Crow Dog: Four Generations of Sioux Medicine Men

by Leonard Crow Dog, Richard Erdoes

From the co-author of Lakota Woman, which has sold more than 150,000 paperback copies, comes a compelling account detailing the unique experiences and spiritual knowledge accumulated by four generations of powerful medicine men.

Genres: Native American, History, Nonfiction, Biography, Indigenous, Native American History, Memoir

272 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1995

Reviews

[Autumn · Rating 4 out of 5]

First off, I have recently discovered after recovering from cancer ( without having chemo and/or radiation because luckily it was found early) that I have a traumatic brain injury from an automobile accident so take my reason for 4 stars instead of five star opinion with a grain of salt. I loved loved this book but gave it four stars because sometimes I found the timeline confusing ( could be my brain and not the book).
This book moved me to my core. I found myself crying at the injustices done to such wonderful people. So many events that I wish I could travel back into time and support/save Native Americans from the atrocities done to them by the government and a bunch of racist rednecks.
I loved learning about their culture and communities. And among my favorites given by this book was interesting new knowledge for me about one of my favorite historical figures, Crazy Horse, and what made him seem almost invincible.
I'm glad to see native cultures making a comeback and a renewal of their languages and customs in some areas like mine. I welcome the revival and hope to learn more. I have only 6 percent Mohawk in me, but would like to learn more about all tribes and their customs. I have a deep respect for them and the trials they have been through throughout history.

[Herman · Rating 5 out of 5]

So far this is the best of the year as far as reading and significance goes, Crow Dog Four Generations of Sioux Medicine Men by Leonard Crow Dog and Richard Erdoes I searched out this book shortly after I heard of his passing. I know him by way of my wife who is a friend of his wife and while I have never had the honor my wife has been at their house and had seen Leonard Crow Dog many times. She says he scared her because she could feel his power he was a very powerful spirit even when he was confined in a wheelchair. I think he's the greatest native leader you never heard of and his story is amazing really gives the full truth about a number of ceremonies that in my many years and hundreds of ceremonies and travels I've never been told half of what he reveals in this book some of it I've never heard of it at all, but he's sharing truth the last quarter of the book deal with AIM the American Indian Movement and his role in it. I had known a lot about this time period after all this is my 95th book about Native Americans I'm not a novice when it comes to this subject but the information was good detailed and some of it was new too me. Certainly didn't know how the Government went after him personally anyway I loved this book going to read it out loud to my wife now that I'm done reading it, it shall be our evening reading material once we finish the audio book we are currently listening too. I also bought another four copies of this book to give out as presents to friends (Told you I really liked this book) so five stars this is a keeper going have a permanent place in my library. If your in anyway interested in Native American history I would recommend this as a must read story.

[Shanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was great. It gave an in depth description of the practices of a family of Native American medicine people, as well as a detailed account of important events that lead to the formation of AIM as well as a different perspective of the siege at Wounded Knee in 1973 than one would typically get from a history book. An enjoyable and informative read!

[Aaron Meyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good read. Covers his families history for about half of the book then switches to his life history for the latter half. Covers his life as a medicine man and then his involvement in AIM and all the stuff that happened during that period. It was nice to have another side to the events at Wounded Knee II, one of the main reasons I got this book to read.

[Amy]

No
A book I borrowed from the library to try before I buy (tired buying hundreds books and hating half)

I do not rate these “tested”
books. This is really for me. I will not be buying, reading borrowing this book.

I read first ch or more -first 10-100 pages skim around at times. I read many of my GR friend’s reviews. This is what I did and didn’t like:

Love cover

Read a bit -Terrible writing so dry

Reviewers complain also it’s a mess no structure & all over the place

[Aidan Sjothun · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really appreciate being able to hear a lot about Lakota (+ other tribes) history through a family history/story. Definitely learned some stuff. I disagree with some reviewers, I think the format was constructive and helpful, and it feels like an oral tradition transcribed.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another favorite autobiography.

[Mehrsa · Rating 3 out of 5]

An excellent guide to Native American culture and ritual from the inside.

[Barry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mostly good reading, but dragged in the middle. The stories of the lives of the three previous Crow Dog men was, surprisingly, a very small part of the book. I guess the known details were limited. I was hoping for much more of that history.

The author's involvement with AIM (American Indian Movement) and subsequent prosecution (simply for being there and being a Medicine Man) is yet another example of, as Bob Dylan said: "...where justice is a game."

The boring parts were description of the ceremonies, including the role of each participant and exactly where they were required to be seated and when they could talk. A good reference for such, but not very interesting in the story telling vein.

[Noah Candelario · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had to read this book for my American History class, and it would probably be my least favorite history book I have ever read. I did not appreciate the format of the book, as it was all over the place with no structured themes. The character use of their names got confusing a lot then I would like. In the reading there was just way too much irony in the book that goes underneath the surface when you are reading it. I would not recommend this book for those that want to learn more about Native American culture and History. I bet there are just better and more professional books to read

[David Tacha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Leonard Crow Dog’s Story was Medicine to my Heart

This was a touching story that was simply written and great story telling. I highly recommend this book. I learned so much about the beauty of Lakota ceremony and his story on the American Indian Movement (AIM). It’s a must read for those who are interested in the Lakota culture and learning about the heart of a medicine man. Hoka Hey!

Dr. David Tacha

[Moriah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great read for anyone looking for more information on AIM - American Indian Movement - and government's tactics to destroy those who have fought for freedom. Also a great resource for understanding conditions faced by those who continue to live in reservation communities. Includes loads of insight into development & practices of the Native American Church

[Mike Hill · Rating 3 out of 5]

Depiction of the native life is the m ost important part and makes the book worth reading. Rest is more of an political manifesto.

[Darren Lopez · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good historical narrative about a great Lakota medicine man and his ancestors

[Margaret Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very sad how Native Americans have always been mistreated.

[Joe Hay · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a 3-star book about a 5-star human being. Leonard Crow Dog was an important figure in 20th century struggle for indigenous rights. His compassionate heart and profound vision of the past, present and future led him to become a leader for his own tribe, for the Lakota, for all indigenous Americans, and even beyond that. This character, his love for his way of life and determination to protect it, pour out of this book.

There are many interesting stories here about Leonard's ancestors and about the main passion of his life: his people's traditions and rituals. However, it's not totally coherent or enlightening as a book. I don't think he would be offended by this - he was not deeply connected with the literary realm and put little value in it. His medium was oral, was musical, was action. I'm glad I read the book, and my appreciation comes from a small glimpse of someone truly worthy of my respect and time. Like many people I admire, he is as full of his own biases, grudges, and chauvinism as he is of insight and inspiration.

The last portion of the book is about Crow Dog's involvement in the AIM movement of the early and mid-1970s. His story is of course very important in a broader understanding these events. But it's clear that he's recounting them from a perspective of anger and pain, so I don't think it's possible to view it as the full story. It's part of a bigger tapestry. I'm left wanting to learn more.

[Miguel Solari · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!!! Btw I cried by eyes out during parts of this book and specially the end and if you did or do too after you read it please contact me so we can become better friends. Going back thru oral stories handed down thru his great grandfather, Leonard Crow Dog describes and reveals many crucial of the aspects behind Lakota culture, his powerful lineage, the seven sacred altars, the Native American Church, his incredible involvement and aftermath in the American Indian Movement in which I think we might see the most real account of what happened at the Wounded Knee takeover and much much more. A lot of injustice is highlighted and its important to recognize. He describes one of the most incredible accounts of a highlight Sundance full of spiritual power after he gets released from jail that had me in tears. I came across this book by what seemed like pure coincidence and I am now very happy to have read it and want to encourage you to read it too for the purpose of healing the wounds and growing stronger in life and for the consideration of future generations.

[Gregg Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book but a bit dry. If you are into Native American history and legends you will love this story. It is a powerful story that traces the tumultuous clans of the Sioux/Lakota nation. Leonard Crow Dog provides a rare glimpse of American Indian mysticism. The famous sun dance and the many ceremonies and rituals that still play an important role in Lakota life are described in dramatic detail.

[Cher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lakota Indians have a very intriguing history thats a part of American history capable of enlightening everyone reading.

[SouthWestZippy · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a interesting book. Well written for a easy read.

[Clivemichael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent narrative

[Jeremy]

I read this for a Western Literature class in college

[Jeff Bright · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found it a bit of a tough read. I liked the content, just felt it could have been presented better.