Native American CD
Compiled by Richard Seltzer B&R Samizdat Express - May 25, 2004
ISBN: 0-931968-84-4
Genre: History, Literature
Reviewed by Rochelle Caviness - July 5, 2004
The history of the Native Americans (First Peoples) is both fascinating, and at times tragic. This intriguing collection of books related to the life, history, and culture of the Native Americans covers both the period before and after the arrival of the European explorers. Combined, these books offer an introduction to the rich legacy of the first Americans, and how they were influenced by, and adapted to, the various European settlers.
There are almost sixty books currently in this collection, and they are organized into seven thematic categories:
Eastern America
Western America
Archeology and Anthropology
Charles Eastman (Ohiyesa)
Zitkala-Sa (Gertrude Bonnin)
Exploration Expeditions and Pioneer Experiences in Indian country
Fiction and Poetry
All the books in this collection can be easily opened in almost any word processing program or web browser. The CD itself, however, will only work on a Windows PC. All the texts in this collection are provided in a plain text (ASCII) version and are therefore very accessible with screen readers and other assistive technologies.
The works in this collection are in the public domain, and cover the story of the American Indians from both a westernized viewpoint, such as in The Song of Hiawatha by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow as well as from an Indian viewpoint, as found in such texts as Autobiography of Ma-ka-tai-me-she-kia-kiak. Black Hawk was an Indian leader who, in 1832, led a the Sac and Fox Indians on a journey to retake their ancestral lands in Illinois. They had been driven from their lands in 1805. When they returned to Illinois, panic swept through the White settlements, and the militia was called out to drive them back out of Illinois. One of the militia men who took part in the conflict, later called the Black Hawk War of 1832 was Abraham Lincoln. The introduction to this book states that it is:
"Life of Makataimeshekiakiak, or Black Hawk, embracing the Traditions
of his Nation – Indian Wars in which he has been engaged – Cause of
joining the British in their late War with America, and its History – Description of the Rock River Village – Manners and Customs – Encroachments by the Whites contrary to Treaty – Removal from his
village in 1831. With an account of the Cause and General History of
the Late War, his Surrender and Confinement at Jefferson Barracks, and
Travels through the United States. Dictated by himself."
This collection of books will serve as an excellent resource for students, historians, and anyone with an interest in Native American history, mythology, religion, culture, legends, and stories, as well as anyone interested in American History.
The American West in Fiction and History, compiled by Richard Seltzer.
This anthology contains more than 150 novels, short stories, and essays on the American West, plus about 50 purely historical works, covering topics ranging from Native American History to life in the West after the Civil War.
The Captivity of the Oatman Girls
Among the Apache and Mohave Indians, by Lorenzo D. Oatman and Olive A. Oatman.
Following the massacre of their family by Indians, Olive and Mary Ann Oatman where taken into captivity and forced to live as slaves. This is the story of their captivity and their brother's search to find the missing girls.
