The American Indian and the Problem of History

Book Overview

The problem of history for North American Indians is that historical consciousness has traditionally been irrelevant to them, perhaps even dangerous. Time, with its attendant experiences, realities, and knowledge, was not linear, progressive, and novel. Their vision of themselves in relation to the cosmos was very different from the anthropocentric perspective that came to dominate Western thinking. Each of the eighteen authors herein wrestles with...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0195038568
• ISBN13: 9780195038569
• Release Date: January 1987
• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Length: 256 Pages
• Weight: 1.30 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.6" x 8.3"

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.