Geronimo: His Own Story

Rating:
Summary: A warrior's words
Review: "Geronimo: His Own Story" has been revised and edited, with an introduction and notes, by Frederick Turner. This book is the autobiography of the legendary Apache warrior, as told to S. M. Barrett. The copyright page notes that the main text was originally published as "Geronimo's Story of His Life" in 1906.

The revised edition includes the 1906 preface by Barrett; a 33 page introduction by Turner; a "Note on the Text," which describes the genesis of the book; a map, "Apache Country, 1865-1886"; a bibliography; and a generous collection of photographs showing both Geronimo at various stages in his life, and other people of his times. Barrett's introduction tells how the text was delivered orally by Geronimo, and how translator Asa Daklugie helped Barrett turn it into book form. Indeed, in his introduction Turner notes that Geronimo's story is "a preliterate and essentially a prewhite narrative." Altogether the text and supplemental features are about 200 pages long.

Geronimo's fascinating story begins with an Apache creation myth. He discusses his early life, his family, his battles against the Mexicans, his conflict with United States forces, and his life as a prisoner-of-war under U.S. military control. I was especially interested by his descriptions of the military tactics he used. Geronimo also discusses Apache life: religion, hunting, cultural taboos, etc. The book includes some really remarkable accounts, such as Geronimo's visit to the St. Louis World's Fair. The text is quite poignant when Geronimo reflects upon his hope for the survival of his people and their culture.

I would recommend this book to all who are interested in Native American studies, 19th century American history, military autobiography, and the relationship between oral and written literature. But above all, this book is an encounter with an extraordinary human being whose voice remains passionate and compelling after all these decades.

Rating:
Summary: Were the Apache people treated fairly?
Review: Geronimo wrote this book so that others may judge if he and the Apache people were treated fairly. This is a simple quesiton that becomes quite complex -- murder, robbery and broken promises...by both the Apaches, Mexicans, and white settlers and troops. It is difficult to assign culpability in this context.

I see it more of as a tragedy of when one culture encounters another radically different and less developed than its own. You will need to read the book yourself to develop your own conclusion.

What makes the book interesting is that it is Geronimo in his own words. It is transalted, but there is no white-man slant or probing questions. It truly is Geronimo in his own words. And as such, it provides a fascinating testament to early American Indian culture, interaction with both Mexicans and Americans, and the legendaryu cowboy-and-indian wars. The early chapters on Apache creation were fascinating, as were the later chapters on the St. Louis World's Fair.

Recommended.

Rating:
Summary: The story in his words...
Review: Mr. Barrett interviewed Geronimo after several years of his captivity and this is his version of what happened in the Apache Wars. Definately an interesting read and a great story. Not what you should read if interested in a complete history of the Apache Wars and the part Geronimo had, but still worthwhile as it tells it from his prespective in his old age.

Rating:
Summary: The story in his words...
Review: Mr. Barrett interviewed Geronimo after several years of his captivity and this is his version of what happened in the Apache Wars. Definately an interesting read and a great story. Not what you should read if interested in a complete history of the Apache Wars and the part Geronimo had, but still worthwhile as it tells it from his prespective in his old age.

Rating:
Summary: Once I moved about like the wind...
Review: This was a pretty good book and a fast read. The book has an introduction with some history about the Apache conflict and then goes into the part that is Geronimos own words, translated in the early 1900's. The book does point out places in the text that are disputed as being the words of Geronimo. He talks about things that happened to him as a child and as a young man.
However some things that are discussed in detail in traditional history books are barely mentioned here. There are some good pictures in the book. It's very interesting to hear it from his point of view, but I would also recommend other sources to get the complete story from both sides. I would compare the way the text reads to the book "Black Elk Speaks".

Rating:
Summary: Once I moved about like the wind...
Review: This was a pretty good book and a fast read. The book has an introduction with some history about the Apache conflict and then goes into the part that is Geronimos own words, translated in the early 1900's. The book does point out places in the text that are disputed as being the words of Geronimo. He talks about things that happened to him as a child and as a young man.
However some things that are discussed in detail in traditional history books are barely mentioned here. There are some good pictures in the book. It's very interesting to hear it from his point of view, but I would also recommend other sources to get the complete story from both sides. I would compare the way the text reads to the book "Black Elk Speaks".