Sequoyah: The Cherokee genius

by Stan Hoig

In this scholarly biography of Sequoyah, the most renowned Cherokee, noted for the singular feat of inventing an alphabet for the native language of his people, the author shares new and important information about him and explores his life against the broad backdrop of Cherokee history. In that context, he concludes that Sequoyah's invention may not have been his greatest achievement. The lesson of his life is that he gave a biased world "undeniable proof of Indian humanism and ability."

142 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1995

About the author

1924-2009

Reviews

[Alexander Labinsky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well-researched book, the first real work of scholarship on Sequoyah that fulfills modern standards. That said, the style is hair-raising. Hoig means well, but as we say in Germany: "The opposite of 'well done' is 'well meant'." He oscillates between 'Noble Savages' and 'Treacherous Indian' stereotypes and gives his sources too much benefit of the doubt, especially when dealing with self-declared eye witnesses who give reports to newspapers decades after the fact. Although he is clearly sympathetic to the plight of the Cherokee and Sequoyah's fate, this leaves a sour aftertaste as too little is done to understand the events from the perspective of a Cherokee during the early 19th century. However, because of the excellent depth and range of original sources still a very helpful work of reference, justifying a rating in four star territory.

[Donald Sherer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice easy read about one of the the most interesting figures in American history.

[Jessica · Rating 2 out of 5]

for a text I'm working on...