Oklahoma Books

A novel in poetry. The life of several generations of Oklahomans beautifully rendered. Harrison creates fully realized characters and delves deeply into the major human issues of love, death and the survival of the human spirit.
Quiet yet deeply moving.

Ms. Harrison returns in her second published collection of poetry, Okie Chronicles, to weave tales of charm, wit, adventure and spunk. Okie Chronicles follows the lives of several Oklahomans before, during, and in the difficult times after the Dust Bowl of the 1930s. This book illuminates the history of the American southwest in poignant and clear detail, with visual imagery and captivatingly real stories of everyday life. Finally, there is a collection of poems worthy of being called historically accurate, while still gripping and fascinating. If you love the detail and fluidity of prose, you will love Okie Chronicles. If you are an ardent fan of poetry of the highest standards, this book is also ideal. If you have a love of history and a respect for learning how we became who we are today, then Okie Chronicles is the best you can get.

This book has outstanding photography of Oklahoma. As an Okie I can attest to the sites and authenticity of the photos. Amazing photography. I own this book and purchased another one as a gift for someone who is retiring. Love it, love it, love it. A must have book for your collection.

The publisher of this wonderful book, based in Portland, Oregon, has a well deserved reputation for producing quality coffee-table style books. They published two prior volumes on Oklahoma to wide acclaim and have watched as they became collectors items. However, with this book they have truly outdone themselves. This is an absolutely gorgeous testament to Oklahoma's stunning beauty and diversity and, if that's not enough, it is being released just in time to commemorate the upcoming Oklahoma Centennial celebration.
Where to begin? For starters, the book is filled front to back with spectacular full color photographs of both the cities and countryside of Oklahoma by none other than the award winning photographer David Fitzgerald. For over 40 years he has been documenting the incomparable beauty of Oklahoma in both the two previous volumes and indeed, in venues nationwide. The photo of the new state Capitol Dome is priceless and the myriad pictures of the geographical diversiaty of the state serve as both a reminder of, and source of pride in, Oklahoma's rich heritage.
Not to be outdone is the text provided by former Miss Oklahoma and Miss America (1967) Jane Jayroe. She is a former television personality and stays true to her journalistic training by providing a highly readable, entertaining and informative essay on the contents of the book. From Western Oklahoma through Central to Eastern and all places in-between the reader is taken on an almost magical trip both in pictures and text of a place I call home, Oklahoma!
Oklahoma has come a long ways from the scenes depicted in Steinbeck's Grapes of Wrath. He would be proud.

This book is now out-of-print. Arcadia will not re-print this edition.

After recieving hundreds of requests for additional copies of Oklahoma City:1930 to the Millennium, Arcadia has decided to re-print this edition.

David Fitzgerald is one of Oklahoma's top photographers. This book does Oklahoma proud with its breathtaking photos! And yes, this really is what Oklahoma looks like!

Finally someone has truly captured the flavor and essence of the Sooner State! I have been waiting for a book like this one for a very long time. The combination of poignant text and stunning photographs is a one-two punch that really delivers. Thanks so much for giving us this wonderful book!

Having known both James and Willie was a priviledge. This book provides some wonderful insight into the life and philosphy of Willie Lena and his belief system as a tradtional Oklahoma Seminole. Willie was a tremendous artist (many of his illustrations are included in the book)and used his skill to capture Seminole material culture, social and ceremonial practices. Is the book flawless? No. However, James did an excellent job telling the story from Willie's viewpoint. If you are interested in Oklahoma Creek/Seminole culture, read the book.

What James Mooney's "History, Myths and Sacred Formulas of the Cherokee" did for the Cherokee, this book does for the Oklahoma Seminole. Another excellent book in University of Oklahoma's "Civilization of the American Indian" series, this book provides a wonderful ethnography for the Oklahoma Seminoles, covering medicine, religion, ceremonies and beliefs. Howard worked extensively with Willie Lena, a Seminole traditionalist, and his work shows a great respect for the Seminole people. Furthermore, Howard also makes it clear in his preface that this book is concerned with the Oklahoma Seminole specifically, not those in Florida (or Texas, Mexico or anywhere else). Those looking for specifics on the Florida Seminoles or the Nation as a whole must look elsewhere. Despite many similarities, there are differences in culture and (interestingly enough) because of the Trail of Tears many more traditional beliefs were preserved in Oklahoma. Furthermore, he also points out the many differences of religious persausion within the Nation, ranging from Christians (mainly Baptists and Presbyterians) who are 100% assimilated into white society to ultra-conservative traditionalists. The book then goes on to a wonderful foreword by Willie Lena which is well worth reading.

The book itself starts with a brief history of the Seminole Nation, from their origins in Florida to the Seminole Wars, the Trail of Tears, life in Oklahoma and ultimately modern times. Understanding the past is essential to understanding the Seminole Nation. The book then moves on to Seminole herbal medicine. In a brief introduction, Seminole beliefs of disease, medicine and tools used are examined, and occaisonal comparisons are made to other Southeastern Nations or with Euro-American views. It then gives roughly 60 or 70 herbs, with their names in English and Muskogee, scientific names, medical properties and notes on their uses amongst other Nations. A few medical compounds and formulas are given as well, such as cures for hot weather, whooping cough and high blood pressure. This chapter is followed by a brief section on non-herbal remedies, such as animal parts, minerals, bleeding, scratching, shooting with a minature bow and arrow and so forth. This is quite interesting reading, though I don't recommend people try these remedies at home unless they know what they are doing. After all, Seminole doctors and healers need to train for a long time before practicing.

From there, beliefs of magic and witchcraft are mentioned. These include practices such as love medicine, weather control, sapiyas (magical stones used for love and hunting), horned water snake medicine and magic dolls. There are also many anecdotes about witches, malignant people who eat hearts and fly around in the shape of an owl at night. In the next chapter, a general overview of ceremonialism in the traditional Seminole world view is given, including symbolism, practices and paraphernalia. The book then focuses much attention on specific ceremonies, such as the Green Corn Ceremony and the numerous night time dances. These are especially important to traditional Seminole beliefs, being the main religious focus. These are followed by mention of sports and games, mainly stickball. This may seem odd, until one considers that stickball played both a social and religious or cultural role not only to the Seminoles, but also to the Cherokee, Choctaw, Creek, Chickasaw and other Nations of the Southeast. Indeed, the game seems to go back to the Mound Builders, and has parallels amongst the Aztecs and Mayan Indians of Mesoamerica. The book then gives some general aspects of Seminole life, including birth, childhood, hunting, folktales, warfare, pottery, flute playing, sign language, picture writings, folk lore and so forth, and a short chapter on mortuary practices.

Closing out the book is an thought provoking epilogue in which Howard mentions changes he saw in Seminole life, as more and more youth adopted Pan-Indianism and saw themselves less as Seminole and more as North American Indians. He mentions how tipis, powwows and Plains-style dress and dance has become more common, and contrasts these to uniquely Seminole things like Green Corn Ceremonies, Stomp Dances and stickball. These same comments hold true for the Cherokee, Creek, Choctaw, Chickasaw, Shawnee, Yuchi and other Southeastern Nations too. Ultimately, this is a wonderful book, and well worth checking out. As I said, the focus is on Oklahoma Seminoles rather than the Nation as a whole but the book is still an excellent ethnography. Indeed, the fact that it was written with the help of Willie Lena and shows great respect towards the Seminole makes it stand out above other studies of Native American culture. I strongly recommend that an interested reader purchase this book, and others in the series.

John Gifford's book Oklahoma Sport Fishing is a masterpiece
of quality writing combined with first-hand accounts of where to find fish and how to catch them in the rivers and the streams
of Oklahoma.
Our family takes the book as an indispensible item on every
fishing trip, and we've never been disappointed with the results.
Gifford not only tells you where to fish and how to get there
but also what to fish with and when the best times are. From big lakes to small streams and everything in between, this book goes to the heart of what modern-day, ecologically conscientious sport
fishing is all about. Fishing with spinning tackle,flying fishing
sitting on the bank with a cane pole, whatever kind of fishing
an angler enjoys, they are all discussed in the brillant little handbook that targets the seasons as well as the variety of sport
fish that can be located and captured with pleasure within the
borders of the state of Oklahoma. Don't leave home without Gifford's fishing secrets.

I'm very happy with my copy of Oklahoma Sport Fishing by John Gifford. I'm an avid bass angler and refer to Mr. Giffords book before each trip to the lake.
Mr. Gifford does a great job detailing how to fish for multiple species of fish throughout the seasons in Oklahoma lakes. Even though the book is written about Oklahoma lakes, the tactics could be helpful to anglers in other states with similar lakes and species.
Besides being very informative to fishermen, Mr. Gifford's story telling style is very entertaining! I read the book cover to cover and now use it time and again to prepare lake to lake, season to season. My fishing has improved noticeably since reading Oklahoma Sport Fishing!

This is a beautiful story of a young girl growing up in rural Oklahoma in the first two decades of the 20th century. It shows a family that is united in love and a girl who has a lot of spunk and individuality. It also illustrates the kind of community spirit that existed in that era. My only wish is that she had written a sequel as this story ends with her marriage to the man she loved and lived with for 72 years. It is a hearwarming read well worth the time and money to enjoy it.

The first time I read this book, I cried through almost every page - the story was so sweetly written and full of heart. This is more a compilation of short stories than a chronological personal history - making it very easy to read whenever you have a free moment. The author's writing style flows well and keeps you wanting more. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.

Regardless of whether or not you are an Okie, this book is a marvelous collection of state history and great recipes. I'm enjoying reading it and trying the recipes. All I have tried are GREAT and make for great conversation when served to guests!

I am an "Okie" so enjoyed reading this cookbook. Has terrific
recipes and also a lot of historical information. I highly recommend
it.

I have been familiar with Mr. Cohen's various books on Indian Law, just didn't have the opportunity to own them. I feel very fortunate. As usual, they don't disappoint.
Thank You.
Marty Dorsey

Felix Cohen was a leading creator of the Indian New Deal and a champion of American Indian rights, so there's no better author than he to cover On the Drafting of Tribal Constitutions, reflecting his practical guidelines created in 1934 for tribal constitutional development. The entire work has been edited by David E. Wilkins, includes an essay that describes its origins and background, and is presented with a key to understanding Indigenous autonomy and self-governance efforts: perfect for college-level collections on Native American or American legal history.

If you love musicals, you can spend hours poring over this collection of reviews for the Broadway musicals that followed in the wake of OKLAHOMA. Hits and flops, all are here -- with some great insights and theatre diah provided by Suskin. For serious research or just plain fun reading, this is one of the most rewarding books ever published on the subject. (And the sequel is equally worthwhile!)

I bought "Opening Night on Broadway" when it was first published. I found it to be much more than a written recorded history of the Broadway Musical. It is a time capsule that captures the feeling of the periods when these shows first opened. The reader can almost feel what it was like to be there in 1956 at the opening of "My Fair Lady". Mr. Suskin gives useful biographical information about some of the theater's biggest stars. As someone involved in the business end of the theatre, I also enjoyed finding out whether or not a show was a financial success or failure. My only criticism is, I wish the book was laid out chronologically, not alphabetically. That way readers could get a better perspective of what else was running when "Guys and Dolls", or "Kiss Me Kate" or even "Donnybrook opened" All in all though, I found "Opening Night.." to be the hit of the season