Neil Philip brings together 60 chants, prayers and songs in Earth Always Endures: Native American Poems. Often haiku-like in their spareness, the quietly magnificent poems sing of war, love, the land and animals: they do not seem to have been chosen for children in particular. This is a fine and serious collection of a largely unrecorded poetic tradition. Over 40 of Edward S. Curtis's (1868-1952) elegant duotone photographs of Native Americans accompany the text.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal
Grade 7 Up-The eloquent words of the Sioux, Chippewa, Zuni, Navajo, and other native nations echo throughout this powerful collection of Native American poetry. Many of the poems are prayers to the heavens and gods, lullabies, or ceremonial dances. It is easy to understand the Native Americans' oneness with the Earth through these brief, but emotional, passages. Few words are needed; some of the poems have as little as three (the book's title is an entire Mandan lyric). But the words are carefully chosen and masterfully translated. The honesty of spirit reflected in this collection is intimately enhanced by stunning sepia-tone photographs. Many are portraits, quiet, yet brimming with inner wisdom, depicting the joys and pride of warriors and wives. When strength and silence come together so effortlessly, as they do in this volume, it is a true treasure.
Sharon Korbeck, Waupaca Area Public Library, WI
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.
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