In a Sacred Manner I Live: Native American Wisdom [Paperback]

Neil Philip (Editor)

Book Description

Age Level: 10 and up | Grade Level: 5 and up

A collection of Native American speeches and excerpts, from the 17th century to the present day.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 6 Up. A standard compilation of Native American oratory and photographs. Making heavy use of Edward S. Curtis's sepia-tone prints, this handsome book presents little new in comparison to earlier titles, such as T. C. McLuhan's Touch the Earth (S & S, 1976). Indeed, the formats and content of both books are very similar. There are a few less-commonly featured quotations here, but most are familiar passages from such heavily quoted speakers as Black Elk, Sitting Bull, Seattle, etc. Speakers are predominantly from western tribes, as are the photos. Generally, the photos reflect the nations of the speakers, or, at least, their cultural type or region. However, they don't always complement the prose. While a quote from Black Elk features a photo of the Lakota visionary and Arapaho songs are flanked by Arapaho dancers, Shawnee oratory is incongruously paired with photos of Paiute prophet Wovoka and a Sioux woman. Such inconsistencies mar the book's effect. Documentation and brief background notes for both text and photos are solid, with individual speakers identified by name and tribe. Sources are given, and there are indexes by tribe and speaker. A useful compilation only if similar collections are not available.?Lisa Mitten, University of Pittsburgh, PA
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

From Booklist

Gr. 4 and up. Part of the power of this handsome book comes from the words of Native American men and women, who speak on peace and war, true teachings and false ones, visions of the sacred path and betrayal in certain situations, the changing seasons, and much more. The carefully chosen words are those of such leaders as Black Elk, Geronimo, Chief Seattle, Sitting Bull, Cochise, and Tecumseh--more than 30 in all. Another element lending vitality and spirit to the book is from the powerful images of the people, captured in sepia-toned photos by Edward Curtis, John Alvin Anderson, Anita Alvez de Williams, Laura Gilpin, David F. Barry, and others. Many of the photos date back to the late 1800s, but some are as recent as 1979. Speakers are identified, along with their tribal affiliation, and the context of the speech is given. Taken together the words and pictures convey a sense of Indian consciousness. Many of the pieces are excellent for reading aloud. A strong companion piece is Philip's Earth Always Endures: Native American Poetry (1996), a collection of poetry, songs, and prayers. Bibliography; sources for text and photos; useful indexes, arranged by speakers and Indian nations. Karen Morgan --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 10 and up
  
• Paperback: 96 pages
• Publisher: Sandpiper (October 17, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0618604839
• ISBN-13: 978-0618604838
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 7.5 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,658,860 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #47 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Teens > Science & Technology > Ecology

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars In a Sacred Manner I Live, March 25, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: In a Sacred Manner I Live: Native American Wisdom (Hardcover)

This thoughtful work contains speeches by Native Americans on topics such as wisdom, our relationship to the earth, and other sacred subjects. Beautiful photographs of Native Americans are included. A peaceful read.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good Quotations for students of Native Americans, February 1, 2005

By 

Lynn Ellingwood "The ESOL Teacher" (Webster, NY United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: In a Sacred Manner I Live: Native American Wisdom (Hardcover)

This is a great book to use in the classroom for Native American units. The photographs are by the famous Edward S. Curtis. The quotes are from famous Native Americans trying to clarify their religious/ cultural beliefs to the US government and public. It makes for an extraordinary, moving experience for students and teachers. A great book to share.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best short volume available, August 28, 2010

By 

An older Mom - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: In a Sacred Manner I Live: Native American Wisdom (Hardcover)

This is the best short compendium of Native American wisdom available, with excerpts from many sources interspersed with moving pictures. It is excellent both for the reader exploring Native American literature for the first time and for those immersed in the thought. The entries chosen for this work encourage further reading, such as Black Elk Speaks, which might be too long as an intro to the area. I have given the book as a gift many times and will continue to do so.