On Behalf of the Wolf and the First Peoples

by Joseph M. Marshall III

A collection of essays by a Native American reflect on the history and philosophy of his people as he describes his experiences traveling across the country

Genres: History

192 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 1995

About the author

Joseph M. Marshall III was born and raised on the Rosebud Sioux Reservation and holds a PhD from the reservation university, which he helped to establish. The award-winning author of ten books, including Hundred in the Hand, The Lakota Way, and The Journey of Crazy Horse, he has also contributed to various publications and written several screenplays. His first language is Lakota, he handcrafts traditional Lakota bows and arrows, and he is a specialist in wilderness survival. Marshall's work as a cultural and historical consultant can be seen and heard in the Turner Network Television and Dreamworks epic television miniseries Into the West. "

Reviews

[Christie Ralston · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had to read this collection of essays for a Native and Western Views of Nature class. Marshall has some beautiful insights into what it means to be Native, what role humans serve in nature, and what place traditions have in today's world. However, the writing is often repetitive and the book has some cringe-worthy editing flaws. Marshall also fails to address the issue of Native peoples who are not 100% Native, e.g., someone who is one-quarter Cherokee. Overall, the book is a nice introductory read for those looking to learn more about Native issues, Lakota culture, and Indian identity.

[bibliotekker Holman · Rating 4 out of 5]

A classic book of the prolific Lakota author's thoughtful essays that I find myself revisiting again and again. A great read.

[Sándor Lau · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a magical book of essays by Joseph Marshall on subjects as diverse as attending a Siberian conference to the Oregon Trail.

Marshall is a Lakota Indian on a mission to both honor his culture and show to those outside it that Lakota and all Native Americans are human beings, perhaps more like non-Indians than different. Though Lakota is his first language and English is his second, he is clearly a master of the both and his best tool in winning over his readers is not his logic or arguments but his sharp wit. "People are sometimes confused when I mention that I am a bow hunter. The revelation needs to be followed with the explanation that I do not hunt bows, I hunt with a bow."

[Ruric Amhari · Rating 3 out of 5]

Collection of non-fiction essays.