Customer Reviews

Wilderness man: The strange story of Grey Owl

5 star:		(0)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The fascinating story of Archie Belaney who later called himself Grey Owl and lived his life as a Canadian Indian. Although he was born in England and raised by his aunts he came, eventually to believe himself Indian not only as a child but later as an adult adopting the customs, speaking the language and living the life until I believe he no longer saw the difference. When, after having written some soul stirring books on life in the wilderness he was invited on a book and lecture tour in the early 20th century he complied unwillingly and traveled all over England and parts of Europe and gave remarkable talks which were loved by all. As usually happens his story was found out, he had never claimed to be other than Indian, and he was ridiculed. Having always been somehwat of an alcaholic his life fell apart and he died relatively young. He appeared a lonely man even when married and never seemed to be able to come out of himself except possibly when telling stories and his feelings towards his wife and animals. He was one of the first to publicise the plight of the natural world under the tyranical gaze of modern industrial society. A fascinating man and it makes one want to experience the feeling and sense of nature he so obviously had. Too bad most of his books are now out of print. Definitely worth reading.

Grey Owl was a man of mystery and speculation. Thought to be half Indian and standing up for the wilderness and Indian way of life. Later found out to be British. The author looks into Grey Owl's life (aka Archie Belany) with respect. He paints a story of a man who was always Grey Owl, but just happened to be born and raised in England.
Mr. Dickson also covers much of his life's detail after carefully reconstructing his life from many interviews. How Archie came to love the wild to seeing its distruction coming after his tour in Europe durring WWI. The story given is straight and also shows Grey Owl's many faults - from being a town trouble maker to bigamy.
The facts are well placed and in order with exerts from Grey Owl's books.

The fascinating story of Archie Belaney who later called himself Grey Owl and lived his life as a Canadian Indian. Although he was born in England and raised by his aunts he came, eventually to believe himself Indian not only as a child but later as an adult adopting the customs, speaking the language and living the life until I believe he no longer saw the difference. When, after having written some soul stirring books on life in the wilderness he was invited on a book and lecture tour in the early 20th century he complied unwillingly and traveled all over England and parts of Europe and gave remarkable talks which were loved by all. As usually happens his story was found out, he had never claimed to be other than Indian, and he was ridiculed. Having always been somehwat of an alcaholic his life fell apart and he died relatively young. He appeared a lonely man even when married and never seemed to be able to come out of himself except possibly when telling stories and his feelings towards his wife and animals. He was one of the first to publicise the plight of the natural world under the tyranical gaze of modern industrial society. A fascinating man and it makes one want to experience the feeling and sense of nature he so obviously had. Too bad most of his books are now out of print. Definitely worth reading.