This book is the center of a very personal story. I read it and found it remarkable in its philosophy, the way it examines Indigenous religions without lending itself to New Age or Plastic Shaman nonsense. Vinson Brown had an accurate and insightful comprehension of the theology of the holy men he lived with, such as Frank Fools Crow and others. At times in his life, Indian holy people would set their own pipes aside at ceremonies when Vinson's was unbundled, in reverent deference to his authenticity. I found myself urgently wanting to know more. Years ago, I did something bizarre--I called the publisher and asked how to speak with Vinson Brown. I was told that he had passed away about a week or so earlier. I was discouraged until they told me that his son-in-law, a wonderful Miq'mak Indian man, was tyhere and would I like to speak with him? That man was Lionel Pinn Little Eagle, and he became one of my dearest friends. I illustrated Lionel's book, Greengrass Pipe Dancers, and Lionel was one of my groomsmen and conducted the sweatlodge ceremony for me before my wedding 11 years ago.
I realize people are unlikely to find these details helpful in a book review, but it's seldom tjhat I am able to review a book in such a way that goes beyond an assessment of its scholarship and content, and remark on the personal impact it's had. Vinson Brown was on to something.