North Dakota Books

William S.E. Coleman, who is one of America's best writers to begin with, has created the definitive history of the tragedy at Wounded Knee. The consummate western researcher, Doctor Coleman has been one of the foremost experts on William F. "Buffalo Bill" Cody for several decades. His knowledge and fascination with the bridging of the wild west into the theater of the 20th century has led him on this profound, oral excavation of the events that signaled the final betrayal of the American Indian and particularly the Sioux culture. This mesmerizing project presents the actual words of the principal witnesses to the massacre of non-combatant men, women and children near Wounded Knee Creek in 1890. There has never been a truer or more accurate accounting of the events that formed the Messianic, Ghost Dance rituals of the Oglala and Lakota Sioux, which were ultimately misinterpreted by the Eurocentric, white settlers and military. Beginning with the reminiscence of Ben Black Elk in a hypnotic, 1971 interview, Coleman uses the written transcripts of the participants, observers, government employees and the Indians themselves to describe the shattered treaties, subcultural prejudices and provocative press accounts that spawned the genocide. His resources are varied and composed alongside each other in an unusually egalitarian mixture, allowing the reader to judge complicity and culpability without bias. Voices is the ultimate deconstruction of an extremely confusing and dangerous time in the United States as the home, lifestyle and spiritual essence of the first Americans all but evaporate with the final settling of the frontier. 118 years seem to vanish as the very words of those involved allow us an intimate and authentically immediate recounting unlike any ever offered. It is a masterpiece of human understanding and one of the most exciting histories I've ever read.

This book was very informative and Coleman's style of writing took me back in time during the time of Wounded Knee. Coleman's sources are the most accurate on the subject of the Soiux Nations struggles, Because he interviewed a Soiux tribal member. I thougt it was awesome the way Coleman takes his son's to meet the author of " Bury my heart at Wounded Knee." or at least the author's grandson.

This book is atrocious. The "voices of Wounded Knee," represented in the eyewitness accounts that the editor claims to have spent thirty years gathering (remarkably inefficent work, considering the many sources he missed),are heard in a disjointed fashion. The typeset constantly alternates between normal face and italics - one of many aggravating features of the book. The Wounded Knee tragdy deserves far better than this.

A very informative, well written book. It shows the injustice that the "white man" did to the Native Ameican. It is a Must Read for all. Am glad that the author had first hand information from someone that was there at the time.

I thoroughly appreciated Coleman's technique of piecing actual historical record (interviews & letters) with a minimal of commentary - While hardly a dry presentation, Coleman's technique recreates the atmosphere of the time, and made me feel like I was "living" the events of the time as if I was recieving real-time press reports and actually listening to interviews of the participants. Coleman also reminds the reader of the importance of studying "unfiltered" historical material - His organization of such material into a comprehensive chronolgy is what makes this book truly unique.
From a historical perspective - the book is also a must-read and should be REQUIRED READING in ALL US HISTORY COURSES. As usuall, our national crimes and shame in mistreating the American Indians - particulary the Lakotas - continues to be white-washed. Reading actual writings from many of the key individuals of the time (Red Cloud, McLaughlin, Short Bull, Nelson Miles, Sherman, and various newspaper editorials) provides a shocking view of America's virulent racism, the press's penchant for creating panic and militaristic feeling, political greed and ambition, Indian despiration and hoplessness. If reparations are due anyone - its these people.

This (unfortunately) timeless work is a scathing indictment of US Indian policy from independence until the 1880s. It includes a general treatment of bad-faith attitudes and policies, and a series of more detailed case studies of exceptionally egregious violations of legal treaties & human rights. It is timeless because of ongoing popular and official ignorance or lack of concern for American Indian rights, economic problems and indigenous culture---witness, for just one chilling example, the continuing imprisonment of Oglala/Anishinaabe activist Leonard Peltier, for murders he did not commit.

Jackson was a pioneer activist for Indian rights, and commitment shines through on nearly every page. While it is true that her writing style may seem dated to some contemporary undergraduates, her subject's intrinsic interest holds the attention of any reader with more than a marginal interest in the topic. It is still useful for research purposes, though it is perhaps most valuable for history and/or anthropology courses on changing attitudes & policy toward Indians.

In teaching about American Indian history, a main reservation about assigning it is the need to present what Indians themselves have said and/or written about their encounters with Euro-Americans. For a fine variety of views on these issues, see P. Nabokov ed, "Native American Testimony," and (among many other sources) memorable works by two premier Indigenous scholar-activists: Ward Churchill, "From A Native Son," and Vine Deloria Jr., "Custer Died For Your Sins."

To tell the truth, Century of Dishonor put me to sleep. I was forced to read it for a AP US History class. If you can stay awake to read it, it details everything you need to know about how the U.S. government has swindled and cheated Native Americans in this country. It was written in the late 1800's and we just don't talk like that anymore as a country. Like my teacher said: "The reason this book was so powerful was because it listed every incident with many tribes to bring home this point: There needs to be a change how they handled the Native Americans." No one in the class read the book cover to cover, including myself. I would never recommend reading this book, except for research (there's a 150 page or so Appendix along w/ the actual book)or if you're REALLY into that stuff. Even in the latter case, theres lots of better choices.

Bearing in mind that this book was written at the time when Native Americans were still "Savages" and totally responsible for all atrocities perpetrated in the west,in the eyes of the White Europeans, Helen Hunt Jackson made a brave stand in trying to educate these same people to the needs and requirements of the Native Americans.

With each chapter given to a different Native American nation she tries, and in my opinion succedes,to make people understand the hopelessness the Native Americans found themselves in, and the only recourse they had was to fight to preserve their way of life, all too sadly with devestating consequences.

Through each chapter the same theme occurs, the whites cheat,steal, murder, and abuse the Native American and very few Whites tried to correct these wrong doings, and the biggest offender the US Government, and even today the US Government do not appear to be too interested in the Native Americans.

The book is "heavy going", and one can be forgiven in thinking, as they read through it, that I've been here before, because the facts are presented in the same way for every nation, but that notwithstanding, I feel this is a book that should be in anyones library who professes to have an interest in Native Americans.

Yes Helen Hunt Jackson was a brave pioneer to voice her opinions in favour of the redman all those years ago, had more people listend, perhaps the Native American culture in all its glory would still be with us today.

Like books written by Dickens and Hemmingway, this book is a classic. Written over a century ago, it describes actions and policies of the US and its people towards native Americans that are horrific, cruel and downright unamerican.

Yet he who is ignorant of history is condemned to repeat it. In this case, even though the history was well documented in this book, we continued to repeat it through continued mistreatment.

Helen Jackson's book is evidence that Americans knew what they were doing, knew that what they were doing was cruel and wrong and that they did it anyway.

Theodore Roosevelt National Park is a minor gem of the national park system. Something like half of its "visitors" do no more than stop at a rest area on I-94 that is nominally within the park, where they enjoy the vistas into Painted Canyon. Most of the rest go on a scenic drive through the South Unit, where they enjoy seeing a high density of Great Plains animals such as bison and prairie dogs. Fewer still visit the North Unit, about 90 minutes away, with distinct badlands and a somewhat different suite of animals. Only a few dozen make the difficult drive to the Elkhorn Unit, which protects the site of Roosevelt's cabin.

Novey has given us an enthusiastic invitation to visit the park, written at about a middle school reading level. He provides a little bit of information about everything, from wildlife and geology to driving routes and hiking trails. All this information is available once you're in the park, and most of it is also available on the park website ([...]). But here the information is helpfully collected in a book. The book has nice pictures, some helpful maps, and even a quiz at the end.

About two-fifths of the text talks about things to do elsewhere in the general region, which conveys the impression that there isn't enough to do at TRNP itself. That's probably right if you want only a driving tour. There are some pleasant surprises if you're willing to hike a few miles and not afraid of fording a shallow river.

There's enough information here to help you find those places. But I wish the book went into greater depth about the park.

My brother who lives in Minnesota is traveling with his family to the Dakotas this summer. So I have been doing a bit of research for him on sites to visit. I was delighted to come across this recent publication of perhaps one of the lessor known but yet very interesting national park in the Dakotas. What I like most about this book is the vivid picture it creates of the park. It enables me to vision what I will see and hear if I were to hike and drive through the park. The way the book is organized provides a pictoral flow to what one will see when touring both the north and south sections of the park. The maps provide a helpful macro view of the park and the clear directions in the text of the book make touring the park see quite manageable for a family.

I like the personal inviting writing style of the author and the many side bars that offer interesting historical accounts, information about the geography and geology, as well as, animal life on the high dessert praire. I look forward to sending the book to my brother and hope that he adds Theodore Roosevelt National Park to his summer travel plans.

Super book ! I have used a number of guidebooks, so when someone offered to loan me a copy I was skeptical at first. Now I am ordering a copy of my own. This will really help me organize my upcoming North Dakota trip.
The writing was engaging and I think the author gave a good overall sense of the place. I think most people would want to go there for many of the aspects covered. I want to get into the history and hope to see lots of animals.
It was especially good to know that there are possible side trips that look like fun nearby. I almost always get to talk to other people who try to " make the rounds " of the National Parks so now I think I could give them some good tips that I read about.
Next time, I'm going to look at the Falcon book first because it was very clear and got me excited. Some of the others look good to start with but when you get down to it they get carried away with too many things that I think would be boring to most of us. It was easy to go to the index when I wanted to find something specific. And my son will probably get a kick out of the questions in the back.

This is an okay guide book, best for those for whom the very idea of traveling to North Dakota is mind-blowing, or for those who want a watered-down version of the same info available in the visitors center's kiosks. Definitely not very useful for hikers/backpackers or folks planning to actually do much at the park. In fact, slightly less than half the book consists of information on the park itself. The rest treats the surrounding area, the life of TR, ND in general, or simply repeats information given in other parts of the book. Many sections seem designed for an 8-year-old: "Is It Buffalo or Bison?"; "Are Prairie Dogs Really Dogs?"; the quiz at the back of the book to test your ability to read; etc.

I'm glad that Mr. Novey is enthusiastic about the park. But given that this seems to be the only guidebook out there dedicated to TRNP, it's too bad it wasn't done properly. Since there's not much else available, the book does have its uses. But you can probably find the same material after a few minutes with a search engine. If you plan to backpack the map here isn't sufficient. If you plan to drive the one they give you for free at the entrance is. Backpackers will need 2 USGS maps (together they cost a bit more than this book) or one National Geographic map (a bit less than this book) to cover the park.

This tired story has shown to be rife with fabrications and made-up alibis. Peltier's true story can be found in the Federal Register, where court after court has affirmed his conviction. All of these major decisions preceded testimony in another trial (U.S. v. Arlo Looking Cloud, Feb, 2004) that revealed Peltier bragged about committing the murders in front of four witnesses.

Reading this book inspired me to somehow get involved in the movement for Leonard Peltier. This man was convicted of a crime there was no proof he committed and the situation has gone largely ignored by our government for 20 years!!! Read this book, learn the facts, and then get involved. Whether it be by talking about Leonard Peltier to other people and informing them, or by writing letters to your elected officials, DO SOMETHING! A fellow American has been unjustly imprisoned and it's our duty to help him.

Imagine for a moment. A political prisoner has been languishing in prison closing in on 20 years. Evidence has pointed to his innocence. His extradition from another country was based on false testimony. Even the agency that arrested him admitted to the strong possibility of his innocence. Where am I? Nazi Germany? Communist China? Russian Gulag? NOPE!! I'm right here in the GOOD OL' U.S.A.!! For close to 20 years Leonard Peltier has sat in Leavenworth. His charges of killing a federal agent has been proven false. Appeal after appeal has gone against him. So why is this injustice allowed to continue? BECAUSE WE ALLOW IT!!! If this book doesn't get you motivated to do something about this, then you are part of the problem, not the solution

This book was written to get his side of the story. The U.S Gov't would like to portray him as a cold heartless Indian who deserves to be in jail. If 1000s of people worldwide , which include leaders of countries and celebrities.
If you thought all the "bad stuff" the government did to American Indians the last 300 years was over......read this.

This book is really geared to the lower denominator in terms of what there is to do in the Black Hills. Not very much insight that you can't get from the tourist info you get from flyers. Should say more about how anti-family Deadwood has become and about the incredible natural resources that are in the area.

We just returned from South Dakota. We took our [...]grandson. The book was perfect for us. It gave us all the things that kids loved to do and we let him decide which ones he wanted to see. We had 5 days there and we used it all the time. We had bought another book but it was not nearly as good as this one.

We just got back from spending over a week in the Badlands and Black Hills. I turned to this book over and over since we brought 3 kids under the age of 10. A great resource when you're looking for things to do with kids. You'll need a separate book for hotels, restaurants, etc. but this book was exactly what I needed to plan activities throughout the day that my kids wouldn't be totally bored with.

I first read the diary of Mary Dodge Woodward several years ago. Because I love the sound of Mary's written voice, I've reread it several times. It never fails to enchant. Reading this book is almost like time traveling back to the Bonanza Farm days. I found this story so compelling that I actually searched out the site of this old farm and visited with it's current residents. The site of the old Dodge farm is just west of Sheyenne Road, a half mile west of the Garrison Diversion substation. I stood in the remains of Mary's old cellar, and showed my children the location of the old barn that had the skull and crossbones sign painted on it. The location of the machine shop continues to hold so much old oil from Mary's time that grass does not grow on the site. This is a wonderful book for anyone that likes to read about the early days of Dakota territory.

A friend loaned me The Checkered Years, and after reading it, I purchased two copies, one to give away and another to lend and ultimately to keep in my library. From the day-to-day writings of Mary Dodge Woodward, the reader begins to understand the central role of weather in the life of the early Dakota settlers - the awesome cold, wind, and heat; the blizzards, drought, and flood - all matter-of-factly but beautifully described in an unpretentious diary. The diary entries give a hint of the tremendous effort it took on Mary's part and that of her family to build up a large wheat farm, and along with that, the uncertainties she faced as a widow growing old. I wish the book had more background information in its introduction and more diary entries that, even though they probably would have seemed repetitive, may have given more focus to the people mentioned in the selections.

It is difficult to believe that I am the first person reviewing this classic book on the Custer battle. I have always felt a strong affinity for this book since it was born the same year (1955) that I was. Some years back, when I was first consumed by an overwhelming interest in the Custer mystery (a passion that continues till this day), it was, fortuantely, one of the first books I turned to.

Yes, numerous books and sources have come along since then and it can not incorporate the recent archaeological findings but it still gives the reader a good basic framework for studying the battle. Stewart is a judicious historian, using footnotes to bring out areas where sources conflict. His critique of Custer is, for the most part, balanced. Most importantly, Stewart's writing style is uncommonly smooth and pleasing. Just pick up a copy of this book and plunge in anywhere and you will readily discover what I mean. It is very accessible.

Stewart makes one very important point in analyzing the Little Big Horn, a point that has stood and will continue to stand the test of time. He states that, more than any factor, the terrain played a decisive part in the outcome of the battle, as it hindered the 7th Cavalry batallions from readily knowing what was happening elsewhere on the field of conflict. Keep this basic observation in mind when visiting the battlefield and viewing the bluffs along the river.

George Armstrong Custer has been referred to as the most famous American soldier. Nothing fans the light of fame like death in a spectacular manner. Custer was well known before he died, but when his death was announced just as the nation was about to celebrate its Centennial birthday, he soared into immortality. History has not always been kind to him, but whether seen as a glory-seeking fool or as a gallant trooper doing his job, Custer has never wanted for attention.
This book, Custer's Luck, was first published in 1955. The author, Edgar Stewart, was well qualified to write it. Before gaining a professorship at Eastern Washington College, he had worked as an historical aide on the Crow Agency at the Custer Battlefield National Monument, where he had the opportunity to walk the ground and study all the documentation then available. With that knowledge he could provide insights that few others had the vantage point to then recognize.
Much has been written about Custer and the Little Big Horn in the ensuing fifty years. Evan Connell and Robert Utley have both produced excellent biographies of Custer. Utley, Richard Fox and Robert Kammen have all produced excellent studies of the campaign told from an Indian perspective. John Gray's two books, Centennial Campaign, and Custer's Last Campaign: Mitch Boyer and the Little Bighorn Reconsidered, are now thought of as the seminal studies of Custer's role in the Sioux War. However, Stewart's older account still has value. A great part of this book is devoted to explaining the underlying situation: the Treaty of 1868, the impeachment of Secretary of War Belknap, and the battles and massacres that led up to the march to the Little Bighorn. Only about 130 pages of this 500-page book are devoted to the march of the Dakota column and Custer's last fight. So if you want to learn the background, and to read an account of the fight that is factual, concise and unbiased, if a bit dated, this book will be a fine purchase.

This is a cute little coloring book for youngsters who have Native American blood! It teaches them information about the Dakota Indians as well as creating a fun way to learn. Since coloring is a childhood favorite, this is a great way to get some information across to youngsters.

This is a cute little coloring book for youngsters who have Native American blood! It teaches them information about the Dakota Indians as well as creating a fun way to learn. Since coloring is a childhood favorite, this is a great way to get some information across to youngsters.

This is a most excellent book because it is "AUTHENTIC" and not one that speaks of prejudice and the horrors of the Native American experience; instead, it allows you to catch a glimpse of what is now lost, a world of beauty and wonder. I highly recommend it to anyone: young or old; red, white, brown, or yellow -- a book that should be preserved and revered.

This book is a great compilation of the story of a young Indianboy who grows up to learn the traditions of his family. It was veryinformative and a great read. It would also be beneficial for people intereted in Native American history or just those wanting to read a good novel.

George Armstrong Custer met his fate at the Battle of Little Bighorn. The Indians were there in masse waiting for 'this good day' to kill their enemy. It is neve a good day to die. But we have have to sometimes. Some sooner, some later.

Wilma Mankiller is a former principal chief of the Cherokee Ntion out in Oklahoma; whe has previously written an account of her chiefdom. I thought the lovely Indian woman on the front cover of her, but it is the head chief woman of the Northern Cheyenne, Gail Small. It was Audrey Shenandoah who said, "The main difference between our people and the world around us is the thankfulness and respect for the Earth, our environment, and the natural world. In our way, every day is a good day."

I think we are all thankful to be alive on the earth at this time. Some don't show respect for the natural world, having spent all of their growing up years (and adult, as well) in the inner cities. Al Gore must be part Indian, as am I, because he wrote books about the environment and championed the cause in his campaign for President of the United States.

It is indeed a good day every day we live. A few years ago, I did my first creative writing for an online Senior Newsletter. I did not know that it was edited and mostly supported by the Native Americans until I wrote an article about being part-Indian. My mailman, a Cherokee, was most respectful to me after that; I don't know how he knew about it as he is not a senior. It was fun, but I was used and abused, let down in a big way by this group. Were I not part Cherokee, I might have ended up resenting the way I was deceived by Valerie who'd promised me a free lunch, but not once made herself known to me.

I do much better with the "every day is a good day" on Amazon.com. Who needs those who use others, for whatever reason! They are no wiser than the white folks. My mother's family were from Union County (Irish, I think) and they are more honorable country people than any Native Americans.

I've attended several of their PowWows here in this town and taken photos of the same costumes, year after year, Their dancing is just shuffling feet as they go round and round in a circle. The men preen as the women show their pride, especially the two white women married to the beautiful males of the Indian Nation. My son looks more Indian than the young one from the Cherokee reservation who talked with me about the red-headed, blue-eyed faux Indian at one of the PowWow.

This is an excellent and clear told story of the Battle of Little Big Horn. I read this to my fifth grade son and we both "enjoyed" it. It is a very sad tale told from the perspective of people that were at Greasy Grass. I truly recommend this for ALL teachers that teach our children about westward expansion and ALL parents that want our children to learn the truth and the importance of the truth. It tells the story of Native Americans and the destruction of their life and culture.