In the Hands of the Great Spirit: The 20,000-Year History of American Indians Paperback – Illustrated, 3 May 2004

I found this book simultaneously excellent in its balanced factual information and harrowing to read because of the litany of horrors the early people's of America were subject to. I found it tragic that before fully fledged immigration into America began in earnest, the native people's were already decimated in huge numbers by diseases brought by traders. The further destruction of vulnerable cultures and populations as time went on -- due to sheer greed and lack of humanity seemed without reprieve. I found it hard to read how time after time, groups of people were misled, mistreated and actively destroyed. These actions came as often in the guise of western religions as through the hands of the politically powerful, but morally corrupt, or by the hands of ordinary people, out to get and keep what they felt should be theirs. It made me weep and put the book down several times. Curiosity made me finish it. I simply found it difficult to reconcile the America sold to us over the years as 'the land the brave, home of the free', with the knowledge that this freedom was only for a few, and was built on the blood and cruel misuse of its native peoples. Seen in the context of America's current rhetoric, it is shocking and hippocritical that any Americans have the gall to judge people as 'outsiders'. The worst, and most ongoing, atrocities were committed by 'foreigners' from Spain, France, and England (including Scottish, Irish), who then continued even more firmly on their path of cruelty and greed as 'righteous citizens' of a newly established America. I suggest the very reason they feel threatened now, and rule the world by military force, is because deep in their genetic memory they know they tricked, stole, murdered and destroyed whomever was in their path for the land and wealth they have today. They must be bitterly afraid what they have done will be done to them. America, you have a karmic dept to pay that looms over you like a 1000-year shadow. Yet you continue on as you have always done...putting commerce and personal gain before simple decency and love of your fellow man.

A most wonderful book, puts a different perspective on the American Indian,a very good read and a, must have, must read.Forget all the Cowboys and Indians films this is THE STORY, a very colorful book showing the true 20,000 years history, of how a people survive under different unbelievable situations, and shows a better respect for the NATIVE AMERICAN INDIAN. MUST, MUST, READ

Got this as a present for someone with Native American roots. Hope she enjoys it - it looks like a well-deserved history.

Normally I find factual books difficult to read, but this was very accessible without detracting from the intellectual level of the information nor it's accuracy. It is more of an overview than an in depth study and does focus on the later years (post 1400s) more than the earlier periods. Would recommend for anyone wanting to read a book about the American Indians. Not quite so good if you are trying to get a more in depth understanding of a specific area at a specific time. Also assumes you have a basic knowledge of American geography.

Excellent book extremely interesting and moving recommend to anyone interested in Native American Peoples

AN INTERESTING AND THOUGHT PROVOKING , MAKES THE READER WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT WHAT REALLY HAPPENED TO A MOST BEAUTIFUL NATION WHO LIVED BY AND WITH NATURE., A MUST READ FOR THE HISTORY BUFFS.VNOFLYNN

On time and as described

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