A NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW EDITOR'S CHOICEA magisterial new work that rewrites the story of America's foundingThe American Revolution is often portrayed as an orderly; restrained rebellion; with brave patriots defending their noble ideals against an oppressive empire. It’s a stirring narrative; and one the founders did their best to encourage after the war. But as historian Holger Hoock shows in this deeply researched and elegantly written account of America’s founding; the Revolution was not only a high-minded battle over principles; but also a profoundly violent civil war—one that shaped the nation; and the British Empire; in ways we have only begun to understand.In Scars of Independence; Hoock writes the violence back into the story of the Revolution. American Patriots persecuted and tortured Loyalists. British troops massacred enemy soldiers and raped colonial women. Prisoners were starved on disease-ridden ships and in subterranean cells. African-Americans fighting for or against independence suffered disproportionately; and Washington’s army waged a genocidal campaign against the Iroquois. In vivid; authoritative prose; Hoock’s new reckoning also examines the moral dilemmas posed by this all-pervasive violence; as the British found themselves torn between unlimited war and restraint toward fellow subjects; while the Patriots documented war crimes in an ingenious effort to unify the fledgling nation.For two centuries we have whitewashed this history of the Revolution. Scars of Independence forces a more honest appraisal; revealing the inherent tensions between moral purpose and violent tendencies in America’s past. In so doing; it offers a new origins story that is both relevant and necessary—an important reminder that forging a nation is rarely bloodless.
#32159 in Books imusti 2014-03-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.90 x 1.20 x 6.00l; .0 #File Name: 0803283911424 pagesBison Books
Review
182 of 185 people found the following review helpful. Must Read classicBy CrystalI didn't read this edition; a little paperback version came to me. I read it long ago and read it again recently. This book had an incredible impact on me. Over the years people have come to criticize the author; John Neidhardt. The book ends somewhat abruptly not long after Wounded Knee and then there is an account of Black Elk's prayer on Harney Peak when he was an old man and he asked to make his people live again kind of tacked on the end. Many seem to feel Neidhardt was exploiting Black Elk to get a book out of him. I don't claim to be an expert on Black Elk and this subject; but from what I know I do not agree with the totally cynical assessment. Black Elk had been off the reservation in the Buffalo Bill Show and given his experiences he was hardly naive or ignorant. Black Elk's son Ben had been in the Carlyle school so he would have known if the book did not reflect his father's vision and words and life. The book was also not an instant bestseller. Neidhardt promoted this book and Black Elk's vision tirelessly until the end of his life and I truly believe it was because he saw the incredible spiritual nature of Black Elk; his life; and visions. And his "great vision" as a youngster can only be described as cataclysmic and psychedelic. When the spirits want you to see something you will see it and no drugs are necessary.Neidhardt left out the ensuing years on Pine Ridge Reservation and Black Elk's acceptance of Catholicism to frame a lost way of life; the sadness and injustice of it; and the greatness and seeming inevitability of Black Elk's vision. I believe any poetic license taken was in service of bringing forth a greater truth. The book was not meant to be a biography or history of the Lakota; but to preserve Black Elk's vision and so the purpose of the book was accomplished. Those who want to pick at the book miss the greater impact of Black Elk's life and vision. As this was not Neidhardt's culture he probably also didn't totally understand nor was he able to explain some things; but again; are we missing the greater truth of the book by focusing on imperfections? Read this book with an open heart and you won't be disappointed.Some feel Black Elk became a Catholic as a way of continuing to teach the Lakota way along with the Christian faith to preserve the Lakota culture. I believe he was intelligent and had such a great spirit he saw he could blend both faiths and build a bridge for the future. Nor was he intimidated into the Christian faith. His daughter said his acceptance of the Catholic faith was true and not a sham to keep teaching the Lakota ways surreptitiously. After reading this book; if Black Elk interests you there are books available on the later half of his life. Black Elk lived until 1950. You may also be interested in The Sacred Pipe: Black Elk's Account of the Seven Rites of the Oglala Sioux (The Civilization of the American Indian Series).If you would like a somewhat different perspective or style of writing you might take a look at Lame Deer; Seeker of Visions (Enriched Classics). Lame Deer felt Black Elk Speaks missed the mark in some ways so he enlisted the help of Richard Erdoes to write his own book as Lame Deer did not speak much English. I enjoyed reading Lame Deer; Seeker of Visions as there is humor and compassion toward all in his account of his life and that of his people.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Strength and beautyBy M IvarsonA very strong and beautiful book. The tale by 'Black Elk' is very poetic.You really feel the strength of a people living in total harmony withnature; with universe.The drawings by "Crazy horse" are great and tells it's own story.So much to learn for us who live in a too material and rushed life.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Lsst of the OgalansBy Jerry MBlack Elk was born and lived when Natives were free; not on reservations. That is why his words were captured and printed back in the 1930s when he was an old man; his reembrances of liberty. I still do not know if he was naturally eloquent or if the translator is responsible for this tome. The two of them together made a fine team -- putting an era into words I can understand.
