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Product Description
Book Description
The shocking and compelling story about the original inhabitants of America and the first book to focus on their plight
Product Description
The American West, 1860-1890: years of broken promises, disillusionment, war and massacre.
Beginning with the Long Walk of the Navajos and ending with the massacre of Sioux at Wounded Knee, this extraordinary book tells how the American Indians lost their land, lives and liberty to white settlers pushing westward. Woven into a an engrossing saga of cruelty, treachery and violence are the fascinating stories of such legendary figures as Sitting Bull, Cochise, Crazy Horse and Geronimo.
First published in 1970, Dee Brown's brutal and compelling narrative changed the way people thought about the original inhabitants of America, and focused attention on a national disgrace.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
61 of 61 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I read this book over ten years ago and have read it a number of times since, and it just doesn't seem to lose any of its impact.
"Bury My Heart" is the harrowing tale of the systematic conning, concentrating and extermination of the Native Americans of the United States between the 1830s and 1870s.
Told chronologically, it relates tribe-by-tribe the incredible levels of deep-seated racism and greed displayed by white prospectors, settlers, soldiers and politicians as they carved up the vast land of North America into its component states and territories in their boardrooms and forts, with the Native Americans trampled underfoot along the way.
Not legally recognised as "people" (with the sole exception of Standing Bear, who managed to become a person only through legal action), the indiginous occupants of North America were confronted by soldiers tribe by tribe, and told to move out of the place they lived, and onto a reservation - or be killed. The Native Americans who agreed ended up on reservation land which was no use to the whites - that it, no use for hunting, farming, or living. The rations fed to them were not fit for human consumption, and on some reservations, most simply died from disease or starvation. Those who tried to complain, resist, or leave were imprisoned or killed. For the Native Americans that fought, they resisted long and hard but eventually they became vastly outnumbered. Originally they were only a few million in number themselves, but with another ten million new white faces arriving each and every year over the period written about, the already rapidly-diminished native population found itself up against unconquerable odds.
Dee Brown wrote this originally in 1970, when Native Americans were still termed "Indians", and there are references to "squaws" and "heap big soldiers" that probably wouldn't be found in a more modern treatise. Nevertheless it's a hugely important piece of work that exposes the early movers and shakers in an embryonic United States, for the lies, greed and deep racism that they indulged in.
An absolute must-read.
"Bury My Heart" is the harrowing tale of the systematic conning, concentrating and extermination of the Native Americans of the United States between the 1830s and 1870s.
Told chronologically, it relates tribe-by-tribe the incredible levels of deep-seated racism and greed displayed by white prospectors, settlers, soldiers and politicians as they carved up the vast land of North America into its component states and territories in their boardrooms and forts, with the Native Americans trampled underfoot along the way.
Not legally recognised as "people" (with the sole exception of Standing Bear, who managed to become a person only through legal action), the indiginous occupants of North America were confronted by soldiers tribe by tribe, and told to move out of the place they lived, and onto a reservation - or be killed. The Native Americans who agreed ended up on reservation land which was no use to the whites - that it, no use for hunting, farming, or living. The rations fed to them were not fit for human consumption, and on some reservations, most simply died from disease or starvation. Those who tried to complain, resist, or leave were imprisoned or killed. For the Native Americans that fought, they resisted long and hard but eventually they became vastly outnumbered. Originally they were only a few million in number themselves, but with another ten million new white faces arriving each and every year over the period written about, the already rapidly-diminished native population found itself up against unconquerable odds.
Dee Brown wrote this originally in 1970, when Native Americans were still termed "Indians", and there are references to "squaws" and "heap big soldiers" that probably wouldn't be found in a more modern treatise. Nevertheless it's a hugely important piece of work that exposes the early movers and shakers in an embryonic United States, for the lies, greed and deep racism that they indulged in.
An absolute must-read.
35 of 35 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I love how Dee Brown has chosen a mounted Native American warrior as his cover picture, as this drew my attention to his book. I feel it presents the right image, that of a strong, proud and noble warrior belonging to such a tribe. I liked the inclusion of a map at the beginning of the book, charting the significant battles, rivers, territories and settlements of the time. The inclusion of photographs was inspiring, and I found that this helped me to envisage each chapter whilst allowing me to study in particular some of the more famous Native American chiefs I have heard or read about. Hundreds of quotes appear at the beginning and throughout each chapter from both Native Americans and white Americans. This, I believe, is an essential part of any non-fiction novel, as many books are naturally written through the eyes of their author or historians of another background, leaving a biased view. This ensures that effectively, the Native Americans have told much of their own story, which is vital. Furthermore, with most views of the USA having come and coming from white Americans alone, it is a refreshing change and a well deserved chance for old voices to be heard. The song at the end of each chapter is another thoughtful way of tapping into Native American culture. There are war songs and tribal dances, and if you're musical you can play them, as the notes are all there!! There is also a complex bibliography for those who want more detailed information.
Dee Brown has put a great deal of work into this book and I hope he is extremely proud of it. I will be buying it and I shall read it again. There is such an abundance of information and numerous people are mentioned (he gives so many the centre stage, I admire that) that I know I will have missed something, as one can when one reads a piece of literature only once.
This book is a breakthrough and would be an essential part of any historical research.
50 of 51 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I first read this book in 1981, when a friend showed it to me almost as soon as I set foot on American soil from England. From it I learned how awful the Native Americans had been treated in America, and I wanted to learn more, so I travelled around the country visiting Native people in their own homes and reservations. I made many wonderful friends, including my Dakota partner. The book doesn't lie, I have heard those same stories from the mouths of elders and young alike. Passed down through their families, the stories still live on. Dee Brown has written a book about these same stories, he does it in a way that makes us all sit and think. After reading the book again, it has the same effect on my soul, except now it is more personal as I have visited the places in the book and heard the voices too. I am back in England now, my quest has ended but my love for this book will never end. Read it and start your own quest off, please.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Truly compelling!!!
A factual account of the events that took place in the American West between 1860-1890 (not too long ago). Read more
Published 2 months ago by R. Thomas
unforgettable.
This book is a must read, even though it is a very emotional read ,I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN, I HAD TO FINISH IT. It definitely is a mindbender,,. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Vincent O'flynn
The best book about Native Americans
At first I wanted to buying Dee Brown's The American West,
I thought was more detailed and wider than Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee. Read more
I thought was more detailed and wider than Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Steven R.
Don't let US citizens read this book!
A real eye opener to the history of 'red savages' who were routed by the war mongering 'new American'. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Mr. A. Glenister
Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee
Impossible to put down you have to finish reading the whole book, Hard to believe what we can do to our fellow human beings together with the suffering that can be caused through... Read more
Published 4 months ago by BeeM
Brilliant
Well done Dee Brown. I was gripped from start to finish. The best history book I have ever read.Very sad how these great people were treated so badly.
Published 7 months ago by G. Humphrey
A fascinating read about Native Americans
Forget about the the Movie experience,you must read about the sad plight of the American Indians.A very good read indeed
Published 7 months ago by RMH West Midlands
survey, from the victim's point of view, of the old US west
Anyone interested in history should read this book. It is full of extremely poignant stories, each of which would make for a great film or TV mini-series. Read more
Published 9 months ago by rob crawford
Native American Genocide
Very well written history of the systematic control and genocide of the western Native American tribes described in great detail.
Published 9 months ago by Wilma
book review
I purchased a new book. It arived in time and was in very good condition. I am very happy with the service.
Published 11 months ago by B W
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