Customer Reviews

The Main Stalk: A Synthesis of Navajo Philosophy

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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.

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.

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.