

"Discredits dualists, both non-Indian and Indian, who see simplistic oppositions of Good and Evil in Navajo culture and philosophy. The concept of walking in beauty, as related to the proper growth of the corn plant, unifies the book, and Farella does some impressive cross-cultural linguistic analysis to derive practical and ceremonial applications of these central Navajo metaphors. . . . This is one of the better books on Indian religion" —Choice --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 221 pages
• Publisher: University of Arizona Press (July 1, 1990)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0816512108
• ISBN-13: 978-0816512102
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,163,403 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A unique, compelling book, September 25, 2001

By 

Ted Fernald (Swarthmore, PA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Main Stalk: A Synthesis of Navajo Philosophy (Paperback)

This is a wonderful introduction to the fundamental principles of Navajo philosophy. This is not a "New Age" book and it is not light reading, but it is clearly written. Navajo philosophy is quite complex. Imagine trying to explain the core of Aristotle's work to an audience that is completely ignorant of Western philosophy, and you will begin to appreciate the task that faced the author. The author does a fine job introducing the reader to Navajo philosophy and showing that Navajo assumptions about the universe, and our place in it, are compelling.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Solid discussion of Navajo concepts, November 13, 2009

By 

Michael Sullivan (Phoenix AZ) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Main Stalk: A Synthesis of Navajo Philosophy (Paperback)

I am prompted to write a review by the first reviewer's negative comments. This is, indeed, an academic book. It requires attention and thought of the reader but it is well written and not really very difficult to follow. The world view being discussed, however, is complex and not easily grasped by reading any one book. This is an excellent treatment of the subject which invites and expects the serious reader to work a bit for the rich reward it offers.

16 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Good luck!, May 19, 2000

By 

P. Batton (Houston, Texas) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Main Stalk: A Synthesis of Navajo Philosophy (Paperback)

If you hold a Ph.D. in anthropology or are looking for disertation material for your thesis, or just want to hold your own at academic cocktail parties, take a try at this book. However, it's NOT for the general reader---or even the above-general reader. I have tried several times to slug through the dry text which was obviously written to impress academia and the author himself. Even with a reasonbly high I.Q. and an advanced degree, I had trouble staying interested and understanding the material. There is little doubt this author is an expert in this subject; however, he missed a good opportunity to get the rest of us interested and to impart in a readable and understandable way the obviously vast knowledge which he holds. I'm very impressed at how well the author "showed off," but I would much rather have learned something more about this fascinating subject...which was the purpose of buying the book.