The Soul of the Indian: An Interpretation (1911) is a work of
nonfiction by Charles Eastman. Recognized for his achievements as a
pioneering Native American physician, Eastman was also a prolific writer
whose personal stories, powerful meditations, and in-depth studies of
indigenous culture continue to be read and appreciated today. In this
ethnographic work, he describes the cultures and traditions of
indigenous Americans in order to dispel prejudice, foster understanding,
and reconcile Christianity with the religious beliefs of his people.
"The original attitude of the American Indian toward the Eternal, the
'Great Mystery' that surrounds and embraces us, was as simple as it was
exalted. To him it was the supreme conception, bringing with it the
fullest measure of joy and satisfaction possible in this life." Raised
among the Dakota Sioux, Charles Eastman knew firsthand the reverence
with which the American Indian experienced the world. Despite converting
to Christianity as an adult, Eastman recognized a need to right the
record on indigenous American cultures, much of which had been written
by missionaries and government officials sent to erase the very
traditions they claimed to describe. While far from perfect, The Soul
of the Indian: An Interpretation is an honest attempt to correct the
course of history, fostering peace and understanding between the
religions of his past and present: "I believe that Christianity and
modern civilization are opposed and irreconcilable, and that the spirit
of Christianity and of our ancient religion is essentially the
same."With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset
manuscript, this edition of Charles Eastman's The Soul of the Indian:
An Interpretation is a classic work of Native American literature
reimagined for modern readers.
