A Little Bit of Wisdom: Conversations With a Nez Perce Elder

by Horace P. Axtell

In A LITTLE BIT OF WISDOM, Horace Axtell, a contemporary Nez Perce elder and spiritual leader, recounts to Margo Aragon his family's history and his own personal journey. It is a book about growing up Christian while maintaining a strong tribal identity, about going first to war and then to prison, and then coming home to rediscover the Long House and the sacred practice of the Seven Drum Religion and the Sweat House.

217 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 1997

Reviews

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Little Bit of Wisdom is a fantastic look at the Nez Perce culture through the eyes of Horace Axtell, tribal elder and spiritual leader. Axtell was raised Christian in the beautiful Kamiah area of Idaho. His grandmother did not speak English so he grew up speaking both English and the Nez Perce language. This narrative is a beautifully written reflection on not only Nez Perce traditions, but also of Horace's personal life and the wisdom he has gained. I really enjoyed this bit of history, and loved the mentions of my beautiful homeland of Wallowa Lake. Pick this one up. Enjoy it. Soak it in.

[Gretchen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed a creative writing tutorial this summer with co-author Margo Aragon. Soooo.... I thought that I might as well read this book and get a lil' acquainted with her.
I am enjoyed the elder wisdom immensely. Horace Axtell shares his story honestly and some "life insight".