What do you think?
Rate this book
An Indian Winter
Relates the experiences of a German prince, his servant, and a young Swiss artist as they traveled through the Missouri River Valley in 1833 learning about the territory and its inhabitants and recording their impressions in words and pictures.
88 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1992
2 people are currently reading
67 people want to read
About the author
Russell Freedman
90 books132 followersRussell A. Freedman was an American biographer and the author of nearly 50 books for young people. He may be known best for winning the 1988 Newbery Medal with his work Lincoln: A Photobiography.
He grew up in San Francisco and attended the University of California, Berkeley, and then worked as a reporter and editor for the Associated Press and as a publicity writer. His nonfiction books ranged in subject from the lives and behaviors of animals to people in history. Freeedman's work has earned him several awards, including a Newbery Honor each for Eleanor Roosevelt: A Life of Discovery in 1994 and The Wright Brothers: How They Invented the Airplane in 1992, and a Laura Ingalls Wilder Medal.
Freedman traveled extensively throughout the world to gather information and inspiration for his books. His book, Confucius: The Golden Rule was inspired by his extensive travels through Mainland China, where he visited Confucius' hometown in modern day QuFu, in the Shantung Province.
He grew up in San Francisco and attended the University of California, Berkeley, and then worked as a reporter and editor for the Associated Press and as a publicity writer. His nonfiction books ranged in subject from the lives and behaviors of animals to people in history. Freeedman's work has earned him several awards, including a Newbery Honor each for Eleanor Roosevelt: A Life of Discovery in 1994 and The Wright Brothers: How They Invented the Airplane in 1992, and a Laura Ingalls Wilder Medal.
Freedman traveled extensively throughout the world to gather information and inspiration for his books. His book, Confucius: The Golden Rule was inspired by his extensive travels through Mainland China, where he visited Confucius' hometown in modern day QuFu, in the Shantung Province.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
January 18, 2020
Is it fair to say Russell Freedman transformed juvenile nonfiction in the twentieth century as much or more than any other author? I think so. Combining scholarly yet understandable writing with dozens of full-page pictures allowed his young readers a clear window into whatever era Freedman wrote about. An Indian Winter zeroes in on the American Midwest of the early 1830s. A connoisseur of global culture, Prince Alexander Philipp Maximilian of Wied-Neuwied, Germany, traveled to the United States in the company of Karl Bodmer, a Swiss painter he retained to capture a visual record of what they saw on their long journey up the Missouri River. Visiting prominent American forts and occasionally living with friendly Indians, Maximilian and Bodmer experienced an America no white man ever had, and Maximilian's journal gives insight into it.
Fifteen years earlier the prince had explored Brazil's rain forests for two years, writing a well-received book about it, but in 1832 his desire to see the New World returned. By spring of 1833 Maximilian and Bodmer had reached the city of St. Louis and were ready to navigate the Missouri River into Indian country. They would move through lands inhabited by tribes both peaceable and hostile. Fort Union, Fort McKenzie, and other American strongholds protected settlers from Indians who would harm them, but robust commerce took place between the whites and Native Americans; as Maximilian notes in his journal, many Indians loved to buy alcohol. Bodmer's skills came in handy when he and Maximilian visited the Indians, especially the Blackfeet, Mandans, and Hidatsas. Initially hesitate to let Bodmer paint their portraits, the Indians became mesmerized by the Swiss painter's realistic depictions of people. Traditional Mandan and Hidatsa painting emphasized storytelling over form, and Bodmer's elegant use of line and color made him a celebrity. Chief Yellow Bear, the great warrior Yellow Feather, and the warrior chief known as Four Bears donned their finest ceremonial garb for the privilege of having Bodmer do their portraits.
Maximilian reports in his journal about the tribal cultures he observed: the social hierarchy, recreations, and religion of the Mandans and Hidatsas. Yellow Feather and Four Bears took their own turns with Bodmer's art supplies, painting their proudest moments in war with tribal foes. They learned to emulate Bodmer's realistic style, and their self-portraits are included in this book. In March of 1834 a badly infected knee troubled Maximilian, confining him to bed, but his Indian friends came to see him daily. As the disease progressed it appeared Maximilian would die, but the timely intervention of a hired cook saved the prince and his leg. After convalescing during the ride back down the Missouri River, Maximilian and Bodmer departed from New York City for Germany. Bidding farewell to their Indian brothers was poignant, but the memories these Europeans had made were priceless.
No happy ending was in store for the Mandans and Hidatsas. Once prosperous and powerful, they and other tribes fell victim to smallpox, a disease carried by American Fur Company steamboat passengers. Masses of Indian men, women, and children suffered terrible deaths. Four Bears, who had been kind and receptive to the white man, was furious at the sight of his people perishing all around him. He himself succumbed to smallpox a day after publicly denouncing the white man in the harshest terms possible. They hadn't spread illness purposely, but how could the Indians be sure of that? This was years after Maximilian and Bodmer's pleasant cruise down the Missouri, but it's sad that this epilogue is attached to their story.
I'm not sure I understand the point of An Indian Winter. It offers a first-person look into the lives of Indians from a bygone era, but other nonfiction books do the same, with a more compelling central story. The end is sobering, but again I'm not certain what message is conveyed. I might consider rating An Indian Winter two and a half stars, but it's not elite as much of Russell Freedman's nonfiction is. If you enjoy reading history that moves at a relaxed pace, you'll get something out of this book. It's a unique slice of Americana.
Fifteen years earlier the prince had explored Brazil's rain forests for two years, writing a well-received book about it, but in 1832 his desire to see the New World returned. By spring of 1833 Maximilian and Bodmer had reached the city of St. Louis and were ready to navigate the Missouri River into Indian country. They would move through lands inhabited by tribes both peaceable and hostile. Fort Union, Fort McKenzie, and other American strongholds protected settlers from Indians who would harm them, but robust commerce took place between the whites and Native Americans; as Maximilian notes in his journal, many Indians loved to buy alcohol. Bodmer's skills came in handy when he and Maximilian visited the Indians, especially the Blackfeet, Mandans, and Hidatsas. Initially hesitate to let Bodmer paint their portraits, the Indians became mesmerized by the Swiss painter's realistic depictions of people. Traditional Mandan and Hidatsa painting emphasized storytelling over form, and Bodmer's elegant use of line and color made him a celebrity. Chief Yellow Bear, the great warrior Yellow Feather, and the warrior chief known as Four Bears donned their finest ceremonial garb for the privilege of having Bodmer do their portraits.
Maximilian reports in his journal about the tribal cultures he observed: the social hierarchy, recreations, and religion of the Mandans and Hidatsas. Yellow Feather and Four Bears took their own turns with Bodmer's art supplies, painting their proudest moments in war with tribal foes. They learned to emulate Bodmer's realistic style, and their self-portraits are included in this book. In March of 1834 a badly infected knee troubled Maximilian, confining him to bed, but his Indian friends came to see him daily. As the disease progressed it appeared Maximilian would die, but the timely intervention of a hired cook saved the prince and his leg. After convalescing during the ride back down the Missouri River, Maximilian and Bodmer departed from New York City for Germany. Bidding farewell to their Indian brothers was poignant, but the memories these Europeans had made were priceless.
No happy ending was in store for the Mandans and Hidatsas. Once prosperous and powerful, they and other tribes fell victim to smallpox, a disease carried by American Fur Company steamboat passengers. Masses of Indian men, women, and children suffered terrible deaths. Four Bears, who had been kind and receptive to the white man, was furious at the sight of his people perishing all around him. He himself succumbed to smallpox a day after publicly denouncing the white man in the harshest terms possible. They hadn't spread illness purposely, but how could the Indians be sure of that? This was years after Maximilian and Bodmer's pleasant cruise down the Missouri, but it's sad that this epilogue is attached to their story.
I'm not sure I understand the point of An Indian Winter. It offers a first-person look into the lives of Indians from a bygone era, but other nonfiction books do the same, with a more compelling central story. The end is sobering, but again I'm not certain what message is conveyed. I might consider rating An Indian Winter two and a half stars, but it's not elite as much of Russell Freedman's nonfiction is. If you enjoy reading history that moves at a relaxed pace, you'll get something out of this book. It's a unique slice of Americana.
December 8, 2022
When I realized it was going to be an account of an European prince who had traveled to see the Native Americans, I was worried what I would read. I should have known better with Russell Freedman! The German, Prince Alexander Philippe Maximilian, was very observant and respectful of the Native Americans, as was the artist, Karl Bodmer. The illustrations are really extraordinary, as is the text. It turned out that it was a last opportunity to observe these tribes, the Mandans and Hidatsas, since soon after the Europeans departed, the tribes were mostly wiped out by Smallpox, which the victims blamed on the White people they had welcomed to their land. I am dubious that it was deliberate from what I read here, but it could have been.
Quite respectfully done. Freedman made one correction to the original text about their religious beliefs as far as I could tell. Otherwise, he stayed in the background, other than putting it into language youth could understand and adding the back matter such as places to visit.
Quite respectfully done. Freedman made one correction to the original text about their religious beliefs as far as I could tell. Otherwise, he stayed in the background, other than putting it into language youth could understand and adding the back matter such as places to visit.
February 24, 2010
In the mid 1800's a German prince and a Swiss artist take off to experience what is now known as North Dakota. They met the eloquent Mandan and Hidatsa and live among them to learn their culture. Taking account of their flourishing way of life through powerful watercolor pictures.
As a teacher I see this as a wonderful book to incorporate into a unit of study into a geography unit. Studying the northern part of the country from a historical and multicultural aspect would be an eye-opening and rare point of view on our nation. The only part of the book that I wish was different was that it is a book about the Mandan and Hidatsa tribes but not from their perspective, rather a European perspective.
As a teacher I see this as a wonderful book to incorporate into a unit of study into a geography unit. Studying the northern part of the country from a historical and multicultural aspect would be an eye-opening and rare point of view on our nation. The only part of the book that I wish was different was that it is a book about the Mandan and Hidatsa tribes but not from their perspective, rather a European perspective.
September 5, 2019
I love that these memories and experiences were gathered, recorded, and preserved. I appreciate the descriptions and the paintings of these Native Americans, their landscapes, culture and customs, complete with regalia that would otherwise be lost. I wonder what happened to the bears they were transporting.
November 24, 2021
I was a bit concerned that this would be out of date, and parts are. However, the primary source drawings and firsthand accounts make it a source that could still be used today.
February 19, 2025
Perfect if you are into Art of the American West.
April 1, 2025
A brilliant story! Very well written and should be included in history class of every school! I feel as if I really got to know the people!
March 30, 2023
I have had this book for a long time without reading. As I was tired of reading fiction, 'the Prince Caspien,' I decided to read non fiction book. Until I completed the book, I did not know I was reading about some of Indian Tribes that are almost vanished. This book dealt with the Mansdans, Hidatsas, and Arikars that covered North Dakota area.
My family traveled to Plymouth on Thanksgiving many years ago and enjoyed to learn Indian life style and culture. "An Indian Winter" by Russell Freedman reminisced the travel. This book is written based on the journal of a German Explorer, Phillipp Maximillian, and the reproduction of illustration of a Swiss Artist, Karl Bodmer. Thanks a lot to the Prince Maximillian, and the artist Bodmer who drew beautiful and detailed treasure-like pictures. And also to Russell Freeman.
The culture I enjoyed most is the marriage among the Mandans. The marriage was arranged by families, though the young lovers' account mattered. The young man would move into the bride's family lodge and the bride's father was considered the head of the household. As a mother who has two daughters, it looks very desirable. But I could not understand the most heavy work is done mostly by women. Men only concern about wars. Without mentioning of the Indians' cruely, I was very upset by Indians' dance. In order to celebrate their warrior husbands, Hidastsa women dance with dangling enemy scalps from the ends of long poles.
These Indians are almost gone due to the smallpox brought by Europeans. The Mandan Chief Four Bears, Maximillian's friend, who died of the smallpox, made the very bitter last speech against the Whites who he loved because he believed as some Indians suspected that 'the smallpox was introduced to the New World deliberately, or that the whites had a secret remedy which they would not share.' This suspicion arose as so few whites died while Indians perished due to smallpox. I feel for Indians who disappeared, but I am also relieved that their cruel traditions, dancing with enemies' sculptures or taking the enemies' heart out while alive to please the Sun God are gone.
My family traveled to Plymouth on Thanksgiving many years ago and enjoyed to learn Indian life style and culture. "An Indian Winter" by Russell Freedman reminisced the travel. This book is written based on the journal of a German Explorer, Phillipp Maximillian, and the reproduction of illustration of a Swiss Artist, Karl Bodmer. Thanks a lot to the Prince Maximillian, and the artist Bodmer who drew beautiful and detailed treasure-like pictures. And also to Russell Freeman.
The culture I enjoyed most is the marriage among the Mandans. The marriage was arranged by families, though the young lovers' account mattered. The young man would move into the bride's family lodge and the bride's father was considered the head of the household. As a mother who has two daughters, it looks very desirable. But I could not understand the most heavy work is done mostly by women. Men only concern about wars. Without mentioning of the Indians' cruely, I was very upset by Indians' dance. In order to celebrate their warrior husbands, Hidastsa women dance with dangling enemy scalps from the ends of long poles.
These Indians are almost gone due to the smallpox brought by Europeans. The Mandan Chief Four Bears, Maximillian's friend, who died of the smallpox, made the very bitter last speech against the Whites who he loved because he believed as some Indians suspected that 'the smallpox was introduced to the New World deliberately, or that the whites had a secret remedy which they would not share.' This suspicion arose as so few whites died while Indians perished due to smallpox. I feel for Indians who disappeared, but I am also relieved that their cruel traditions, dancing with enemies' sculptures or taking the enemies' heart out while alive to please the Sun God are gone.
September 4, 2009
Freedman’s use of primary source references – direct quotes from Maximilian’s journals and the artwork of Bodmer – made the story much more personal and the story became more interesting. Having that eyewitness account of the journey was the best part of the book. I enjoyed the chapters that dealt more with the life and culture of the Indian tribes. Freedman gives a list of places to visit, which would be great if in the area. His bibliography describes his use of the original translation and gives references for those interested in further reading. I can see how the use of nonfiction trade books would enhance a unit on Native Americans or explorers.
January 4, 2009
There is a rich history in this book. The cultures and traditions of the people in this book are so fascinating. I thought it was very interesting to read about what they did and see the paintings and drawings that Karl Bodmer had made when he was visiting them. I thought this book was good, but I'm not sure if everybody would have the same thought, being not the most entertaining story. I'd still recommend it though.
*Taken from my book reviews blog: http://reviewsatmse.blogspot.com/2009...
*Taken from my book reviews blog: http://reviewsatmse.blogspot.com/2009...
Read
December 11, 2013This book is very interesting, and would be good for 5th-6th grade students learning about European expeditions encounters with Native Americans. This book contains detailed journal entries and detailed pictures of the account of two Europeans on a historic journey up the wild Missouri River and the Native Americans who befriended them.
September 12, 2010
In 1833, German Prince Alexander Philipp Maximilian and Karl Bodmer, a Swiss painter, journeyed up the Missouri River and spent the winter among the Mandan Indians. Russell Freeman draws upon the prince's diary and Bodmer's detailed paintings to create an incredible account of their adventure.
Want to read
May 28, 2017I registered a book at BookCrossing.com!
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/13118621
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/13118621
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews