The Manitous: Supernatural World of the Ojibway, The [Paperback]

Basil Johnston (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 7, 1996

These are the stories of the manitous--the spirits who inhabit the supernatural world of the Ojibway (the Native American tribe of the Great Lakes and central Canada region). Harvested by an eminent expert from an ancient oral tradition, these sacred stories introduce wily tricksters, fearsome giants, timorous tree spirits, seductive maidens, and wise grandmothers. Here, a coward masquerading as a hero becomes one; a powerful warrior is riled and routed by a younger sibling with a gift for dancing and disguises; and the ever-hungry evil weendigos--evil manitous--haunt the land. In spellbinding and hypnotic fashion, the creation and flood legends are told, and the origin stories of corn, spruce, and tobacco are revealed. Comic, erotic, dramatic, and tragic, these engrossing tales are a window into the heart of an ancient culture, an important contribution to Native American literature, and a fascinating source of spiritual guidance for the many followers of New Age mysticism.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

In this latest effort, Ojibway scholar and writer Johnston continues his fine series of writings about his people (Ojibway Tales, Univ. of Nebraska Pr., 1993) and his experiences (Indian School Days, Univ. of Toronto Pr., 1988). Manitous are spiritual beings who have aided the Ojibway people since the world was created. Working roughly chronologically according to when the various manitous appeared in Ojibway history, Johnston begins with the creators, then follows the exploits of the half-human, half-manitou spiritual helpers of the Ojibway people. Each helper was the originator of a key aspect of Ojibway culture, such as strength, dancing, and music. Other categories of manitous prey upon evil-doing humans who disrespect the natural world. While his book is readable in the manner of mythology, giving a glimpse of these important beings, Johnston warns that this is only a sampling of their activities. A preface and introduction put these stories in historical and cultural context, and a detailed glossary is handy to keep the many manitous straight. Recommended for public libraries.?Lisa A. Mitten, Univ. of Pittsburgh Lib.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Booklist

Ethnologist Johnston bridges several worlds in this book that is both exemplary original scholarship and a delightfully, even charmingly written set of stories that, although written for adults, can be appreciated by those of any age, for, based in oral tradition, they read as if they have voices. From his own cultural heritage, that of the Ojibway (who are called, by themselves, Anishiaubae, and by later American settlers, Chippewa), Johnston has gathered scores of tales of manitous, the spirits that are both elemental forces and divinities. In these pages we encounter Kitchi-Manitou, the genderless divine force, and Muzu-Kummik-Quae, the earth-mother, as well as the fearsome cannibal Weendigo. Many of their stories are recorded here for the first time, which by itself makes this a valuable addition to collections of Native American spirituality. Meanwhile, the wit and ease with which Johnston writes make it a good selection for general reading collections, too. Patricia Monaghan --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Harper Perennial (August 7, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0060927356
• ISBN-13: 978-0060927356
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.7 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,292,555 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent reading!, April 6, 2000

By 

"[e-mail]" (Seattle, WA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Manitous: Supernatural World of the Ojibway, The (Paperback)

This book is written in such a way to document the historical value and so interestingly you don't even realize you are learing all along the way. I found the book accurate as to the stories as I remember the old people telling them.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful, April 24, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Manitous: The Spiritual World Of The Ojibway (Native Voices) (Paperback)

Basil Johnson is a master story teller and writer. The legends are all deeply meaningful. He really transmits the spirit of the Anishinaubae in a vivid way. I hope he writes down a lot more of these haunting legends and that his hopes for the recovery of the Anishinaubae language and cultural traditions come to full realization.

5.0 out of 5 stars Ojibway worldview, February 26, 2011

By 

mariachi - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Manitous: The Spiritual World Of The Ojibway (Native Voices) (Paperback)

Fantastic book including primary sources about the Ojibway world view. If you like books about myths and legends, you'll enjoy this. If you like books about religions, you'll enjoy this. If you like books about other cultures, you'll enjoy this.