Other editions of book From the Deep Woods to Civilization: Chapters in the Autobiography of an Indian

"Has a many-sided appeal …. This stimulating book is one of the few that really deserve the over-worked term, a human document." — Publishers Weekly.Charles Alexander Eastman was “one of the most prolific authors and speakers on Sioux ethnohistory and American Indian affairs.” — Studies in American Indian LiteratureThis autobiography follows from his work Indian Boyhood and covers the period of his life when he was wrenched away from his Native American roots to begin his education among white people until he eventually became a doctor at Boston University.Told with utter honesty, this book provides fascinating insight into the developments of a young Sioux man as he encounters and begins to understand the new United States of America that was growing around him at the turn of twentieth century.Particularly fascinating chapters are those that detail Eastman’s return to the Pine Ridge Indian agency to become a doctor for the reservation. He records what he sees with exquisite detail, providing one of the few Native American accounts of their own people. “Breaking down prejudices and destroying old enmities … a good story delightfully told.” — The Independent “The most prominent literary spokesman of the Indian … his achievement will remain unique.” — New York Medical Journal“Many a thrilling episode … a gripping lesson in each chapter … interesting.” — American Indian MagazineThis book is essential reading for anyone interested in late nineteenth century Native American studies and for people who wish to find out more about the changing relationships between Native Americans and the United States of America during that period.Charles Alexander Eastman was a Santee Dakotaphysician educated at Boston University, writer, national lecturer, and reformer. After working as a physician on reservations in South Dakota, he became increasingly active in politics and issues on Native Americanrights, he worked to improve the lives of youths, and founded thirty-two Native American chapters of the Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA). He also helped found the Boy Scouts of America. He is considered the first Native American author to write American history from the Native American point of view. His book, From the Deep Woods to Civilization was first published in 1916. He passed away in 1939.

"Has a many-sided appeal …. This stimulating book is one of the few that really deserve the over-worked term, a human document." — Publishers Weekly.In the first of his memoirs, the popular Indian Boyhood, Charles Alexander Eastman recounted his traditional upbringing among the Santee Sioux. From the Deep Woods to Civilization resumes his story, recounting his abrupt departure from tribal life at age 15 to pursue his education among whites — a path that led him to certification as a medical doctor, the publication of many successful books, and a lifetime of tireless efforts to benefit his native culture. Through his social work and his writings, Eastman became one of the best-known Indians of the early twentieth century and an important force in interpreting and relating the spiritual depth and greatness of the Native American traditions. Eastman became a physician in hopes of serving the Native American community; he received a Bachelor of Science degree from Dartmouth in 1887 and a medical degree from Boston University in 1890. He began college just a few months after the Battle of Little Bighorn, and his first job as a physician at Pine Ridge Reservation coincided with the Ghost Dance uprisings that culminated in the U. S. Army's attack at Wounded Knee. The only doctor available to assist the massacre's victims, Eastman writes movingly of the event's appalling inhumanity and injustice. Afterward, he lobbied Capitol Hill on behalf of the Sioux and devoted the rest of his life, both in and out of government service, to helping Indians adapt to the white world while retaining the best of their own culture. His autobiography resonates with the impassioned thoughts and experiences of a profound contributor to the richness of American culture.

"Has a many-sided appeal …. This stimulating book is one of the few that really deserve the over-worked term, a human document." — Publishers Weekly.In the first of his memoirs, the popular Indian Boyhood, Charles Alexander Eastman recounted his traditional upbringing among the Santee Sioux. From the Deep Woods to Civilization resumes his story, recounting his abrupt departure from tribal life at age 15 to pursue his education among whites — a path that led him to certification as a medical doctor, the publication of many successful books, and a lifetime of tireless efforts to benefit his native culture. Through his social work and his writings, Eastman became one of the best-known Indians of the early twentieth century and an important force in interpreting and relating the spiritual depth and greatness of the Native American traditions.Eastman became a physician in hopes of serving the Native American community; he received a Bachelor of Science degree from Dartmouth in 1887 and a medical degree from Boston University in 1890. He began college just a few months after the Battle of Little Bighorn, and his first job as a physician at Pine Ridge Reservation coincided with the Ghost Dance uprisings that culminated in the U. S. Army's attack at Wounded Knee. The only doctor available to assist the massacre's victims, Eastman writes movingly of the event's appalling inhumanity and injustice. Afterward, he lobbied Capitol Hill on behalf of the Sioux and devoted the rest of his life, both in and out of government service, to helping Indians adapt to the white world while retaining the best of their own culture. His autobiography resonates with the impassioned thoughts and experiences of a profound contributor to the richness of American culture.

"Has a many-sided appeal …. This stimulating book is one of the few that really deserve the over-worked term, a human document." — Publishers Weekly.In the first of his memoirs, the popular Indian Boyhood, Charles Alexander Eastman recounted his traditional upbringing among the Santee Sioux. From the Deep Woods to Civilization resumes his story, recounting his abrupt departure from tribal life at age 15 to pursue his education among whites — a path that led him to certification as a medical doctor, the publication of many successful books, and a lifetime of tireless efforts to benefit his native culture. Through his social work and his writings, Eastman became one of the best-known Indians of the early twentieth century and an important force in interpreting and relating the spiritual depth and greatness of the Native American traditions.Eastman became a physician in hopes of serving the Native American community; he received a Bachelor of Science degree from Dartmouth in 1887 and a medical degree from Boston University in 1890. He began college just a few months after the Battle of Little Bighorn, and his first job as a physician at Pine Ridge Reservation coincided with the Ghost Dance uprisings that culminated in the U. S. Army's attack at Wounded Knee. The only doctor available to assist the massacre's victims, Eastman writes movingly of the event's appalling inhumanity and injustice. Afterward, he lobbied Capitol Hill on behalf of the Sioux and devoted the rest of his life, both in and out of government service, to helping Indians adapt to the white world while retaining the best of their own culture. His autobiography resonates with the impassioned thoughts and experiences of a profound contributor to the richness of American culture.

“The most prominent literary spokesman of the Indian … his achievement will remain unique.” –New York Medical Journal “Many a thrilling episode … a gripping lesson in each chapter … interesting.” –American Indian Magazine“Breaking down prejudices and destroying old enmities … a good story delightfully told.” –The Independent“Indian Boyhood,” published first in 1902 and in many subsequent editions, pictured the first of three distinct periods in the life of the writer of this book, Charles Alexander Eastman. His childhood and youth were a part of the free wilderness life of the first American — a life that is gone forever!Eastman’s 1916 book “From the Deep Woods to Civilization Begins” where the writer's earlier book “Indian Boyhood” left off, when he left his wild life to enter mission school, and continues thru his years at Beloit and Dartmouth, his medical studies at Boston university and his subsequent work for his people as government physician and Y. M. C. A. Indian secretary. This simple sincere account not only covers the facts in the life of this nearly full-blooded Sioux Indian, but gives glimpses of his feelings, his impressions gathered in college and later life, and his aspirations for himself and his people. In this unique story of his school days Dr. Eastman tells of his upward climb to civilization. It was not until he had entered college that the full meaning of civilization flashed upon the mental vision of this Indian youth. "I saw it as the development of every natural resource;" he tells us, "the broad brotherhood of mankind; the blending of all languages and the gathering of all races' under one religious faith." When this realization came he says a little later, "I took off my soft moccasins and put on the heavy and clumsy but durable shoes." There is a wealth of meaning for the Indian in that last sentence. Eastman writes of his Indian tribal life:"During the summer and winter of 1871, the band of Sioux to which I belonged — a clan of the Wah'petons, or "Dwellers among the Leaves" — roamed in the upper Missouri region and along the Yellowstone River. In that year I tasted to the full the joy and plenty of wild existence. I saw buffalo, elk, and antelope in herds numbering thousands. The forests teemed with deer, and in the "Bad Lands" dwelt the Big Horns or Rocky Mountain sheep. At this period, grizzly bears were numerous and were brought into camp quite commonly, like any other game. "IN the summer of 1910, I accepted a commission to search out and purchase rare curios and ethnological specimens for one of the most important collections in the country. Very few genuine antiques are now to be found among Indians living on reservations, and the wilder and more scattered bands who still treasure them cannot easily be induced to give them up.""My chief object has been, not to entertain, but to present the American Indian in his true character before Americans. The barbarous and atrocious character commonly attributed to him has dated from the transition period, when the strong drink, powerful temptations, and commercialism of the white man led to deep demoralization. Really it was a campaign of education on the Indian and his true place in American history."Charles Alexander Eastman (1858 – 1939) was a Santee Dakota physician educated at Boston University, writer, national lecturer, and reformer. In the early 20th century, he was "one of the most prolific authors and speakers on Sioux ethnohistory and American Indian affairs. He is considered the first Native American author to write American history from the Native American point of view.

"Has a many-sided appeal …. This stimulating book is one of the few that really deserve the over-worked term, a human document." — Publishers Weekly.In the first of his memoirs, the popular Indian Boyhood, Charles Alexander Eastman recounted his traditional upbringing among the Santee Sioux. From the Deep Woods to Civilization resumes his story, recounting his abrupt departure from tribal life at age 15 to pursue his education among whites — a path that led him to certification as a medical doctor, the publication of many successful books, and a lifetime of tireless efforts to benefit his native culture. Through his social work and his writings, Eastman became one of the best-known Indians of the early twentieth century and an important force in interpreting and relating the spiritual depth and greatness of the Native American traditions.Eastman became a physician in hopes of serving the Native American community; he received a Bachelor of Science degree from Dartmouth in 1887 and a medical degree from Boston University in 1890. He began college just a few months after the Battle of Little Bighorn, and his first job as a physician at Pine Ridge Reservation coincided with the Ghost Dance uprisings that culminated in the U. S. Army's attack at Wounded Knee. The only doctor available to assist the massacre's victims, Eastman writes movingly of the event's appalling inhumanity and injustice. Afterward, he lobbied Capitol Hill on behalf of the Sioux and devoted the rest of his life, both in and out of government service, to helping Indians adapt to the white world while retaining the best of their own culture. His autobiography resonates with the impassioned thoughts and experiences of a profound contributor to the richness of American culture.

"Has a many-sided appeal …. This stimulating book is one of the few that really deserve the over-worked term, a human document." — Publishers Weekly. In the first of his memoirs, the popular Indian Boyhood, Charles Alexander Eastman recounted his traditional upbringing among the Santee Sioux. From the Deep Woods to Civilization resumes his story, recounting his abrupt departure from tribal life at age 15 to pursue his education among whites — a path that led him to certification as a medical doctor, the publication of many successful books, and a lifetime of tireless efforts to benefit his native culture. Through his social work and his writings, Eastman became one of the best-known Indians of the early twentieth century and an important force in interpreting and relating the spiritual depth and greatness of the Native American traditions.Eastman became a physician in hopes of serving the Native American community; he received a Bachelor of Science degree from Dartmouth in 1887 and a medical degree from Boston University in 1890. He began college just a few months after the Battle of Little Bighorn, and his first job as a physician at Pine Ridge Reservation coincided with the Ghost Dance uprisings that culminated in the U. S. Army's attack at Wounded Knee. The only doctor available to assist the massacre's victims, Eastman writes movingly of the event's appalling inhumanity and injustice. Afterward, he lobbied Capitol Hill on behalf of the Sioux and devoted the rest of his life, both in and out of government service, to helping Indians adapt to the white world while retaining the best of their own culture. His autobiography resonates with the impassioned thoughts and experiences of a profound contributor to the richness of American culture.

In an earlier book, Indian Boyhood, Charles Alexander Eastman (Ohiyesa) recounted the story of his traditional Sioux Childhood and youth. From the Deep Woods to Civilization, first published in 1916, continues the narrative, beginning with his abrupt entry into the mainstream of Anglo-American life in 1873 at the age of fifteen. Eastman went on to become one of the best known educated Indians of his time, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree from Dartmouth in 1887 and a medical degree from Boston University in 1890. From his first job as physician at Pine Ridge Agency, where he witnessed the events that culminated in the Wounded Knee massacre, he devoted his life, both in and out of government service, to helping his fellow Indians adapt to the white world while retaining the best of their own culture.

This book was published in 1916. The author was born in 1858 a native North American of the Sioux Nation of the clan of the Wah'petons or "Dwellers among the Leaves." Then living in the southern region of what is now known as Manitoba, the book opens with the 15 year-old author reflecting: "From childhood I was consciously trained to be a man; that was, after all, the basic thing; but after this I was trained to be a warrior and a hunter, and not to care for money or possessions, but TO BE IN THE BROADEST SENSE A PUBLIC SERVANT." (emphasis added by reviewer) The author's father---who had been thought by his tribe to have been killed by European colonists in The Sioux Wars fought between 1854 and 1890---had actually been a prisoner of war for years. As such, he had been converted by missionaries from his native religion (that honored the "Great Mystery"; author's quotes) to Christianity. In the autumn of his fifteenth year of life, the author's father returned to the tribe to ask his son to come to live in the European colonists' "civilization" in Flandreau, South Dakota with him. After deep introspection, the author complied with his father's wishes and ultimately completed a European-American style of formal education and became a New England physician. "Eastman first attended Beloit College and Knox colleges; he graduated from Dartmouth College in 1887. He went on to medical school at Boston University, where he graduated in 1889 and was among the first Native Americans to be certified as a European-style doctor.Excerpts from he books:"INDIAN BOYHOOD," published first in 1902 and in many subsequent editions, pictures the first of three distinct periods in the life of the writer of this book. His childhood and youth were a part of the free wilderness life of the first American a life that is gone forever! By dint of many persuasions, the story has now been carried on from the point of that plunge into the unknown with which the first book ends, a change so abrupt and so overwhelming that the boy of fifteen "felt as if he were dead and traveling to the spirit land." We are now to hear of a single-hearted quest throughout eighteen years of adolescence and early maturity, for the attainment of the modern ideal of Christian culture : and again of a quarter of a century devoted to testing that hard-won standard in various fields of endeavor, partly by holding it up before his own race, and partly by interpreting their racial ideals to the white man, leading in the end to a partial reaction in favor of the earlier, the simpler, perhaps the more spiritual philosophy. It is clearly impossible to tell the whole story, but much that cannot be told may be read "between the lines." The broad outlines, the salient features of an uncommon experience are here set forth in the hope that they may strengthen for some readers the conception of our common humanity.

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“The most prominent literary spokesman of the Indian … his achievement will remain unique.” –New York Medical Journal “Many a thrilling episode … a gripping lesson in each chapter … interesting.” –American Indian Magazine “Breaking down prejudices and destroying old enmities … a good story delightfully told.” –The Independent “Indian Boyhood,” published first in 1902 and in many subsequent editions, pictured the first of three distinct periods in the life of the writer of this book, Charles Alexander Eastman. His childhood and youth were a part of the free wilderness life of the first American — a life that is gone forever! Eastman’s 1916 book “From the Deep Woods to Civilization Begins” where the writer's earlier book “Indian Boyhood” left off, when he left his wild life to enter mission school, and continues thru his years at Beloit and Dartmouth, his medical studies at Boston university and his subsequent work for his people as government physician and Y. M. C. A. Indian secretary. This simple sincere account not only covers the facts in the life of this nearly full-blooded Sioux Indian, but gives glimpses of his feelings, his impressions gathered in college and later life, and his aspirations for himself and his people. In this unique story of his school days Dr. Eastman tells of his upward climb to civilization. It was not until he had entered college that the full meaning of civilization flashed upon the mental vision of this Indian youth. "I saw it as the development of every natural resource;" he tells us, "the broad brotherhood of mankind; the blending of all languages and the gathering of all races' under one religious faith." When this realization came he says a little later, "I took off my soft moccasins and put on the heavy and clumsy but durable shoes." There is a wealth of meaning for the Indian in that last sentence. Eastman writes of his Indian tribal life: "During the summer and winter of 1871, the band of Sioux to which I belonged — a clan of the Wah'petons, or "Dwellers among the Leaves" — roamed in the upper Missouri region and along the Yellowstone River. In that year I tasted to the full the joy and plenty of wild existence. I saw buffalo, elk, and antelope in herds numbering thousands. The forests teemed with deer, and in the "Bad Lands" dwelt the Big Horns or Rocky Mountain sheep. At this period, grizzly bears were numerous and were brought into camp quite commonly, like any other game. "IN the summer of 1910, I accepted a commission to search out and purchase rare curios and ethnological specimens for one of the most important collections in the country. Very few genuine antiques are now to be found among Indians living on reservations, and the wilder and more scattered bands who still treasure them cannot easily be induced to give them up. My method was one of indirection. I would visit for several days in a camp where I knew, or had reason to believe, that some of the coveted articles were to be found. After I had talked much with the leading men, feasted them, and made them presents, a slight hint would often result in the chief or medicine man ‘presenting’ me with some object of historic or ceremonial interest, which etiquette would not permit to be ‘sold,’ and which a white man would probably not have been allowed to see at all. "My chief object has been, not to entertain, but to present the American Indian in his true character before Americans. The barbarous and atrocious character commonly attributed to him has dated from the transition period, when the strong drink, powerful temptations, and commercialism of the white man led to deep demoralization. Really it was a campaign of education on the Indian and his true place in American history."

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