From: Audio Literature Publisher: Audio Literature Average Rating: Binding: Audio CD Format: Audiobook, CD Label: Audio Literature Number of Items: 3 Publication Date: July 12, 2007
In the 1930s, John Neihardt, a poet and a chronicler of the old West and Native American folkways, spent many hours with Black Elk, one of the most revered holy men of the Oglala Sioux. The result was Black Elk Speaks, a book that has enthralled spiritual seekers from every tradition for more than 70 years. In his own words, Black Elk tells of the trials and sufferings, as well as the triumphs and joys that the Sioux experienced after the coming of white settlers. His inspiring words, which tell not just the story of his people but also of his hope for humankind and respect for the earth, have entered the hearts of people all over the world. An inspired, authentic reading by Fred Contreras gives voice to Black Elk’s impassioned plea for all people to live in harmony with the earth and its Creator.
SPEAKING FOR BLACK ELK I read "Black Elk Speaks" by Nebraska Poet Laureate John Neihardt way back in the 1970s; I taught it and assigned it to my students and, sometimes, over the years -- I've quoted and misquoted from this classic. At last, I've heard Black Elk! It is a revelation.
In my declining years, I discover that I hear better than I read. Books that I hear -- Live in my memory; words I read, for the most part, remain on the page. When I put down a book I'm reading -- I'm done with it for the moment. When I stop listening - the audio book stays in my head and I look forward to hearing more.
Scott Peterson reads Black Elk Speaks and I cannot imagine a better reader. Hearing him makes perfect sense since it is a story that was told by the old Sioux Chief in 1931 near the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. Mr. Peterson, a Cayuga, of the Iroquois Six Nations of upstate New York has an interesting voice and his reading reveals the structure of Neihardt's work. I had forgotten or never noticed that there are speakers in addition to Black Elk. We hear from other Chiefs, Standing Bear and Fire Thunder who were part of Black Elk's life and memories; they confirm and supplement the old man's recall. Black Elk was at Custer's defeat in 1876 - the Battle of Little Big Horn. He calls it, "The Rubbing Out of Long Hair." We might call it our nation's last great victory. Later, Black Elk signs on with Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show and performs before Queen Victoria in England. Black Elk was a shaman, a medicine man and healer.
Hearing Black Elk's story impressed the tragic but also illuminated comical episodes that had escaped me. Of course political correctors will rush to inform that we only hear what dead white man Neihardt thinks we should hear. Yes, that's true; the story is filtered through the time in which it was set down, nonetheless: Neihardt's respect for his subject shines through and, it is worth remembering that Black Elk chose Neihardt after refusing to speak to others.
As a young boy, Black Elk received visions and he couldn't understand them. However, people come to see that there was something special about this boy; in time he understands that he has been given a powerful vision with which to save his Nation. Today, we search for purpose or mission in life. Black Elk was given one and, it would seem, went to his grave feeling he had failed. Through the voice of Scott Peterson, Black Elk's words and vision live. There is a bonus that comes with this recording. When I picked up my tattered copy of Black Elk to check some detail: There was Peterson's voice in my head! How did that happen?
Anything Goes Trivia
Last Kiss
Megaton Man
Trevor
