Black Elk Speaks: The Complete Edition

John G. Neihardt

Mar 2014 · U of Nebraska Press

About this ebook

Black Elk Speaks, the story of the Oglala Lakota visionary and healer Nicholas Black Elk (1863_1950) and his people during momentous twilight years of the nineteenth century, offers readers much more than a precious glimpse of a vanished time. Black Elkês searing visions of the unity of humanity and Earth, conveyed by John G. Neihardt, have made this book a classic that crosses multiple genres. Whether appreciated as the poignant tale of a Lakota life, as a history of a Native nation, or as an enduring spiritual testament, Black Elk Speaks is unforgettable.

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Black Elk met the distinguished poet, writer, and critic John G. Neihardt in 1930 on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota and asked Neihardt to share his story with the world. Neihardt understood and conveyed Black Elkês experiences in this powerful and inspirational message for all humankind.

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This complete edition features a new introduction by¾historian Philip J. Deloria and annotations of Black Elkês story by renowned Lakota scholar Raymond J. DeMallie. Three essays by John G. Neihardt provide background on this landmark work along with pieces by Vine Deloria Jr., Raymond J. DeMallie, Alexis Petri, and Lori Utecht. Maps, original illustrations by Standing Bear, and a set of appendixes rounds out the edition.

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Ratings and reviews

My history teacher read this to our class in 7th grade. I have carried the memory of the fallen with me every since. The book has such great detail of the life of Black Elk, I can see it in my mind. I could read this book over and over.

In my spiritual journey on the Red Road, this book definitely helped me grow.

Loved it! A must read for all seeking truth

About the author

John G. Neihardt (1881_1973) is the author of several classics, including A Cycle of the West and Eagle Voice Remembers, both available in Bison Books editions. He was named Nebraskaês first poet laureate and foremost poet of the nation by the National Poetry Center in 1936.