The Voice of the Dawn: An Autohistory of the Abenaki Nation (Paperback)

~ (Author) "Robert Berkhofer, in his ground-breaking The White Man's Indian, has shown all of us that the image of the First Nations peoples is held firmly..." (more)
Key Phrases: Andrew Lee, Abenaki Nation, Heritage Center Collection (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Wiseman's synthesis of widely accepted archaeology with an innovative interpretive scheme centered on the Wabanaki is welcome and convincing."--Choice

"Readers looking for extensive and subtle discussions of prehistoric artifacts in the region will find this to be a useful addition to their libraries. Wiseman's use of some oral histories, native philosophy, personal reflection, and quotations for native scholars and tribal historians is refreshing and long overdue." --Vermont History

"Wiseman's book offers the reader a well-told story of natural and human history but it is his discussion of the connection of all this history to commonplace aspects of modern life that is particularly compelling. Wiseman confronts the reader with the connections among history, land, and the conditions of modern Abenaki communities, and challenges the reader to think about these connections . . . Wiseman's The Voice of the Dawn is essential reading for a student of regional history or archaelogy and is likely to challenge its readers' way of thinking."--Historical New Hampshire

"It is hard to imagine someone more qualified to undertake this project than Wiseman. An Abenaki raised in Vermont and an academic trained in archeology, he is able to provide both an insider's view of Abenaki life and a scholarly assessment of the archeological and ethnohistorical record. Moreover, since 1988 he has participated in Abenaki politics and activism, making him one of the few writers qualified to describe the Vermont tribe's political resurgence."--Paradoxa 15

Review

"Fred Wiseman writes a deeply personal narrative that informs and satisfies the reader; through sheer scholarship and sense of pride in his Abenaki heritage, Wiseman contributes a timely work that should be read by all individuals who value history which truly defines New England." (Jeff Benay, Chair, Governor's Advisory Commission on Native American Affairs, State of Vermont )

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Product Details

• Paperback: 325 pages
• Publisher: UPNE; 1st edition (January 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1584650591
• ISBN-13: 978-1584650591
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #751,257 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A good place to (re)start! - Retrouver mes ancêtres!, November 24, 2003

By	Jean-Pierre Malo (Kinnear's Mills, Québec, Canada) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Un livre très bien structuré traçant de manière étonnemment efficace les grandes lignes de l'histoire et de la vie des abénaquis d'il y a 13 000 ans jusqu'à aujourd'hui. Tout y passe: la période pré-coloniale, les premiers contacts, les guerres et l'exile, la reconstruction et l'espoir en l'avenir. On retrouve également des appendices forts intéressants sur la toponymie, les herbes médicinales et sur les ressources éducatives disponibles (livres, musées, films, articles, etc.). Les notes bibliographiques et la bibliographie ouvrent la voie aux personnes qui souhaitent approfondir certains sujets plus précis. Vraiment, un excellent point de départ à toute recherche sur les abénaquis. La vie ayant malmené les liens que j'aurais pu entretenir avec mes ancêtres abénaquis, ce livre vient combler un vide important dans ma vie. Merci monsieur Wiseman!

A very well structured book that draw concisely but so efficently the history and life of abenakis from 13 000 years ago to today. Everything's there : pre-colonial period, first (heavy) contacts with europeans, wars and exile, reconstruction and hope for the present and future. The appendix are also very interesting (place name, herbal medicine, educational resources) and the bibliographical notes and bibliography are a good place to find new paths to explore. For a clear and inspiring overview of who are the abenakis, this is the book to read! For me this book have been a second chance to learn more about my ancestors even if life (or should I say death) has cut the tread that linked me with them a generation ago. Thank you Mr. Wiseman!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Voice of Dawn, April 6, 2008

By	M. Pettengill "Mj" (New Hampshire, USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book is highly recommended for the historian as well as the general audience with an interest in the Abenaki Nation and what is now known as Vermont. Through careful research, Frederick Matthew Wiseman offers an in-depth autohistory of his Native American roots (which are seemingly invisible in the modern world). In addition to clear and concise narrative, he compliments the piece by his offering of photos and illustrations. This piece of writing is vital to the understanding of New England, the foundation and concepts of its very existence, a piece of the puzzle that helps to create the whole.