41 pages • 1 hour read
Black Elk Speaks
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Book Brief
298
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
Great Plains • 19th century
1932
Adult
14-18 years
Super Short Summary
Black Elk Speaks by John Neihardt recounts Black Elk’s journey from boyhood, through his “great vision,” to his role in numerous significant events including battles and the Wounded Knee Massacre, as he navigates the conflicts between the Lakota people and the Wasichus. The book includes accounts of violence and suffering experienced by the Lakota people.
Contemplative
Melancholic
Reviews & Readership
19,322 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Black Elk Speaks by John Neihardt is praised for vividly portraying the spiritual and cultural life of the Oglala Lakota through the perspective of Black Elk, a respected medicine man. Critics commend its poetic narrative and historical significance, though some question its accuracy and Neihardt's interpretive role. Overall, it's a compelling, though contested, work.
Who Should Read Black Elk Speaks?
A reader captivated by Native American history, spirituality, and memoirs will find Black Elk Speaks compelling. Comparable to Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee and The Sacred Pipe, it appeals to those interested in indigenous perspectives and poetic storytelling.
19,322 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
John G. Neihardt
John G. Neihardt
The author who interviews Black Elk and records his stories, shaping them into the book, though he acknowledges making some editorial decisions for clarity.
Crazy Horse
Crazy Horse
A Lakota Chief known for his fighting prowess and a key figure in the resistance against the Wasichus, impacting the conflict between the Lakota and the white settlers.
Red Cloud
Red Cloud
A chief of the Ogalala band of Lakota, Red Cloud initially seeks to protect the Black Hills and later plays a significant role in the peace negotiations with the Wasichus.
Wovoka
Wovoka
A member of the Paiutes tribe who claims to have had a vision of a new world for Native Americans and plays a pivotal role in the spread of the ghost dance movement.
298
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
Great Plains • 19th century
1932
Adult
14-18 years
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