The Essential Charles Eastman (Ohiyesa): Light on the Indian World (Sacred Worlds)
A powerful and eye-opening look at the Native American life... This is a fascinating book; it will not only teach readers about the lost civilization of Native Americans, it will also instill in them respect and awe for the entire Indian race. --ForeWord MagazineThe first native American author (eleven books published from 1902 until 1918) to live simultaneously in both the traditional world of the Santee Sioux (where his name was Ohiyesa) and the modern civilization of the white man, Charles Eastman was an intelligent, thoughtful man who sought to explain the philosophy and moral code of the Plains Indian to the dominant white culture. Eastman attended the injured at the infamous Battle of Wounded Knee, and knew first hand the plight of Native Americans seeking a spiritual way for themselves while having to live in a once nomadic society that was becoming increasingly dominated by materialism and industrial technology. He received his medical degree from Boston College and became the government physician on the Pine ridge Sioux reservation in South Dakota. He was presented a special medal honoring the most distinguished achievements by an American Indian. "The Essential Charles Eastman" is enhanced with an informative Foreword by Raymond Wilson, an excellent introduction by Janine Pease, ten sepia photographs illustrating Eastman's life, biographical notes, a bibliography of his works, and a useful index. "The Essential Charles Eastman" is an important and seminal addition to academic and community library Native American Studies reference collections and especially recommended reading for students of Native American metaphysics, philosophy, and spirituality. --Midwest Book Review, WISCONSIN BOOKWATCH, July 2007