From the Deep Woods to Civilization: Sequel to Indian Boyhood.

After I realized the most authentic way to learn history is to read accounts written by people who were there, I am very appreciative of books such as this one.Sadly, I do not see our general "American" society is progressing on the enlightened road any more than when this book was written at the turn of the century.Mr. Eastman's observation's about how some "Christian" people behave rang true for me.I will be reading more by this author. Thank you.

This is a philosophical work by a Native American disguised as an autobiography. Ohiyesa begins his life story in his fifteenth year when his father arrives at his village to take him to a mission school. Ohiyesa chronicles his journey through the world of the white man. Along the way, he learns the language, submits to the educational system culminating in his attainment of an M.D. from Boston College. He was the agency doctor and one of the first people to view the scene of the Wounded Knee massacre. He subsequently served as a missionary for the Y.M.C.A. Throughout this history of his life in late 19th century America, he offers his own thoughts on the disconnect between the proclaimed Christian beliefs of the whites and their actual behavior. This is contrasted to the traditional morality of the native people. The indictment is devastating. This fills a vital place in historical, philosophical, and native rhetorical studies.

In a lot of ways I could relate to the struggle faced by Charles. I did not grow up on a Rez but I did grow up in a very poor, very rough neighborhood. I am mixed (Irish and Italian along with Apache and Comanche). As a kid growing up in the neighborhood, I had to deal with issues from both sides as I was always called half-breed... the white side didn't like the native side, the other natives didn't like my white side. Circumstances created an opportunity to get out, and I was on my own at age 14. Leaning on the lessons learned from my grandfather (Apache and Irish), I had to learn to adjust to the hypocrisy of the white world. Struggles were bitter at times, but I did get the opportunity to go to college, graduate with 3 majors, completed an MBA program in Operations Research, and finally have reached retirement. Lessons learned over all those years reflect a lot of what Charles also faced, but in a lot of ways, it was tougher for him as he was often pushed to forget his Native upbringing. I was able to "hide" better as I had enough white in me that a lot of people didn't recognize the native side. This is a very good book in the history of one man that really reflects the history of a people who had to move forward or perish. I've recommended this book to other kids who have grown up in a poor background situation that basically works against you to move ahead, and tell them that they need to really look at this book for answers they can use.

A beautiful, poignant, work by a man of deep humanity and wisdom. Eastman's Sioux journey from Plains Indian to educator, doctor and spokesman for his people is as amazing as his ability to write and communicate about it. This is a book that speaks to today and deserves much wider attention.

Like the book title says travel from the deep woods to civilization. A boy raised in the Indian culture is encouraged by his Indian father to learn and embrace the white mans culture to help the Indians transition and grow. Travel with Eastman as he struggles, grows and fulfills his fathers vision beyond expectations. Great read!

Overcoming great Odds Charles Eastman became one of the more important figures in the late 19th century and early 20th century.He was also Present for firsthand accounts of some of the more important events that occurred in the American Indian life of the 19th century. Like many historical important figures much of what happened in Charles Eastman,s life was a result of time and circumstance and his good fortune to live during those times. Of course, like other important historical figures, he recognized these circumstances-and took advantage of them.

I learned more about Charles Eastman's career as a doctor for his Sioux tribe. I was interested in learning more about him after I watched a movie called "Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee". I also wanted to learn more about Charles' wife Elaine Goodale Eastman. If anyone is interested in Native American history in the 1800s, this is a book I recommend. I enjoy learning more about the Native American Indian history of each tribe.

Eastman, a native American, was gifted with a comprehensive and pragmatic intelligence, enormous courage, and a father whose advice he, so wisely, followed. He understood the idea of fairness and justice better than most people of any era, even as there were a surprising amount of enlightened and well intentioned people in American society at the turn of the 19th century. A very unique piece of history!

This is the second part of the biography of Native American Charles Eastman(the first is Indian Boyhood). He was a Sioux Indian who grew up living the traditional lifestyle till he was 15, then went to school and learned English etc., eventually becoming influential in the US political scene.The description of his first impressions of European-derived culture in the first part of his autobiography is heart-stopping: the first time he saw a train running across the American countryside he leapt on his horse and fled in terror and, when travelling through the built up areas of "civilisation" he wrote "I felt as if I had died and was travelling to the spirit land". The continuation of his gradual transformation into an English-speaking American with cut hair and "citizen" clothing is by turns equally astounding, upsetting and amusing. This is one of those books that pulls you in so deeply you feel a sense of bereavement when you finish it.His writing style is very easy to read. He frequently has an utterly charming turn of phrase, and a way of unfolding his anecdotes that makes each one memorable and exciting even when he describes relatively trivial incidents. This book would be a very good read for children from about 12 onwards as well as for adults.

Beautifully written and gives great insight into what it was like growing up in America at the time of Ohiyesa.It's interesting to read about the outlook that he had on life, about Christianity and how it wasn't (and still isn't...let's face it) really being adhered to by those who claimed to be Christian.You really do sympathize with young Ohiyesa at the beginning of the book when his father wants his son to become more westernised, believing that this was the way forward for their country.The memoirs of Ohiyesa himself, in his own words. Great book!

Interesting read

What a truthful and thought provoking book,Eastman learned to love the deep woods but also was able to walk into the light of truthful ness.the history of his youth and upbringing ,his seeing that he had been chosen to bring the truth of how the settlers lied cheated an stole from the indigenous people's was eye opening and to then to to the various levels of government and see the Hippocrates for who they are was a moment of our joy for me as a student of indigenous studies.he is right when he tells us from first hand experience how the colonists governments plotted to assimilate the indigenous Nations into white society.no more reservation s no need to honor any treaties.this battle and plotting still goes on in the twenty first century.

I was surprised to learn towards the end of this book how old it is. I enjoyed it thoroughly and will look to read the other books by this author, who shows amazing insight into the time in which he lived. Highly recommended to anyone who has an interest in the history of the USA and Canada as relates to natives and later comers.