The American Indian and the Problem of History

Book Overview

North American Indians have traditionally held conceptions of history, time and the universe that are vastly different from those of European civilizations. How, then, can Western historians begin to write accurately and without bias about societies who shunned "history" and who performed in our Western vision and errand of history only through coercion? Here, eighteen prominent authors wrestle with the phenomenon that in writing about Indian-white relations they are perforce trying to mesh two fundamentally different world-views. In pieces written expressly for this volume, the contributors--who include a cross-section of historians, anthropologists, professional writers, and native Americans--cover such diverse topics as cultural pluralism and ethnocentrism, native American dancing and ritual, the experiences of native American women, and attitudes toward the environment. In considering the deep and chronic issues of Indian-white relations, these controversial essays look anew at Indian cultural ideals and restore them to their proper place in American history.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 019503855X
• ISBN13: 9780195038552
• Release Date: January 1987
• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Length: 256 Pages
• Weight: 1.05 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.6" x 0.8" x 5.8"

Customer Reviews

Excellent resource in Native American History

This book was a major eye opener for me on the idea of "Indian" history. Like many Americans, you think of Indians in the historical context - war paint, horses, and feathers. Do you want to think again? Read Micael Dorris' essay "Indians on the Shelf".This book challenges any pre-conceived notions. I found it enjoyable as well as humbling.I highly recommend this for anyone who wants to think again - think again about history and the part Native Americans played in it. And the trouble white historians have had when dealing with them. Many of the essays are written by Native Americans about themselves and the trouble history has in addressing their part in it.