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From the Deep Woods to Civilization
In the sequel to Indian Boyhood, Eastman tells of his departure from the reservation at age 15 to receive his education among whites, his experiences as a reservation physician at the Wounded Knee massacre, and of his time in Washington, D.C., where he held a succession of government positions.
341 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1902
256 people are currently reading
549 people want to read
About the author
Charles Alexander Eastman
99 books116 followersCharles Alexander Eastman is unique among Indian writers, whether storytellers or oral historians. He was raised traditionally, as a Woodland Sioux, by his grandmother, from 1858 - 1874, until he was 15. He thus gained a thorough first-hand knowledge of the lifeways, language, culture, and oral history.
His father (thought to have been hanged at Mankato, Minnesota) reappeared and insisted he receive the white man's education. Educated at Dartmouth and Boston University medical school, Eastman became a highly literate physician, who was the only doctor available to the victims of the Wounded Knee massacre in 1890 -- a major historical event, often described as "ending the Indian wars".
Other Indian writers of this period were either entirely acculturated -- had never lived the traditional life of their people or been educated out of their native knowledge -- or were not literate, and were able to provide only "as told to" materials, through the filters of interpreters and non-Indian writers. Eastman had the lifeways and historical events experiences, and he did not need the literary filters of translators and white anthropologists or collectors.
http://www.worldwisdom.com/public/aut...
His father (thought to have been hanged at Mankato, Minnesota) reappeared and insisted he receive the white man's education. Educated at Dartmouth and Boston University medical school, Eastman became a highly literate physician, who was the only doctor available to the victims of the Wounded Knee massacre in 1890 -- a major historical event, often described as "ending the Indian wars".
Other Indian writers of this period were either entirely acculturated -- had never lived the traditional life of their people or been educated out of their native knowledge -- or were not literate, and were able to provide only "as told to" materials, through the filters of interpreters and non-Indian writers. Eastman had the lifeways and historical events experiences, and he did not need the literary filters of translators and white anthropologists or collectors.
http://www.worldwisdom.com/public/aut...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
April 20, 2012
The author’s father was arrested, along with dozens of others, after the 1862 Indian revolt in Minnesota, and was presumed executed. The boy was raised by his grandmother and uncle among a band of Sioux that had fled across the Canada line. When he was a teenager, his father (who had been pardoned by Lincoln and converted to Christianity) unexpectedly returned for him and brought him to his Dakota homestead. He sent him to the white man’s school to learn to read and write.
Ohiyesa, who now went by the name Charles Eastman, wasn’t at all sure about this radical change of life. His father, convinced that the time of the Indians was irrevocably passing, encouraged him to apply himself to studying the white man’s knowledge and culture:
When you see a new trail, or a footprint that you do not know, follow it to the point of knowing… The way of knowledge is like our old way of hunting. You begin with a mere trail – a footprint. If you follow that faithfully, it may lead you to a clearer trail – a track – a road. Later on there will be many tracks, crossing and diverging one from the other. Then you must be careful, for success lies in the choice of the right road.
Eastman went on, eventually, to Dartmouth and became a doctor. He returned to Pine Ridge, married, and was present to tend the injured at Wounded Knee. He went on in later life to become a touring lecturer and an advocate for Native American rights and the reconciliation of Indian and white culture.
As was inevitable, Eastman was criticized from both sides over the years. Whites accused him of smoothing over some of the less savory aspects of Sioux life (torture of enemies, ritual self-mutilation, eating of dogs, etc.). Native Americans accused him of selling out to white culture and religion, and of looking down his nose at his own people.
As it usually proves to be, the truth was something more complex. For all the simplicity of Eastman’s style, the subtleties of his own perspective and character come through in this book. He was a man who wanted to belong to both cultures equally, not to divorce himself from either. He wanted to hold each to its own highest standards. He saw the tracks confusedly crossing and re-crossing, like his father had warned, but believed in a point of convergence, though it always seemed to recede before him.
I read the Lakeside Press edition which includes select chapters from Eastman's Indian Boyhood too. Since Deep Woods only picks up where Indian Boyhood leaves off, I recommend both.
Ohiyesa, who now went by the name Charles Eastman, wasn’t at all sure about this radical change of life. His father, convinced that the time of the Indians was irrevocably passing, encouraged him to apply himself to studying the white man’s knowledge and culture:
When you see a new trail, or a footprint that you do not know, follow it to the point of knowing… The way of knowledge is like our old way of hunting. You begin with a mere trail – a footprint. If you follow that faithfully, it may lead you to a clearer trail – a track – a road. Later on there will be many tracks, crossing and diverging one from the other. Then you must be careful, for success lies in the choice of the right road.
Eastman went on, eventually, to Dartmouth and became a doctor. He returned to Pine Ridge, married, and was present to tend the injured at Wounded Knee. He went on in later life to become a touring lecturer and an advocate for Native American rights and the reconciliation of Indian and white culture.
As was inevitable, Eastman was criticized from both sides over the years. Whites accused him of smoothing over some of the less savory aspects of Sioux life (torture of enemies, ritual self-mutilation, eating of dogs, etc.). Native Americans accused him of selling out to white culture and religion, and of looking down his nose at his own people.
As it usually proves to be, the truth was something more complex. For all the simplicity of Eastman’s style, the subtleties of his own perspective and character come through in this book. He was a man who wanted to belong to both cultures equally, not to divorce himself from either. He wanted to hold each to its own highest standards. He saw the tracks confusedly crossing and re-crossing, like his father had warned, but believed in a point of convergence, though it always seemed to recede before him.
I read the Lakeside Press edition which includes select chapters from Eastman's Indian Boyhood too. Since Deep Woods only picks up where Indian Boyhood leaves off, I recommend both.
June 23, 2015
From the Deep Woods to Civilization is the account of Charles Alexander Eastman/Ohiyesa's journey through boarding school, Beloit and Dartmouth Colleges, his early years as a physician, and his career in public service. Spanning the 1870s through 1910s, the book is an important document of crucial decades in American Indian history.
To those that value traditional Sioux culture, Deep Woods may be disturbing because Eastman repeatedly renounces his upbringing in favor of Euro-American culture. Notably, after being thrown off the property of a white man who remembers the Dakota Wars, Eastman finds another farmer who provides summer work. What would be a simple economic exchange to most people is elevated into something like a religious experience: "It was here and now that my eyes were opened intelligently to the greatness of Christian civilization, the ideal civilization, as it unfolded itself before my eyes. I saw it as the development of every natural resources; the broad brotherhood of mankind; the blending of all languages and the gathering of all races under one religious faith ... I renounced finally my bow and arrows for the spade and the pen; I took off my soft moccasins and put on the heavy and clumsy by durable shoes. Every day of my life I put into use every English word that I knew, and for the first time permitted myself to think and act as a white man" (pg. 58). In fact, reviewers have called Charles Eastman/Ohiyesa a "sellout" because of passages like this.
However, I feel Eastman's choices may be contextualized by understanding the precarious position he and other Natives found themselves in when Deep Woods was written. As of 1916, American Indians were not considered citizens of the United States, nor did they have voting rights. Confined to reservations, often on land that was stripped of large game and unproductive for agriculture, many were impoverished and starving. Thus some Natives of Eastman's generation felt they had no choice but to learn English, obtain occupational skills, and the like. In fact, as Eastman explains in "My First School Days," obtaining an education was a means to combat the abuse his people suffered. English language, laws, and such were the "bows and arrows of the white man" and Natives needed to understand such weapons (pg. 16).
Also, it is important to read Deep Woods to the end, in order to observe Eastman's growing awareness of what the Sioux suffered and his increasing disillusionment with American society. While his initial advice to chief American Horse regarding the tension between his people and the U.S. government is that Natives must be "patient" and loyal (pg. 96), he later learns of disease, insufficient food, and broken promises that caused their anger and despair (pg. 98-99). He also observes yellow journalists whose exaggerated and falsified stories set everyone on edge (pg. 102). By the time he becomes a reservation doctor, he blames much of the so-called "Indian uprising" (i.e., the Wounded Knee Massacre) on whites. He also collaborates with traditional healers in treating a sick child (pg. 122-123). By the final pages, Eastman comes to the conclusion that American Christians do not practice what they preach, and while he calls himself an American, he renounces the "commerce, nationalism, [and] material efficiency" which has become part and parcel of Western life (pgs. 193-194). A close reading of Deep Woods also reveals instances of pride in Dakota childrearing. For example, in the book's opening pages, Eastman subtly argues for value of Native parenting by pointing out how he was taught many values which whites believed could only be imparted by removing Native children to off-reservation boarding schools. From his relatives, he had learned "to be a man," the importance of public service, the "presence of the Spirit," as well as "patience," "self-control," and "silence." Given the prejudices of the time, these are very brave words.
With all this in mind, Eastman's work should be required for anyone who wishes to understand the Sioux during the early 20th century. His books are also helpful for those who are generally interested in American History. On par with Booker T. Washington's Up from Slavery, Eastman's From the Deep Woods to Civilization encourages readers to consider the philosophical struggles, evolving tactics, and other concerns of people of color trying to decide what personal and racial progress looks like and the best way of achieving it.
To those that value traditional Sioux culture, Deep Woods may be disturbing because Eastman repeatedly renounces his upbringing in favor of Euro-American culture. Notably, after being thrown off the property of a white man who remembers the Dakota Wars, Eastman finds another farmer who provides summer work. What would be a simple economic exchange to most people is elevated into something like a religious experience: "It was here and now that my eyes were opened intelligently to the greatness of Christian civilization, the ideal civilization, as it unfolded itself before my eyes. I saw it as the development of every natural resources; the broad brotherhood of mankind; the blending of all languages and the gathering of all races under one religious faith ... I renounced finally my bow and arrows for the spade and the pen; I took off my soft moccasins and put on the heavy and clumsy by durable shoes. Every day of my life I put into use every English word that I knew, and for the first time permitted myself to think and act as a white man" (pg. 58). In fact, reviewers have called Charles Eastman/Ohiyesa a "sellout" because of passages like this.
However, I feel Eastman's choices may be contextualized by understanding the precarious position he and other Natives found themselves in when Deep Woods was written. As of 1916, American Indians were not considered citizens of the United States, nor did they have voting rights. Confined to reservations, often on land that was stripped of large game and unproductive for agriculture, many were impoverished and starving. Thus some Natives of Eastman's generation felt they had no choice but to learn English, obtain occupational skills, and the like. In fact, as Eastman explains in "My First School Days," obtaining an education was a means to combat the abuse his people suffered. English language, laws, and such were the "bows and arrows of the white man" and Natives needed to understand such weapons (pg. 16).
Also, it is important to read Deep Woods to the end, in order to observe Eastman's growing awareness of what the Sioux suffered and his increasing disillusionment with American society. While his initial advice to chief American Horse regarding the tension between his people and the U.S. government is that Natives must be "patient" and loyal (pg. 96), he later learns of disease, insufficient food, and broken promises that caused their anger and despair (pg. 98-99). He also observes yellow journalists whose exaggerated and falsified stories set everyone on edge (pg. 102). By the time he becomes a reservation doctor, he blames much of the so-called "Indian uprising" (i.e., the Wounded Knee Massacre) on whites. He also collaborates with traditional healers in treating a sick child (pg. 122-123). By the final pages, Eastman comes to the conclusion that American Christians do not practice what they preach, and while he calls himself an American, he renounces the "commerce, nationalism, [and] material efficiency" which has become part and parcel of Western life (pgs. 193-194). A close reading of Deep Woods also reveals instances of pride in Dakota childrearing. For example, in the book's opening pages, Eastman subtly argues for value of Native parenting by pointing out how he was taught many values which whites believed could only be imparted by removing Native children to off-reservation boarding schools. From his relatives, he had learned "to be a man," the importance of public service, the "presence of the Spirit," as well as "patience," "self-control," and "silence." Given the prejudices of the time, these are very brave words.
With all this in mind, Eastman's work should be required for anyone who wishes to understand the Sioux during the early 20th century. His books are also helpful for those who are generally interested in American History. On par with Booker T. Washington's Up from Slavery, Eastman's From the Deep Woods to Civilization encourages readers to consider the philosophical struggles, evolving tactics, and other concerns of people of color trying to decide what personal and racial progress looks like and the best way of achieving it.
June 19, 2014
Eastman's memoir is written in careful and dignified prose and details the events of his transition from native life to "civilization." The memoir begins with the author's extraction from his tribe by his long-absent father, who has returned to raise his son in the ways of the white man. Despite the cultural shift, Eastman seems to flourish in his new setting and becomes enamored with most facets of white culture.
One of the most interesting parts of the narrative is how casually the author, originally an outsider, identifies white culture with Christianity. This leads to an internal conflict that is explored through the author's interactions with other Native Americans: white people profess to follow the morals and ideals of Jesus, but often act in ways are contrary to those beliefs. Native Americans, on the other hand, seem to embody those ideals without necessarily believing the theology. This conflict colors many of Eastman's experiences as he writes them. Eastman seems to want to believe that white culture is inherently good even though the stories he chooses to share with the reader show the opposite.
Bottom line: As a historical memoir, I found this book very entertaining. It's worth reading just to see the assimilation of Native Americans from a subject's perspective, thought it seems that Eastman's assimilation was facilitated by his family rather than outside forces. A great read for anyone interested in American or frontier history.
One of the most interesting parts of the narrative is how casually the author, originally an outsider, identifies white culture with Christianity. This leads to an internal conflict that is explored through the author's interactions with other Native Americans: white people profess to follow the morals and ideals of Jesus, but often act in ways are contrary to those beliefs. Native Americans, on the other hand, seem to embody those ideals without necessarily believing the theology. This conflict colors many of Eastman's experiences as he writes them. Eastman seems to want to believe that white culture is inherently good even though the stories he chooses to share with the reader show the opposite.
Bottom line: As a historical memoir, I found this book very entertaining. It's worth reading just to see the assimilation of Native Americans from a subject's perspective, thought it seems that Eastman's assimilation was facilitated by his family rather than outside forces. A great read for anyone interested in American or frontier history.
December 18, 2022
Such an interesting and well-crafted read. My first impression was that Eastman seemed like a full on assimilationist, which surprised me. But upon closer look, you can see that he's actually pulling some powerful albeit subtle moves of resistance by subverting our understanding of the civilization:savagery binary.
November 29, 2012
This is pretty hard to read. In some ways the guy really did the best he could. In other ways, he was a total sellout. You can hardly blame him... but things come out of his mouth that REALLY SHOULDN'T. Get what I mean?
November 23, 2025
Charles Eastman led a truly remarkable life. He was a witness to the Wounded Knee massacre, co-founder of the Boy Scouts of America, and established 32 YMCAs on Native American Reservations. He met and talked with many literary figures of his time, including Matthew Arnold, Ralph Waldo Emerson, William Dean Howells, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, and Francis Parkman. He met with four presidents, addressed a gathering of governors, and worked as a lobbyist on behalf of Native Americans in Washington, D.C. He was also acquainted with other well known cultural figures of the times, including Cornelius Vanderbilt and Dwight Moody, and many educators and college presidents. He was the first Native American to actually graduate from Dartmouth, a school ostensibly established for Natives–neither Samson Occom nor Joseph Brant had completed their degrees–and one of the first Native Americans to earn a medical degree. And he published a number of books, including autobiographical material.
This particular edition contains the full original text of From the Deep Woods to Civilization, but also much of Indian Boyhood, along with 68 pages of historical introduction (the latter not included in the page count).
There are many interesting anecdotes in the book, which is a relatively fast read. Certainly his details of the context of Wounded Knee are valuable, as well as his social critiques of American culture of his day. His description of the widespread bribery and corruption of Washington culture rings sadly believable. My chief criticism of the book is that I do wish he had shared a few more personal anecdotes from his encounters with so many interesting people of his time, such as that with Dwight Moody. The ratio of name dropping to actual stories is regrettably high.
But on the whole it's a very valuable biography of a well educated native man who had lived in the Dakota world but also the highest levels of American academia and politics, a man with a great respect for his traditional religion but who chose Christianity, a man who had at times been an author, advocate, anthropologist and acquisitions scout for a museum, camp director, physician, political activist, and an enormous force in the youth activities of Boy Scouts of America and the YMCA.
“The rule of two meals a day was more closely observed by the men . . . This was when the Indians recognized that a true manhood, one of physical activity and endurance, depends upon dieting and exercise. No such system is practiced by the reservation Indians of today.” p20
Regarding white American culture, his father said: “Here is a race which has learned to weigh and measure everything, time, labor, and the results of labor, and has learned to accumulate and preserve both wealth and the records of experience for future generations.” p133-4
This particular edition contains the full original text of From the Deep Woods to Civilization, but also much of Indian Boyhood, along with 68 pages of historical introduction (the latter not included in the page count).
There are many interesting anecdotes in the book, which is a relatively fast read. Certainly his details of the context of Wounded Knee are valuable, as well as his social critiques of American culture of his day. His description of the widespread bribery and corruption of Washington culture rings sadly believable. My chief criticism of the book is that I do wish he had shared a few more personal anecdotes from his encounters with so many interesting people of his time, such as that with Dwight Moody. The ratio of name dropping to actual stories is regrettably high.
But on the whole it's a very valuable biography of a well educated native man who had lived in the Dakota world but also the highest levels of American academia and politics, a man with a great respect for his traditional religion but who chose Christianity, a man who had at times been an author, advocate, anthropologist and acquisitions scout for a museum, camp director, physician, political activist, and an enormous force in the youth activities of Boy Scouts of America and the YMCA.
“The rule of two meals a day was more closely observed by the men . . . This was when the Indians recognized that a true manhood, one of physical activity and endurance, depends upon dieting and exercise. No such system is practiced by the reservation Indians of today.” p20
Regarding white American culture, his father said: “Here is a race which has learned to weigh and measure everything, time, labor, and the results of labor, and has learned to accumulate and preserve both wealth and the records of experience for future generations.” p133-4
July 23, 2017
Eastman's memoir is written in careful and dignified prose and details the events of his transition from native life to "civilization." The memoir begins with the author's extraction from his tribe by his long-absent father, who has returned to raise his son in the ways of the white man. Despite the cultural shift, Eastman seems to flourish in his new setting and becomes enamored with most facets of white culture.One of the most interesting parts of the narrative is how casually the author, originally an outsider, identifies white culture with Christianity. This leads to an internal conflict that is explored through the author's interactions with other Native Americans: white people profess to follow the morals and ideals of Jesus, but often act in ways are contrary to those beliefs. Native Americans, on the other hand, seem to embody those ideals without necessarily believing the theology. This conflict colors many of Eastman's experiences as he writes them. Eastman seems to want to believe that white culture is inherently good even though the stories he chooses to share with the reader show the opposite.Bottom line: As a historical memoir, I found this book very entertaining. It's worth reading just to see the assimilation of Native Americans from a subject's perspective, thought it seems that Eastman's assimilation was facilitated by his family rather than outside forces. A great read for anyone interested in American or frontier history.
March 9, 2018
I thought this would be an interesting book to use in a class focused on individuals who were in conflict with their society. As a Native American man who pursued an education in late 19th-century/early 20th-century US schools and universities, Ohiyesa faced discrimination as he earned a medical degree and made a life for himself in white society. But I found myself somewhat conflicted about his discussion of his life as a doctor stationed on Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota, as he felt he could best serve the Sioux by becoming part of the bureaucratic class positioned between the Sioux and the US government. His lack of detailed discussion of, and seeming lack of interest in, the Ghost Dance movement was both surprising and troubling to me. However, I suspect that my conflict, surprise, and unease is due to the fact that I'm looking back at Ohiyesa's life and career with the benefit of a century of hindsight, not to mention from the perspective of someone who knows that conditions on the reservations never improved much in the course of the 20th century, something which probably would have surprised and troubled Ohiyesa. Overall, the book was still very useful in my class because it gave students an insight into the life of a man who was Native American but was attempting to bridge the gap between the Native American and white worlds and serve his people in the best way he knew how.
September 22, 2022
His account of his life, through early teens? to adulthood, was an incredible journey and met with much deception cast from the white man. Charles met some good white men, but be it the red tape of the legal system or something else, they would be great friends until it really mattered. At least that was my take on it… alas, that is still really the issue today isn’t it? We cannot get substantial substantive change for the indigenous peoples of this land.
It was interesting to me how he practiced medicine and noted upon his cleanliness which made me wonder if he knew of Lister’s advancement in medicine in the late 1800’s or not? Later becoming a missionary/lecturer/author and legal representative for many of his community, Charles did so much and yet nothing truly changed the governmental attitude. He did seem to change the attitude of many toward the “American Indian” for the better and kept educating others while also assisting with legislative changes. One of said changes was to establish last names and forgo the indigenous naming conventions (he who is scared of his horses, big foot, etc.) as well as cancel out the poly-relationships held by native Americans. I felt bad for the one man who maintained a good standing relationship with two sisters for over half a century (with many kids and grandkids) and Charles was like ya nope the government wants to do away with this sooo….
Wonder book and interesting that he helped for the BSA / Camp Fire girls with his wife.
It was interesting to me how he practiced medicine and noted upon his cleanliness which made me wonder if he knew of Lister’s advancement in medicine in the late 1800’s or not? Later becoming a missionary/lecturer/author and legal representative for many of his community, Charles did so much and yet nothing truly changed the governmental attitude. He did seem to change the attitude of many toward the “American Indian” for the better and kept educating others while also assisting with legislative changes. One of said changes was to establish last names and forgo the indigenous naming conventions (he who is scared of his horses, big foot, etc.) as well as cancel out the poly-relationships held by native Americans. I felt bad for the one man who maintained a good standing relationship with two sisters for over half a century (with many kids and grandkids) and Charles was like ya nope the government wants to do away with this sooo….
Wonder book and interesting that he helped for the BSA / Camp Fire girls with his wife.
August 5, 2020
This is a really beautiful book! I'm really glad that I met with my professor before reading this because she informed me (and I'm totally paraphrasing) that this book actually was written for white moderates in the early 20th century in order to gain support for Indians in government positions as well as fiscal support for reservations. On the surface, the book, and even just the title, reinforces a lot of negative stereotypes which I had learned were super unhelpful to decolonization of education and humanization of Indians in education. Specifically like referring to white/Western behaviors and space as civilization in contrast to the "savagery" of the deep woods. Charles Eastman was super awesome, and he was a forerunner of a lot of the Indian civil rights movements during the 60's and 70's (such as AIM, Red Power, Alcatraz occupation, Indians of All Tribes) through his involvement in government and cofounding the Society of American Indians (SAI). So I don't think he really believed the stereotypes he was reinforcing that Native people should and could assimilate with the support of these white moderates. (I could totally be wrong because I haven't read any more of his work, but I don't think I am.)
October 23, 2017
Fascinating to have Eastman share his story of leaving his traditional American Indian youth in Canada following the US Dakota War of 1862 and entering into the white culture after his father returned for him and brought him back to the United States. The choices he faced and challenges of being a part of two worlds. He covers things very quickly, but perhaps this is because he has written about them in other works. I would have liked to know more about his boarding school experience and how it compared to other Indian students in similar experiences. The part that struck me the most was The Ghost Dance War - the battle of Wounded Knee. While he wasn't there to see the aftermath first hand, he was one of the first to try to help survivors. He used his education and medical training to help his people try to adapt to a rapidly world that did not respect their ways. Highly recommend reading - I know I would like to read more of his works to understand a different perspective on this era of American History.
September 16, 2024
This is an excellent book. After covering how he came to enter the white person’s world and became educated and a medical doctor, Eastman writes of how he slowly became disillusioned with white civilization which does not practice what it preaches. He witnessed first-hand the massacre of unarmed men, women, and children at Wounded Knee; even women were hunted down miles away from the initial site. Then he witnessed the lying, cover-up, and retaliation of government officials stealing from helpless American Indians. There are excellent critiques of Christianity in this book—not the religion itself, which he practiced, but the lack of Christianity among the white people who eagerly proselytized the world while failing to practice their own religion themselves.
I only wish it were longer and contained more of his thoughts and opinions, as he is at times an insightful and fascinating writer. I recommend this book to those interested in Indian history and the transition from traditional ways to the white person’s road.
I only wish it were longer and contained more of his thoughts and opinions, as he is at times an insightful and fascinating writer. I recommend this book to those interested in Indian history and the transition from traditional ways to the white person’s road.
January 12, 2020
One of my first Native American Lit reads. I appreciated his style of writing. I would like to revisit this once I have read more Native American literature and see if I view this book the same. I think that Eastman was very honest and trusting, something he implies comes from his Native American roots. I love that he was a voice for his people later, but I definitely think I need to spend more time thinking and reading other opinions on his stances on assimilation just to have a more rounded view. All in all, I really enjoyed this piece and would like to read more of his writings as well as revisit this one in the future. It was a quick and easy read, but did not leave me without things to think on more.
March 14, 2018
Autobiographical rehearsal of the author's transition from living in the wilds as a Sioux to becoming a "civilized" member of American society. The author's first-hand account of the changes of life, relations between Whites and Native American in the 19th Century, and personal transformation are all interesting and insightful. A tinge of the "noble savage" lore colors the story, but over all it was enjoyable to read. By Eastman's own account, he was near-by when the massacre at Wounded Knee happened, and arrived after the incident to see the gruesome details. All-in-all this is a book worth reading.
February 18, 2020
I highly recommend it, easy to read. He was a good writer. His story tells about the conflicts he endured in his mind transitioning from a Native upbringing in a Plains teepee, to an educated Christian phase of his life, one that his father had encouraged him to undertake. Here is his personal experience of the Wounded Knee massacre at Pine Ridge Reservation where he was employed as a physician. Eastman also writes about all his doubts and misgivings about Christian civilization. His father had strongly believed in it. He returns to the woods of Ontario after a life of political activism and religious outreach.
December 17, 2022
The author was the first Native American medical doctor. This was really interesting, but raised so many questions in my mind. This man was introduced to the "white man's" education at age 15. Prior to that, he lived the traditional life: riding, hunting, a member of an Indian community. He was alive during the Battle of Little Big Horn. He treated wounded from the battle of Wounded Knee. He faced life-long discrimination. What I missed hearing was how he felt. His account of history and his life is fascinating, but I kept wondering how the events affected him. Oddly, LibriVox audio used a woman narrator. I would have preferred the memoir be read by a man.
March 20, 2023
From the Deep Woods is a fascinating look at American society even though it is more than a century old. Charles Eastman was a Sioux born in the middle of the 19th century, and this book is a short account of his life and work, from his boyhood growing up with the Sioux, to his education and career. I appreciate Native American viewpoints on the upsides and downsides, and the contradictions of American society, because their perspective is a unique one compared to other Americans. And Eastman's insights into America's hypocrisies, but also potential is no less relevant today than when this book was first written.
December 13, 2024
This was one of those serendipitous second-hand finds that ends up being eye-opening and opening whole new avenues in understanding. A quick, easy read full of interesting historical information not often reflected in American history from a first-hand perspective that is often not reflected in American history. From graft and bureaucracy to fatal misunderstandings and outright cruelty in the U.S.'s dealings with Native Americans, Eastman navigated, bore witness to, and documented it all. His books should be required reading in American schools. I'll definitely be adding his other books to my reading list.
June 29, 2019
An American oOdyssey
Overcoming great Odds Charles Eastman became one of the more important figures in the late 19th century and early 20th century.He was also Present for firsthand accounts of some of the more important events that occurred in the American Indian life of the 19th century. Like many historical important figures much of what happened in Charles Eastman,s life was a result of time and circumstance and his good fortune to live during those times. Of course, like other important historical figures, he recognized these circumstances-and took advantage of them.
Overcoming great Odds Charles Eastman became one of the more important figures in the late 19th century and early 20th century.He was also Present for firsthand accounts of some of the more important events that occurred in the American Indian life of the 19th century. Like many historical important figures much of what happened in Charles Eastman,s life was a result of time and circumstance and his good fortune to live during those times. Of course, like other important historical figures, he recognized these circumstances-and took advantage of them.
February 2, 2018
I want to read more...
After I realized the most authentic way to learn history is to read accounts written by people who were there, I am very appreciative of books such as this one.
Sadly, I do not see our general "American" society is progressing on the enlightened road any more than when this book was written at the turn of the century.
Mr. Eastman's observation's about how some "Christian" people behave rang true for me.
I will be reading more by this author. Thank you.
After I realized the most authentic way to learn history is to read accounts written by people who were there, I am very appreciative of books such as this one.
Sadly, I do not see our general "American" society is progressing on the enlightened road any more than when this book was written at the turn of the century.
Mr. Eastman's observation's about how some "Christian" people behave rang true for me.
I will be reading more by this author. Thank you.
June 2, 2023
Charles Eastman (Ohiyesa) in his own words.
Wonderful, simple. The story arc is beautiful and instructive.
Eastman describes being pulled from his native tribe shortly before going on warpath. He hates it at first but is later stunned by the things that his culture was lacking. However, by the end of the novel, the degree of corruption and abuse he sees among the "Christian" culture he's adopted leaves him wondering if he's made the right choice.
Wonderful, simple. The story arc is beautiful and instructive.
Eastman describes being pulled from his native tribe shortly before going on warpath. He hates it at first but is later stunned by the things that his culture was lacking. However, by the end of the novel, the degree of corruption and abuse he sees among the "Christian" culture he's adopted leaves him wondering if he's made the right choice.
February 21, 2018
Stunning
A beautiful, poignant, work by a man of deep humanity and wisdom. Eastman's Sioux journey from Plains Indian to educator, doctor and spokesman for his people is as amazing as his ability to write and communicate about it. This is a book that speaks to today and deserves much wider attention.
A beautiful, poignant, work by a man of deep humanity and wisdom. Eastman's Sioux journey from Plains Indian to educator, doctor and spokesman for his people is as amazing as his ability to write and communicate about it. This is a book that speaks to today and deserves much wider attention.
April 4, 2019
Amazing insight to life and love among the nations
Born in a small town just twenty miles from the apache reservation at San Carlos I was fascinated throughout with the insights on every page of this book. The only thing missing was an explanation of why and how the apache basketball teams maintain a cohesiveness that far surpass their competitors... consistently.
Born in a small town just twenty miles from the apache reservation at San Carlos I was fascinated throughout with the insights on every page of this book. The only thing missing was an explanation of why and how the apache basketball teams maintain a cohesiveness that far surpass their competitors... consistently.
February 16, 2024
4/5 stars: This is written by a Native American as he grew up in the boarding schools/ western college experiences. I enjoyed this book a lot. There are plenty of spots where you can see the pushback that he is trying to get across. Such a good example of Native American pushback in the 20th century.
March 2, 2018
A Book For Every American
This book is a treasure, a gift of understanding of both cultures, Indian and American. Through his eyes and experiences we understand the essence of their lives and a convincing explanation of the role of Christianity in America. Hold on!
This book is a treasure, a gift of understanding of both cultures, Indian and American. Through his eyes and experiences we understand the essence of their lives and a convincing explanation of the role of Christianity in America. Hold on!
May 4, 2018
An enlightened view from an North America Indian
Like the book title says travel from the deep woods to civilization. A boy raised in the Indian culture is encouraged by his Indian father to learn and embrace the white mans culture to help the Indians transition and grow. Travel with Eastman as he struggles, grows and fulfills his fathers vision beyond expectations. Great read!
Like the book title says travel from the deep woods to civilization. A boy raised in the Indian culture is encouraged by his Indian father to learn and embrace the white mans culture to help the Indians transition and grow. Travel with Eastman as he struggles, grows and fulfills his fathers vision beyond expectations. Great read!
July 19, 2018
A Man of Two Worlds
An interesting portrayal of life by a native American in early 1900's. His attainment of education and social integration are amazing during this period. His personal conflicts are woven within his story.
An interesting portrayal of life by a native American in early 1900's. His attainment of education and social integration are amazing during this period. His personal conflicts are woven within his story.
September 18, 2018
"I have never lost my Indian sense of right and justice. I am for development and progress along social and spiritual lines, rather than those of commerce, nationalism, or material efficiency. Nevertheless, so long as I love, I am an American."
May 30, 2020
I really enjoyed reading this novel and learning more about Eastman's views of the politics of the time, his standpoint as a Sioux and as a Christian. I honestly wish that it could be made required reading for schools.
September 18, 2020
On the one hand, the writing was positive and optimistic about the future of American Indians. On the other hand, 100 years later, it doesn't seem like things worked out as well as Eastman hoped they would.
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