#1442 - Shannon O'Loughlin

This book is a poignant tale of a Lakota life, a history of a Native nation, and an enduring spiritual testament. It recounts Black Elk's youth, his visions, and the struggles of the Sioux people during the late 19th century, including the battles and massacres that drove them into smaller areas of land. The book also details Black Elk's experiences with the Ghost Dance and his time with Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show. It is a powerful and inspirational message that conveys the unity of humanity and Earth, as seen through the eyes of Black Elk and transcribed by John G. Neihardt.

This book spans two astonishing stories. The first traces the rise and fall of the Comanches, who were the most powerful Indian tribe in American history, known for their exceptional horsemanship and warfare skills. The second story follows the remarkable narrative of Cynthia Ann Parker, a pioneer woman kidnapped by the Comanches in 1836, and her mixed-blood son Quanah, who became the last and greatest chief of the Comanches. The book covers a sweeping narrative that includes Spanish colonialism, the Civil War, the destruction of the buffalo herds, and the arrival of the railroads, providing a historical feast for anyone interested in the development of the United States.

This book by Evan S. Connell offers a meticulously researched and balanced view of the Battle of the Little Bighorn. It delves into the lives and perspectives of key figures such as General George Armstrong Custer, Sitting Bull, Crazy Horse, and other participants. Connell's narrative shifts between the viewpoints of the cavalry soldiers, the Sioux and Cheyenne warriors, and civilians, providing a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the battle. The book corrects simplistic and historically inaccurate views of the event, presenting a more complex human drama and examining broader themes such as the American frontier experience and the conflict between expansionist policies and indigenous self-determination.

In 'Custer Died for Your Sins: An Indian Manifesto', Vine Deloria Jr. critiques the historical misrepresentation and stereotyping of Native Americans, highlighting the profound consequences of these distortions on public perception and policy decisions. The book addresses various issues, including the role of Christian missionaries, the bureaucratic inefficiencies of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and the similarities and differences between the oppression of Native Americans and African Americans. Deloria advocates for a return to traditional religion, more discretionary funds for tribes, and a redefinition of Indian affairs to support Native American self-governance and cultural integrity.

Mein Kampf, written by Adolf Hitler while he was imprisoned following the failed Beer Hall Putsch in 1923, is a two-volume work that combines autobiography and political treatise. The book details Hitler's early life, his experiences during World War I, and his increasing antisemitism and militarism. It outlines his vision for Germany, including the need for Lebensraum (living space) in Eastern Europe, and his racist and anti-Semitic views. The work became the central text of National Socialism and a blueprint for Hitler's policies, including aggressive foreign policy and the persecution of Jews and other minority groups.

In 'Red Earth, White Lies', Vine Deloria Jr. challenges mainstream scientific theories about the history of the Americas, particularly the Bering land bridge theory and the overkill hypothesis. He argues that these theories often conflict with Native American oral traditions and proposes alternative perspectives that align with indigenous knowledge. The book explores the tension between scientific narratives and Native American worldviews, advocating for a more inclusive understanding of history.