Indian Books

They Never Surrendered: The Lakota Sioux Band That Stayed In CanadaA very well researched and presented history of the "Wood Mountain Lakota" who remained in Canada after the surrender of Sitting Bull in 1881.
This book is full of endnotes, appendices, maps and photos, and is a must for anyone interested in the Sioux in Canada.
Well worth the money!

Here is a quote from a Lakota Sioux living at the Cheyenne River reservation in South Dakota:

"I have read "They Never Surrendered" by Ron Papandrea. His research on the Lakota who won the Battle of the Little Big Horn, and escaped the army by crossing the Medicine Line into Canada, is a valuable work for anyone interested in learning about my people. It covers a little known part of Lakota, American and Canadian history. As a person who is a descendant of these Lakota men and women, I consider this book an important record."

Jerry R. Farlee
Cetan Wasaka
Ohenumpa Lakota Mi Yelo

Two Kettle Spiritual Leader

This book clears up the mystery of what happened to the Lakota Sioux who escaped to Canada with Sitting Bull, but never returned to the United States. This is the lost band of Lakota Sioux. Their exact number is calculated. In fact, the whole book is well documented with over 200 endnotes throughout the work. Also, new information about Wounded Knee and the two famous Lakota Chiefs named "Black Moon". The author has taken the time to go up to Canada and get to know the people he writes about. Well done!

I am the author of this book. I would like everyone to know that this book has been awarded a bronze medal by Indpendent Publisher Magagzine (IPPY Award). As an independent author who has struggled to have this book recognized, this is a very gratifying honor. If anyone buys this book and is not satisfied with it, I will refund their money, including shipping costs. Just email me at: ronpapandrea@gmail.com

I have been to the author's website many times, and liked it. The book has lots more information than the website, which is massive. It is interesting to read about so many of these events. Most of the descriptions are short, but considering there must be over 5,000 events, that is understandable.

There are quite a mix of illustrations that match an event on their page.

The sections on the tribal name meanings and the Indian "moons" was both fascinating, and fun.

The index is one of the most comprehensive I have ever seen.

This Day In North American Indian History: Important Dates In The History Of North America's Native Peoples For Every Calendar Day by Phil Konstantin (freelance writer and member of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma) is a unique and original historical reference. For each day of the calendar year, a momentous or significant occasion in Native American history is listed which occurred on that same day. Spanning over 500 years of recorded Native American culture, war, law, and societal change, This Day In North American Indian History is enhanced with a handful of black-and-white photographs, an extensive index, a bibliography, and three extended appendices (Tribal Names; Alternative Tribal Names; North American Indian Calendars). A meticulously compiled and "reader friendly" reference, This Day In North American Indian History is enthusiastically recommended as an informed and informative addition to any personal, academic, and community library Native American Studies collection.

I have been to the author's website many times. Having all of this information in one place is great. Yes, yes, yes, there is information on events in Canada. There are about 100 photos and they are matched to an event on the page where they appear. I really like the sections in the back which list tribal name meanings (Erie = cat people) and the "moon" names. If you are interested in North American Indian history, this is a great book.

This Day in American Indian History by Phil Konstantin is a fascinating resource for everyone interested in North American Indians. I think it would be especially useful for educators who want to include American Indian History in the classroom, but fear they have neither the time nor the resources to do it. Taking five minutes to select and read one event a day the class is a good way to raise awareness, open minds, and start discussions.

As the co-author of a reference book, American Indian Contributions to the World, I've learned to be very selective about the books I keep in my library. Phil has come up with an accurate and interesting volume that is filled with teachable moments. I couldn't put it down. This one is definitely a keeper.

I would read this book even if I wasn't required to, it's just interesting to know these things. It came in excellent condition and fast shipping.

This book takes the reader through many Native American groups and explains the cultures, ritual, religion, and current issues that face each group today. This text focuses on how the "white man" changed the lives of these Native American groups and how it still changes them today.

It is unfortunate that many Americans don't know about the struggle of the First Nations in this country, and this book will help open everyone's eyes. The book reads easily and quickly. The information is interesting and is nowhere boring. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in learning more about these amazing people and the struggles they have faced for over 200 years. This book is a great tool for any cultural anthropologist and student.

Had to buy this as an anthropology textbook and I really did enjoy reading it. Informative but read-able to even non-anthro majors.

From the history of specific indigenous tribes, to current issues and religious traditions every chapter in this book provides a lot of information and stresses the differences and similarities between various groups. This was a required book for one of my college classes and it has helped me gain an appreciation for North American Indians in termes of their struggles for federal recognition and their assimilation into mainstream society while maintaing their interesting traditions and practices. This is a must read for anyone interested in cultural anthropology and/or Native Studies.

Three Ways of Thought in Ancient China is a book that opens the door to Chinese philosophy. Some of the writing may be familiar, such as Confucius while other lagalist writing sounds more Machiavellian. A good book for an introduction to Chinese philosophy, much of it reads like poetry.

Mr. Arthur Waley has proven that a good work can stand the test of time. First published almost 60 years ago this work does a wonderful jobof explianing the differences between various schools of thought not just in China but in the rest of Asia.

The differences between the teachings of Chuang Tzu, Mencius and The realists may not seem like much to us westerners but these three groups have all done a lot to shape Asia.

The thing I like most about this book is that it is short and broken up into three parts. Therefore your mind doesn't do a blowout trying to digest all the material and you can study each school indivudally.

Overall-Great book, most of the stories are very deep and will hold some meaning for everyone if you are just willing to listen.

It's easy to give short shrift to a book that hopes to summarize three major traditions of philosophy in just over 200 pages. What makes this brilliant is Waley's assembling views of Daoist, Confucist and Realist thinking in the form of imaginary colloquia between the various philosophers.
The result is an introduction, for the Western reader, to the rich and highly conflicted intellectual background of Chinese civilization.

As China becomes more of a world power, this little book, even without mention of Maoist thought and legacy will remain a good, short introduction to the foundations of that world.

Lynn Hoffman, author of bang BANG

This work is one of the very few great English language classics in the exposition of traditional Chinese thought. It is delightful reading. Its author, Arthur Waley, remains long after his death the premier translator of traditional Chinese and Japanese literature. The pleasure of reading this book for the first time, years ago, influenced me in great measure to complete a doctorate in Far Eastern Languages and Civilizations. Today, it is the first book I recommend that my students read as an introduction to traditional Chinese thought; the book gives a clear glimpse of the value systems of people in China, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, and Singapore right down to today. Three Ways of Thought in Ancient China, by Arthur Waley, is a book not to be missed by any educated person. Enjoy!

I highly recommend this book. It has opened a door for me. I need to read more about native people and their relationships to Africans. The story of the Shoeboot family is very interesting.

I use to be annoyed with obviously African looking folks proclaiming to have "some Indian in me", though these same people never claim such pride in being of AFrican descent. They still annoy me. I do think it has it basic in self hatred. However, this is my humble opinion.

This book provides excellent insight into a little known part of American history. Few people realize that some American Indian tribes (particularly the "Five Civilized Tribes") practiced slavery and this text delves into the complex relationships resulting from it. The impact of the practice has repercussions still felt today. Most importantly, it reveals the rarely addressed interaction between African-Americans and Native Americans dating back to the earliest history of the United States.

I recently finished reading Tiya Miles' book. Several things impressed me regarding this work; the first one is the topic. I was surprised to learn that at one time Native Americans owned slaves! I am a college educated retired teacher and I believe this is something I should have learned somewhere in my education. I was also impressed with the research that was used as a basis for Ms. Miles' writing. A reader of her work has more than ample supply of resources to use for further reading. I also believe this book should be required reading for any American history curriculum at the college level.

First, let me say how much I enjoyed this book. It is a work of tremendous research informed by a mature mind which deeply understands the roles of history and story in creating self-identity.

I was alerted to its existence by Ilene Shepard Smiddy, author of DAUGHTER OF SHILOH, also a splendid narrative/adventure retelling a part of the Shoeboots story, but centering on Clarinda Allington and her children.

Dr. Miles provides us with a helpful family tree in the front of the book, and inside there are maps that help orient the story. The historical asides and reflections using Toni Morrison's BELOVED are treasures. Inside too are several illustrations and pictures, including one of a Shoeboots descendant. The text is divided into logical chapters. The notes are easy to follow and delicious to read, and they are followed by a full bibliography and a comprehensive index.

I would like to see the notes expanded to include the family of Napoleon Bonaparte, perhaps a grandson of Shoeboots, or of one of the Shoeboots, and who entered the mainstream population in Kentucky as a free black.

As Dr. Miles points out, there was more than one individual who was referred to as the Boot or Shoeboots (and other nicknames, in both English and Cherokee), and I suspect that this was a concept name involving the crow or the rooster--the hero of a Cherokee parable. It is fascinating to read about here, and her arguments are engaging. Highly recommended reading!

My 17-month-old son loves this book. In fact, it is the first non-board book he has really shown interest in. He brings it to me to read several times a day. He particularly likes the pages with one word/sound (splash, yaaaaah). He thinks it is funny and likes to imitate the sounds in the book.

Anushka Ravishankar's best known book, Tiger on a Tree, is a brilliant adventure story woven with the bold, expressive drawings of Pulak Biswas, not to mention the integrated design of Rathna Ramanathan. It shows humor and compassion, and, as with most of Ravishankar's work, has a touch of absurdity. Be sure not to miss the subtle expressions on the faces of the tiger and Indian villagers. For those who enjoy this book, I recommend Catch That Crocodile (another joint project with Pulak Biswas), as well as the many other Ravishankar works, including Excuse Me, Is This India? and Today is My Day.

Short dialoge, dynamic yet adorable illustrations, and a classic adventure story combine perfectly in this book to create a story that deserves to win awards. Very Highly Recommended.

Before reading, "Tiger On a Tree", I hadn't really considered the American lack of children's books from India. I mean, if you stopped the average bloke on the street and asked him to name a British children's book, you'd probably get some kind of an answer. Probably Harry Potter. If you asked for an Australian children's book you'd have more difficulties but at least 1 out of 100 people might know of one. But ask someone to name an Indian children's book and all you're gonna get is blank stares. Unless you ask someone Indian, of course. Then you might learn something. And what you might learn is just how great Anushka Ravishankar's, "Tiger On a Tree" is. With very simple words, a story that's interesting while still remaining pretty darn basic, and some wildly original illustrations, "Tiger On a Tree" is bound to garner itself some enthusastic preschool fans. Especially if they've a yen for tigers.

In this tale, an almost perpetually amused large cat is on a kind of journey. It goes down to a shore, crosses a river, scares an animal, and climbs a tall tree. One of the local fisherman sees the tiger perched and shouts the alarm. Soon all the men in the village have gathered to discuss the treed feline. They set up a net around the perimeter of the tree and the tiger (no longer looking amused at its own adventures) is scared out of the branches by a cacophony of loud instruments, and straight into the trap. Catching a tiger is one thing. Figuring out what to do with him next is another entirely. The men come up with some interesting ideas (one of the most interesting being to, "Paint him an electric blue"). Finally, however, they figure the best thing is to let him go. The final picture shows the now once again elated kitty bounding on the opposite shore, away from the river's banks.

The other day, I had someone ask (I'm a children's librarian) if I could recommend some rhyming picture books that were similar to the kinds of simple words used by Dr. Seuss. Now, no one beats the Seuss. He sort of invented the whole idea of simple words making fun books. And while I was able to find plenty of simple books, few rhymed all the way through. Should I ever receive this request again, I'm going to pluck "Tiger On a Tree" from my shelves immediately. The words in this book never get much longer than "rubbish" and are perfect for children just beginning to read. Words are presented in a black easy-to-distinguish font, large on each page (making them ideal for children with sight impediments as well). The illustrations are an entirely different matter altogether. Unfortunately, the publication page doesn't say how illustrator Pulak Biswas created the book's images. In some ways, they resemble woodcuts. In other ways, they look like broad black brushstrokes. The only color in the book is an occasional shock of orange. Whether the orange of the net to catch the tiger, the orange of the tiger's stripes, or the orange of the sun above, Biswas's palette is used sparingly and well.

If I had my way, library's bookshelves would be filled with picture books from as many countries as possible. For now, however, we will have to be content to read the occasional gem like "Tiger On a Tree" on our own and hope for more in the future.

Editor Skitt has written a seventeen-page Introduction to this volume of Krishnamurti's writings and talks that addresses many issues you may have wanted to raise but had no one to ask. Except perhaps for Aldous Huxley's Introduction to THE FIRST AND LAST FREEDOM, there is no other introduction to a Krishnamurti book that so completely shows his relevance for the modern mind. It makes Krishnamurti the true philosopher for the 21st Century.

The CORE OF THE TEACHINGS, a short prose outline written by Krishnamurti to describe his teachings, is used as the structure for this new book. Skitt has taken each major aspect of the teachings and given extensive quotations from Krishnamurti to give a fuller insight into such themes as, "Is there such a thing as truth apart from personal opinion?"; "In observation one begins to discover the lack of freedom"; "This division between the observer and the observed is an illusion"; among others. Of particular note is the section on Words and Meanings where Skitt has Krishnamurti explain in his own words how he used "old" words in new ways in order to convey what he has to say-where Krishnamurti's usage departs significantly from the dictionary definitions.

TO BE HUMAN is a fresh, scholarly, but lively compilation of Krishnamurti's most important teachings. It penetrates and elucidates the truth in life and where it can be found.

TO BE HUMAN is a collection of the "core" teachings of Jiddu Krishnamurti (1895-1986). As such, it offers a "neat and tidy" introduction to his enlightening integration of philosophy, religion, science and psychology. Editor David Skitt begins this book with Krishnamurti's own one-page summary of his "core" teachings. Selections representative of those teachings then follow. Krishnamurti "urged his listeners to abandon all authority, including that of one's own experience, when observing oneself, others, and life" (p. xxiii). He also encouraged his listeners to "doubt, question, challenge" his message, and to test him through practice (xxiv).

As an introduction to Krishnamurti, this book quickly goes right to the heart of his teachings. "Truth is a pathless land," Krishnamurti said in 1929. A man cannot arrive at truth "through any organization, through any creed, through any dogma, priest, or ritual, nor through any philosophical knowledge or psychological technique. He has to find it through the mirror of relationship, through the understanding of the content of his own mind, through observation and not through intellectual analysis or introspective dissection. Man has built in himself images as a fence of security--religious, political, and personal. These manifest as symbols, ideas, beliefs. The burden of these images dominates man's thinking, his relationships, his daily life. These images are the causes of our problems, for they divide man from man" (p. 5).

Like a goat tied to a stake, we are limited by "yesterday's knowledge" (p. 139). Krishnamurti says, "life has to be discovered from moment to moment, from day to day. It has to be discovered. It cannot be taken for granted. If you take it for granted that you know life, then you are not living. Three meals a day, clothing, shelter, sex, your job, your amusement, and your thinking process--that dull, repetitive process is not life" (p. 8)

This book was my first encounter with Krishnamurti. It deeply explores the obstacles we encounter as humans, which prevent us from living our lives with passion and meaning. Reading Krishnamurti will challenge you to find something new in every moment, to know yourself, and to experience life. Reading this book will challenge you "to be human."

G. Merritt

How does one rate a philosophy book. What one can find stupid and repelling, some other can find interesting and thought provoking. And after all, for which philosophical doctrine can be said that it is irrevocably false. So, my rating of five stars doesen't really mean a thing. Rather to say something about book. Though I'm a 'fan' of western philosophy, lead by JS Mill, Nietzsche, Wittgenstein, Schopenhauer, Schelling, I find Krishnamurti's thoughts rather interesting. By neglecting possibility of freedom while conditioned by past, Krishnamurti is very close to orthodox nihilists of western philosophy. Originated from Greeks, it was widely ackonwledged, that there is no life posible outside of the community, thus the laws, ethics and such, Krishnamurti tries to deconstruct (though this sounds rather harsh) such 'trivialness' of thought, saying that ones life is lead in oneself. You may find his thoughts repelling, or you may like it, there is no easy guideline here...

To Be Human is an outstanding collection of previously unpublished writings and talks by J. Krishnamurti's (1895-1986) . One of the 20th century's most important and influential spiritual teachers, Krishnamurti's core message is showcased in a gifted and innovative use of language. An informative introduction by David Skitt discusses Krishnamurti's philosophy as a guide to knowledge and experience, the roles knowledge and experience should play in our lives, and the times when it is best to cast them aside and re-examine life and ourselves with a fresh perspective. To Be Human is extraordinary and highly recommended reading for students of Eastern Philosophy as well as multicultural and metaphysical spirituality.

This is a great collection of Tom Stoppard plays, and includes some of his best works.

Arcadia is one of Stoppard's greatest plays - a bizarre combination of physics, mathematics, poetry, a good old-fashioned academic stoush and romance (or lust) to boot. A fantastic play to see, but very good to read also.

The Real Thing, Hapgood and Indian Ink are also among Stoppard's more mature and better plays, and nicely round out this collection. These are some of Stoppard's better known plays (and you can read reviews of them on their own pages) but I'll just summarise by saying that I think they are fantastic.

Night and Day is an earlier Stoppard play and maybe not quite as good - it is concerned with journalism in war-torn Africa and does take a deep look at issues faced by a journalist in that situation. However, in comparison to the other plays in this volume, it just doesn't seem quite as good - however it is still a fine play in its own right and does make for interesting reading nonetheless.

Overall, I definitely reccomend this volume, particularly since it's cheaper than buying each of the plays individually.

Tom Stoppard is arguably one of the greatest playwrights of all time (and I do say arguably), and this collection only proves it. I am currently away at college while I write this review, and have pitifully forgotten my battered, dog-eared copy of this book at home, and so I'm pining away because it really is such a staple in my life - I cannot count the amount of times I've pulled out the book and read "The Real Thing", but I'm nearly sure it runs toward the hundred mark. All the plays are exceptional, although the aforementioned "The Real Thing" stands out, along with "Aracadia" and the wonderfully underrated "Indian Ink."

Every time I pick up this collection, I find myself sitting and reading for hours. Something about Stoppard's command of the language, his own personal calling card, is undeniably riveting.

And though there are times (especially in Day & Night) where it seems that characters are too clever for their own good, his sense of timing and his love for delivering a smart, believable group of people amazes me.

This collection is wonderful in its scope, including everything from the frequently produced "Hapgood" to the more recent treasure "Indian Ink." It's a must-have.

After seeing Stoppard's "The Real Thing" in London, I was blown away. I purchased this collection to have "The Real Thing," and was blown away but all 5 of Stoppard's masterpieces. He writes convincingly of love, redemption and what it means to exist and to live. I cannot recommend this collection (or anything by Stoppard) enough.

I LOVE this book. I had bought a different Indian cookbook previously which took way too much time to prepare and cook the recipes. In this book I didn't find that at all. AND they give many of the recipes that you would eat at Indian restaurants, including the desserts. They also note what side items would go with each dish. Everything is well explained for someone who knows nothing about Indian cooking.

This book has some great basic indian recipes. however, i found alot of the curries to taste the same and use almost all of the same ingredients. I wish that there was a little more variety in the types of curry they put in this book!

This was my first purchase of an Indian cookbook. The recipies are very easy to follow, take very little time to make and taste great. The red kidney bean curry is especially good. The introduction gives great basic information on Indian spices and tips for cooking. The book has given me confidence to try more involved Indian cooking. You cannot go wrong with this book if you are a beginner to the art of Indian cooking.

I found this book was excellent! Very easy to follow, user friendly and lead to delicious results! If you want to impress your friends with a authentic curry, try this book!

What an amazing book! I actually had some synchronistic adventures while reading this book. It's powerful and has been one of my very favorite books since I first read it about 5 years ago. I've given it as gifts to friends it is so incredible.

A wonderful account of two men, a writer and a photographer, who become enveloped in a new consciousness; or more accurately an old one. I was up until the wee hours every night until I finished it. And each morning I found myself more aware of the Creator's presence in every stone,tree and being - an awareness and an awakeining that they are all following God's instructions. Thus, I was gently brought to the question: am I following the Creator's instruction? The "Origional Instructions" Harvey and Steve have passed on to me in this volume have helped me answer that question.

This book is a must read for anyone who has read any of the works by Harvey Arden and/or Steve Wall! Extremely well-written and the chapters are in the first person of both authors. It is, I think, their best work that I have read so far. This is an honest, unpretentious, examination by the authors of their own journey connecting with the elders and the insights they offer. You will not be able to put it down; I read it in one afternoon without a break. I intend to re-read; it is that good.

These tweo white men are chosen to take a journy in life. This is not a come on along along and pack you bags. This is an inner and spiritual journey for these two men as much as it is a journey for the elders of different nations to accept and trust these men to some of the their most private thoughts and lives. a book well written and appericated that it shows The People as the caretakers that they are to the world.