In the Days of Victorio; Recollections of a Warm Springs Apache

by Eve Ball and James Kaywaykla

Book Overview

"Chief Victorio of the Warm Springs Apache has recounted the turbulent life of his people between 1876 and 1886. This eyewitness account . . . recalls not only the hunger, pursuit, and strife of those... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0816504016
• ISBN13: 9780816504015
• Release Date: November 1972
• Publisher: University of Arizona Press
• Length: 222 Pages
• Weight: 0.78 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.0" x 0.8" x 6.0"

Customer Reviews

Observe from all angles for the truth.

Dale C. Miles, San Carlos tribal historian As an Apache I would like to say that I read the review about James Kaywaykla's SELECTIVE ASPECTS on Apache history and culture and was more amused than anything else. Since I've had to deal with non-tribal people for most of my life (I was born on the San Carlos tribal area and have lived in Arizona all my life)I have found that correcting white folks' misconceptions about us Apaches has been nearly a full time job (Example: Do you people pay taxes? I just say: "I wish I didn't have to.") still as an historin I have to be objective and I realize that Apaches in war could be pretty rough. Still, knowing that I still have to deal with prejuidice in nearby towns tells that in the ole' West things were even worse. The point is this, Eve Ball wrote reason for writing the is fine book on Victorio's people was for non-tribal people to see the Apaches as human beings and in this she succeeded very well. An objective reader will see Kaywaykla and his people as such. For instance, you will find that many did not want to live a life of constant warfare and refused to go out with Geronimo in the spring of 1885--they were sent to prison in Florida anyway just because they were Chiricahua and the army couldn't catch the hostile ones. Also in the passage where where his beloved step father is sent to prison one can see the pain, hurt and loss that a child can feel at such an incident. The book shows how important family was (and still is) to the Apaches. In this book Juh (pronounced Whoa), Loco and Geronimo come alive and we see the lengendary Apache woman warrior lozen, is profiled as well. I give this book five stars because as an Apache I understand where the narrantor is coming from; any open minded person would as well. I don't buy the noble red man myth either. We Apaches were people like any one else and "In the Days of Victorio" reveals this and that is the essence and value of this fine narrative. The book was never meant to be structured, formal history but a telling of history from the Apache point of view. Kawaykla also reveals how he witnessed captives dying violent deaths and its affect on him. As for Cremony, I know his book and enjoyed it very much but his view of Apaches is very biased but still he relates some various truths in it. Also, many historians (including Ed Sweeny who I know)have stated that Cremony had a tendency to draw the 'long bow' a bit in his book. Still, I believe that nearly all books from persons who were observers of that time have some value and historians and discerning people need to know how to combine all sources to get a clear view of the Southwest's history.Even General George Crook (who fought and respected Apaches) once wrote that Apaches were painted in darker colors than they were due to misunderstanding and exaggeration. I do hope that the reviewer will read my upcoming book on Apaches and not think that I'm not too SELECTIVE; after all, as an historian I have to be

Granlund...RELAX

This book is as good a read as any JFK biography that OMITS his multiple infidelities, and other 'bad' behavior. As the title states..."Recollections of a Warm Springs Apache" It is not assumed to be an 'unbiased' biography, therefore if we read this it is because we want to know what Kaywaykla has to say not someone named Cremony. This section is for a general review, not for writing our own novels....short and sweet!

Superb book

Anyone interested in the Apache and the history of the American Southwest needs to read this book. You will likely consider the events and participants of this controversial period of history in a new light when you hear the "other side of the story" from one who was there. I wouldn't be surprised if you measure all other accounts of the "Apache Wars" period against Mr. Kaywaykla's testimony.

Victorio, A must.

As an apache woman, this is one book I would highly recommend. Not only does it tell of what The Warm Springs Apache had to endure, but of what they felt and of the internal conflicts amonst the apache people. In this book not only do they focus on Chief Victorio but all that surrounded him. I recommend all to read this book and see what it was like from the Apache point of veiw.