Manitous: The Spiritual World Of The Ojibway (Native Voices) (Paperback)

~ (Author)
Key Phrases: old raven, Brown Beaver, South Wind, Mother Earth (more...)

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: 271 pages
• Publisher: Minnesota Historical Society Press (September 15, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0873514114
• ISBN-13: 978-0873514118
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.2 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #438,248 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 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

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.

3.0 out of 5 stars A bit "westernized", September 15, 2008

By	just me - See all my reviews

I bought this as a spur of the moment gift for a friend who is Ojibwa and he said it was "nice....but". Basically to cut a long story short, he thought it "westernized" and a shame that it did not tell the stories in a more traditional way.