The Lakota Ghost Dance of 1890 - Hardcover

Andersson, Rani-Henrik

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0803210736 ISBN 13: 9780803210738

Publisher: University of Nebraska Press, 2008

Synopsis

A broad range of perspectives from Natives and non-Natives makes this book the most complete account and analysis yet of the Lakota Ghost Dance. A revitalization movement that swept across Native communities of the West in the late 1880s, the Ghost Dance took firm hold among the Lakotas, perplexed and alarmed government agents, sparked the intervention of the U.S. Army, and culminated in the massacre of hundreds of Lakota men, women, and children at Wounded Knee in December 1890.

Although the Lakota Ghost Dance has been the subject of much previous historical study, the views of the Lakota participants have not been fully explored, in part because they have been available only in the Lakota language. Moreover, emphasis has been placed on the event as a shared historical incident rather than as a dynamic meeting ground of multiple groups with differing perspectives. In The Lakota Ghost Dance of 1890, Rani-Henrik Andersson examines hitherto untranslated Lakota accounts. This book presents these Indian accounts together with the views and observations of Indian agents, the U.S. Army, missionaries, the mainstream press, and Congress. This comprehensive, complex, and compelling study not only collects these diverse viewpoints but also explores and analyzes the political, cultural, and economic connections between them.

About this title

Review:

"Well written and researched, this is a landmark book on the Lakota ghost dance and Wounded Knee."―M. J. Van de Logt, CHOICE Author: M. J. Van de Logt Source: CHOICE

"Finnish scholar Rani-Henrik Andersson has written what should be the first stop for those approaching the Ghost Dance and the Wounded Knee tragedy for the first time and a must-read addition to the literature for those familiar, or who think they are familiar, with them."―Todd M. Kerstetter, Nebraska History Author: Todd M. Kerstetter Source: Nebraska History

"The Lakota Ghost Dance of 1890 is highly recommended for all those wishing to learn more about this exceedingly important chapter in Native American–white relations."―Harvey Markowitz, Journal of American History Author: Harvey Markowitz Source: Journal of American History

"[The Lakota Ghost Dance of 1890] demonstrates how understanding a particular tribe's culture is fundamental in comprehending and writing its history."―David Christensen, Studies in American Indian Literatures Author: David Christensen Source: Studies in American Indian Literatures

"This work is impressive in its detail and consistent in its manner of presentation. . . . I am certain The Lakota Ghost Dance of 1890 will become a primary reference text on the subject, accessible to scholars and popular readers alike."―Lee Irwin, Great Plains Quarterly Author: Lee Irwin Source: Great Plains Quarterly

"[The Lakota Ghost Dance of 1890] is the most comprehensive study of the Ghost Dance to date and it offers an intriguing new look at the events that developed at the Lakota agencies in 1890 and the ensuing tragedy at Wounded Knee. Scholars and the public will find much of interest in Andersson's lively book."―Mark R. Ellis, New Mexico Historical Review Author: Mark R. Ellis Source: New Mexico Historical Review

From the Author:

Rani-Henrik Andersson is an Academy of Finland Fellow at the University of Helsinki.

About this edition

• Publisher: University of Nebraska Press
• Publication date: 2008
• ISBN 10: 0803210736
• ISBN 13: 9780803210738
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 464