Stand in the Light: Native Voices Illuminated by Edward S. Curtis

by Thomas F. Voight

WINNER OF THE GOLD MEDAL FOR ANTHOLOGIES IN THE 2020 INDEPENDENT PUBLISHERS BOOK AWARDS!

In a perfect partnership, the songs, prayers, and philosophies of eight western American Indian tribes are paired with photographs taken by the incomparable Edward S. Curtis. This carefully curated collection is an inspirational and educational journey of respect for their cultures, ideals, and images. The beautiful historical pictures included in this book are by the photogravure artist Edward Sheriff Curtis. Between 1900 and 1927, Curtis visited eighty tribes across North America and too more than 40,000 photographs, recorded songs and stories, and interviewed tribal leaders. The accompanying beautiful words are the prayers, songs, and wisdom of the peoples included in this book. American Indians lived in harmony with their environment and gave homage to the Great Spirit. From father to son, mother to daughter, and grandparents to grandchildren, ancient stories and lessons are handed down through generations.

Genres: Nonfiction

192 pages, Hardcover

Published April 12, 2019

Reviews

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stand in the Light: Native Voices Illuminated by Edward S. Curtis
by Thomas F. Voight (compiled by)

Edward S. Curtis is an amazing photographer at the turn of the century. He took pictures of the West, that are remarkable. His Naive American historic pictures add a touch of class to a difficult story. He has many of the pictures we look at repeatedly of historical figures like Geronimo. The presentation in this book, just the pictures is something that needs to be shared.
As I read through the collection of quotes and explanations that Thomas F. Voight collected in this story I found so much that needed to be shared. I hope to return to my classes and find an opportunity to share these ideas with them. I want them to understand the wisdom and remarkable courage of the Native American Spirit.

[Kim Olson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Edward S. Curtis spent three decades photographing Native Americans, hoping to document what he believed were a vanishing people. This volume, beautifully curated by Thomas F. Voight, comprises eight chapters, each focusing on a different tribe.

The photos--portraits, pottery, images of Natives riding horseback across the landscape--are accompanied by poems, songs, or quotations from a chief or other tribe member. The words bring to life the tribes' spiritual beliefs and reverence for the natural world.

I found this book so immersive, and I came away wanting to dig into Curtis's complete portfolios, The North American Indian.

[Gabrielle Aragon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the simplistic but deep meanings from the pieces. Of course such beauty in the photos also. I appreciate the openness to nature and the idea of one high power, accepting that life is made up of every small thing.

[Valerie Sherman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stunning photos presented with thoughtful cultural pairings of poems, aphorisms, and history. The photographer apparently left his life for a year to live with Native Americans and photograph them as the last of the old generation was passing in the early 1900s.