[42M]∎ Read Free Ishi in Two Worlds A Biography of the Last Wild Indian in North America Theodora Kroeber 9780520031524 Books

Ishi in Two Worlds A Biography of the Last Wild Indian in North America Theodora Kroeber 9780520031524 Books

Download As PDF : Ishi in Two Worlds A Biography of the Last Wild Indian in North America Theodora Kroeber 9780520031524 Books

Ishi in Two Worlds A Biography of the Last Wild Indian in North America Theodora Kroeber 9780520031524 Books

I read this book 40 (+) years ago at the library, just bought and re-read it while delving into the pedigree of the survival techniques and tools taught by practitioners here in the US. The book is, of course, about much more than that. In fact its transcendent theme is probably the adaptability of the individual human, ripped from his native culture and natural environment (both of which were decimated in Ishi's case, as in that of so many indigenous peoples, by European invasion and settlement). Ishi did adapt reasonably well to the Anglo-American world of the early 20th C to which he surrendered himself in a last desperate play for self-preservation; he persevered and even prospered after the trauma of seeing his tribe, family and natural environment destroyed. He did so in pretty unusual circumstances, as the ward of the anthropology museum at UC Berkeley, its benevolent staff and their family and friends. Most indigenous people were not so lucky: if not murdered, enslaved or pushed to the hostile margins of the human and natural environment, they were laid low by the infectious diseases bourn (albeit unwittingly) by their conquerors.

A sobering read, worth going back to occasionally, just like Conrad's "Heart of Darkness", to remind oneself of how we got where we are, and who paid the price for it.


Tags : Ishi in Two Worlds: A Biography of the Last Wild Indian in North America [Theodora Kroeber] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. <div>The life story of Ishi, the Yahi Indian, lone survivor of a doomed tribe, is unique in the annals of North American anthropology. For more than forty years,Theodora Kroeber,Ishi in Two Worlds: A Biography of the Last Wild Indian in North America,University of California Press,0520031520,General,History Native American,Social Science Anthropology Cultural & Social,Sociology,Sociology, Social Studies

Ishi in Two Worlds A Biography of the Last Wild Indian in North America Theodora Kroeber 9780520031524 Books Reviews

Of all the books that I have read about Native Americans, this one gave me the most personal picture of day to day, non-warfare life. It also provides an intimate glimpse of how Ishi thought and felt, about himself, about others, about the world.
Although Ishi's story is tragically sad, and his death seemingly premature and ironic, his resilience and optimism are an inspiration. Despite the incredible hardships of his life, he apparently entered the foreign world of white California without harboring any deep resentment or even bitterness. I found his enthusiasm to be both incomprehensible and very moving, which served to temper the sadness of his story. In the end, I was left with a more positive than negative aftertaste, in contrast to other books about Native Americans which tend to focus heavily on issues of injustice, warfare, humiliation, etc.
While all those negative themes are undercurrents to Ishi's story, the way in which he coped with his trying life is the most fascinating aspect of the book. In fact, the only negative thing I would say about this book is that a large portion of the beginning is dedicated to historical background about Ishi's tribe, and I felt anxious to read the more personal accounts of Ishi the man. However, this background information is clearly necessary to understand Ishi's life, and is written as colorfully (but acurately) as possible. Even though the historical details are researched (and referenced) carefully, this does not read like an academic text.
This book left me feeling that if Ishi, a man accustomed to living in verdant tranquility, could find peace living in a bustling city, then he should serve as an inspiration for everyone struggling to cope with the hectic pace of modern life.
How amazing to read about the personality of Ishi, the Indian man forced out of his home land by the encroachment of civilization. He wasn't just the last of his tribe. He was a real person - a man with interests, concerns, likes and dislikes. Fascinating read!
I learned something about topics I never knew existed. What more can you ask of a book.

(I had dinner at a restaurant that presents the guest check, at the end of the evening, inside a book. A copy of this book was handed to me. I was intrigued. I snapped a photo of the cover and bought it on .)
This book puts the reader in a dreamy daze, pondering over the beauty of the almost utopian way of Yana life. But that joy turns into anger and tears upon reading the accounts of how it was all destroyed over a lustful whim by the illegal immigrant gold miners.
This book is masterfully written biography; fully descriptive of the man and his culture in dimensions that one doesn't normally even think about -- highly sensitive, yet in no way soppy. That Ishi was the last of his people makes for a profound tale. Had I known him, however, I think I would have remembered him as much or more for a gentle and perceptive nature that seemed to characterize him as a person to the end. I wish I could have known him.
This is truly one of the best historical works of our time. I personally lived near where ISHI dwelled in Deer Creek Canyon between Red Bluff and Chico California. Not far from Lassen National Park at the junction of the North Tip of the Sierras and the Southern tip of the Cascade Range. The remainder of the Tribe before him were indiscreetly wiped out by early settlers of the area. and grandparents of early Ranchers.
Great book - something everyone should read - especially those who think of North America's indigenous populations as "primitive." Instead, this. book describes a very sophisticated culture estimated to have developed over at least 3000 years within the environment of California's Sierra Nevada foothills. It tells the true story of savage and greedy men from the gold rush era invading their territory, robbing and murdering men, women, children and babies. After this, Ishi became the last surviving member of his tribe. Now he's gone, too. What an incredible loss. We should all think twice any time the majority or someone representing "the law" decides a particular set of human beings is "less than human."
I read this book 40 (+) years ago at the library, just bought and re-read it while delving into the pedigree of the survival techniques and tools taught by practitioners here in the US. The book is, of course, about much more than that. In fact its transcendent theme is probably the adaptability of the individual human, ripped from his native culture and natural environment (both of which were decimated in Ishi's case, as in that of so many indigenous peoples, by European invasion and settlement). Ishi did adapt reasonably well to the Anglo-American world of the early 20th C to which he surrendered himself in a last desperate play for self-preservation; he persevered and even prospered after the trauma of seeing his tribe, family and natural environment destroyed. He did so in pretty unusual circumstances, as the ward of the anthropology museum at UC Berkeley, its benevolent staff and their family and friends. Most indigenous people were not so lucky if not murdered, enslaved or pushed to the hostile margins of the human and natural environment, they were laid low by the infectious diseases bourn (albeit unwittingly) by their conquerors.

A sobering read, worth going back to occasionally, just like Conrad's "Heart of Darkness", to remind oneself of how we got where we are, and who paid the price for it.