24th out of 78 books
—
16 voters
Goodreads helps you keep track of books you want to read.
Start by marking “Black Hawk: AN AUTOBIOGRAPHY” as Want to Read:
Black Hawk: AN AUTOBIOGRAPHY
by
Black Hawk
,
Donald Jackson
This story is told in the words of a tragic figure in American history - a hook-nosed, hollow-cheeked old Sauk warrior who lived under four flags while the Mississippi Valley was being wrested from his people.
The author is Black Hawk himself - once pursued by an army whose members included Captain Abraham Lincoln and Lieutenant Jefferson Davis. Perhaps no Indian ever saw s ...more
Paperback
,
192 pages
Published
March 1st 1975
by University of Illinois Press
(first published 1833)
Reader Q&A
To ask other readers questions about
Black Hawk
,
please sign up
.
Be the first to ask a question about Black Hawk
Community Reviews
(showing
1-30
of
957)
I did like this, although parts were confusing. If I had read a book with a map, parts could have been easier to understand. I listened to the audiobook narrated by Brett Barry. In addition, the terms used for different people were confusing. The war strategies were confusing. Some of the language was also confusing. I believe if you read the book it would be easier to figure out the terms and locations.
The different tribes fight each other, the English and the Americans were fighting and the tr ...more
The different tribes fight each other, the English and the Americans were fighting and the tr ...more
This was a free audibook download from audible.com's "Christmas in July" sale for members. I guess I got what I paid for it. The reading (by Brett Bailey, I believe) was lovely, but the content itself was--although at times beautifully poetic and spiritual--mostly just frustrating. Time and time again, Black Hawk and his people show themselves to be gullible and complacent when it comes to the "promises" and treaties made by the Americans. I just want to shake him and tell him that twice is a co
...more
view all 6 comments
On the one hand, a fantastic document; Black Hawk's autobiography (in reality, more an extended interview) from the stories of his grandfather who met the first French colonists in Canada, to his decision to make a stand against the United States after having one too many deals disregarded and his people gunned down under parliamentary flag, to his defeat. As a first-hand account, it's invaluable, and paints a much-needed counternarrative to the traditional view - which, yeah, has become much mo
...more
Aug 02, 2012
Victor Carson
rated it
3 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
history-or-historical-fiction
Audible recently made a free audiobook version of this work available to its members. I love "free" and was interested in the character of Black Hawk, so I was pleased to listen to this brief 3-1/2 hour work. Black Hawk lived from the late 1790s to the mid 1830s. He wrote his autobiography about 1833 and included the relocation of his Sac and Fox tribes from an area near Montreal to an area near Rock Island on the Mississippi. The story narrates the tribe's encounters with the French, the Englis
...more
This short book—the full title of which is
Autobiography of Ma-Ka-Tai-Me-She-Kia-Kiak, or Black Hawk, Embracing the Traditions of his Nation, Various Wars In Which He Has Been Engaged, and His Account of the Cause and General History of the Black Hawk War of 1832, His Surrender, and Travels Through the United States. Also Life, Death and Burial of the Old Chief, Together with a History of the Black Hawk War
—was the first autobiography of an American Indian leader published in the United States a
...more
The modern reader has much to learn from The Life of Black Hawk. Historically, it represents an invaluable time capsule; the psychology of the Native American, an authentic chief no less, is, if not a more all-encompassing portrait of devastating war than The Diary of Anne Frank at least its equal--in its inherent sincerity and pathos. Never forgetting that the autobiography is actually a life story thrice filtered (from the Sac chief’s remembering tongue directly to the interpreter, then edited
...more
It’s not many people that get a war – even a small one – named after them. The Black Hawk War of 1832 was small, but it made a mark. Already in his declining years, Black Hawk, a war chief of the Sacs, led a band of 500 braves and a similar number of women and children up the Rock River of Illinois and Wisconsin to reclaim territory that had been taken from them by a disputed treaty. Over six thousand American militiamen (including Abraham Lincoln and Jefferson Davis), as well as native allies,
...more
I'd say it's tough to rate this book. How do you rate it? It's the story of the life of Black Hawk, the Sauk warrior who led an insurrection in the American Midwest in the early 19th century.
Now then. Let's see. Essentially, Black Hawk was the driving force behind the Black Hawk War of 1832, during which he led a band of warriors and, I suppose it's safe to say, tribespeople in a series of skirmishes with the United States government that got pretty nasty on both sides. Eventually he was capture ...more
Now then. Let's see. Essentially, Black Hawk was the driving force behind the Black Hawk War of 1832, during which he led a band of warriors and, I suppose it's safe to say, tribespeople in a series of skirmishes with the United States government that got pretty nasty on both sides. Eventually he was capture ...more
amazon review:
One of the most respected personages in Native American history, BLACK HAWK (1767-1838), Sauk war chief of the Native American tribe in Illinois, was already a renowned name in the early 1800s, having fought for the British during the War of 1812. By 1832, when Black Hawk led warriors against encroaching European settlers on Sauk lands, he was so well-known that the engagement became known as the Black Hawk War. In his 1833 autobiography, Black Hawk-dictating to American newspaper ...more
One of the most respected personages in Native American history, BLACK HAWK (1767-1838), Sauk war chief of the Native American tribe in Illinois, was already a renowned name in the early 1800s, having fought for the British during the War of 1812. By 1832, when Black Hawk led warriors against encroaching European settlers on Sauk lands, he was so well-known that the engagement became known as the Black Hawk War. In his 1833 autobiography, Black Hawk-dictating to American newspaper ...more
This book was originally published in 1833 (dictated by Chief Black Hawk to his translator, Antoine Leclair) and was an immediate best seller. A no holds barred and unflinching narrative of the great Sauk leader, 'The Autobiography of Black Hawk' stands as one of the very first accounts of the conflict between American indians and white settlers. Historically, this is an important work because it stands as one of the first native narratives of the war of attrition fought against American indians
...more
Sep 24, 2015
Donna
rated it
3 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
non-fiction
,
autobiography-memoir
Oh Oh Oh....this book made my heart weep. The Indians received such a raw deal. This was truly tragic. Black Hawk fell for every promise that was given. Each one echoed just as hollow as the previous one. And for every honorable white man that they found, there were 10 more that weren't. One of my favorite quotes goes something like, "When someone shows you who they really are, believe them the first time." I mean for crying out loud, I was inwardly screaming, "Learn and adapt." That quote would
...more
Black Hawk dictated his autobiography through amanuensis Antoine LeClair which was originally published in 1833. He was a Sauk leader and in his own words describes the conflict in 1832 as Americans came into the land east of the Mississippi and took the land away from his people. Black Hawk gives a good description of the Native American Culture as well as the trouble trying to do business with the US government. Of course the citizens weren't admirable in their behavior either.. It was interes
...more
Interesting historical perspective, and I did enjoy that aspect of it. But it's pretty dry reading. Also, this was clearly translated as it was written 100+ years ago, since the writing style and language bears no similarity to anything other than English spoken in those days. I suspect this was standard fare for that time and place, so I don't want to be too critical. It's just that the use of a language imparts the real story, and translating the words into "high English" means the heart and s
...more
I've never read a book like this. It's fascinating for its first-hand historical content. It's really interesting to hear Chief Black Hawk describe his tribe's culture and that of the Portuguese, British, and Americans. It's a quick smooth read because of how concise his word choice is, and yet there's a minimalist poetry to it, kind of like haiku.
“I explained to them the manner the British and Americans fought. Instead of stealing upon each other, and taking every advantage to kill the enemy and save their own people, as we do, (which, with us, is considered good policy in a war chief,) they marched out, in open daylight, and fight, regardless of the number of warriors they may lose! After the battle is over, they retire to feast, and drink wine, as if nothing had happened; after which, they make a statement in writing, of what they have
...more
Black Hawk was a leader of the Sauk tribe (around Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin) and lead his people with the British against the American's in the War of 1812, and fought the Americans again in 1832 when white settlers took his tribe's lands (Called the Black Hawk Wars).
It was fascinating to read about these confrontations from the Native American point of view. The descriptions of war (scalping), honor against enemies, ceremonies and family life during peace were all very interesting.
His biog ...more
It was fascinating to read about these confrontations from the Native American point of view. The descriptions of war (scalping), honor against enemies, ceremonies and family life during peace were all very interesting.
His biog ...more
Having grown up in an area with a high population of Native Americans (Sioux) - mere hours from where much of this story took place, It was refreshing to hear a deeper perspective from one of the chiefs. I wish more of them had had their story written down. I think much has been lost in the ensuing years.
In this book, Black Hawk tells the story of the promises made by the great war chiefs of the whites (Generals, president, etc.), and the wrongs done to them by others. Sadly, promises were not k ...more
In this book, Black Hawk tells the story of the promises made by the great war chiefs of the whites (Generals, president, etc.), and the wrongs done to them by others. Sadly, promises were not k ...more
The autobiography, the authenticity of which is called into question, is an accounting of important battles that happen in and around the Illinois and Iowa border. The novel presents the case both for and against validity of the source of the story. The footnotes are long, at times, but should be required reading; they add a depth and breadth to the story.
Almost every town and county around the Quad Cities are named for the people in the story: Whiteside, LeClaire, Colonel Davenport. A list tha ...more
Almost every town and county around the Quad Cities are named for the people in the story: Whiteside, LeClaire, Colonel Davenport. A list tha ...more
Feb 03, 2013
sarah louise
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
native-lit
,
post-colonial-lit
"What I think" is a somewhat ridiculous question when faced with a text like this, since the historical implications are far more important than style or opinion. Americans are too little educated about the brutality of the ongoing Indian wars during colonization.
...it is important, here, to read the introduction provided in the Penguin edition, which does an excellent job of situating some of the difficulties of the text itself (questions of authorship/translation, and the purpose of the text, ...more
...it is important, here, to read the introduction provided in the Penguin edition, which does an excellent job of situating some of the difficulties of the text itself (questions of authorship/translation, and the purpose of the text, ...more
If in fact the story is true it is an excellent account of his tribe s life and his life. The encroachment of the white (pale faced) people and the treatment given to the Indians by the newcomers. I truly believe that the newcomers to America were the antagonizers. Who would push people off their land with no compensation? Us. I believe him when he says that they always treated people the way they expected to be treated. If the American Indians did attack the settlers it was because the deserved
...more
Good book, a bit flat at first, especially in the dry narrative it presents, but the subject matter is fascinating, and the more we learn about his life, the more you get involved in the story. I was very touched by the events narrated in the book and how the character saw and dealt with the ever-changing circumstances in his life.
Good for interpretive hospital lit
There are some interesting historical events portrayed. The authenticity of the story may be impaired due to normal language barriers and other bias given the circumstances of the time.
There are some interesting historical events portrayed. The authenticity of the story may be impaired due to normal language barriers and other bias given the circumstances of the time.
Interesting autobiography of Black Hawk, a Sauk Indian warrior born on Rock Island, Illinois, in 1767. He became a great warchief among his people. Allied to the British (who he said usually kept their word - the Americans usually didn't), he faught the American settlers during the war of 1812 and later faught them again in the late 1820s/early 1830s as the westward moving Americans began to strip the Sauks of their traditional tribal lands (along the Mississippi and Wisconsin rivers). The book
...more
Although more readable than most first-person early 19th century accounts of the frontier, I was glad it was rather short, with Black Hawk's autobiography taking up less than half of the text.
I read the gutenberg project version. print versions may vary.
I read the gutenberg project version. print versions may vary.
Without knowing much at all about the life of Black Hawk, this narrative pulled me straight in and made me see history through his eyes. Such is the point of autobiography, but it's rare to find one this powerful. Black Hawk's account is small by comparison, but he makes his words count.
Alternate perspectives, especially accounts written by those who were there, offer so much more to a student of history than what you can find in the average textbook. It reminds us that history is so much more t ...more
Alternate perspectives, especially accounts written by those who were there, offer so much more to a student of history than what you can find in the average textbook. It reminds us that history is so much more t ...more
History from a different and refreshing angle -- that of an old Sauk warrior who lived in the upper Mississippi Valley from 1767 - 1838. Black Hawk saw an incredible amount of American expansion (and the accompanying lies that went with it), and was involved in several wars. Interestingly, he was “once pursued by an army whose members included Captain Abraham Lincoln and Lieutenant Jefferson Davis.”
Black Hawk told his story to a government interpreter, and there’s not a strong storyline. I reall ...more
Black Hawk told his story to a government interpreter, and there’s not a strong storyline. I reall ...more
Book about Black Hawk, a Chief of the Sox Indians, and personal story of his life as a chief of the Sox and Fox Indians. It was in the early 1800’s and he explains about his part of the French and Indian and the British vs. the American in the war of 1812, He lives on the east side of the Mississippi River. And he was very trusting of white men, something that did not bode well for him or his people. In another book I just finished it stated that his body was taken around and showed off like a t
...more
Definitely not a book I would normally read but it was free on Audible and I thought it would be a good book to try listening to at 3x speed so I gave it a go.
There's some interesting bits here but I definitely felt like I needed prior historical context to truly understand the story.
The most interesting part for me was his brief comments on ethics, particularly in terms of religion and linguistics. I would love to have heard more about that and his thoughts on both his people and the European ...more
There's some interesting bits here but I definitely felt like I needed prior historical context to truly understand the story.
The most interesting part for me was his brief comments on ethics, particularly in terms of religion and linguistics. I would love to have heard more about that and his thoughts on both his people and the European ...more
As the introduction suggests it is not easy to know where the real man's voice comes in and where the translator has taken poetic licence. A very short account but a worthwhile read. It is true that we are not lead to believe this a complete fabricated story. Ma-ka-tai-me-she-kia-kiak was a real man and the times he lived in where very real. There are many aspects of this book that do have truth ringing out. Give it a read.
There are no discussion topics on this book yet.
Be the first to start one »
“Bad and cruel as our people were treated by the whites, not one of them
was hurt or molested by our band. (...)
The whites were complaining at the same time that we were intruding upon
their rights. They made it appear that they were the injured party, and
we the intruders. They called loudly to the great war chief to protect
their property.
How smooth must be the language of the whites, when they can make right
look like wrong, and wrong like right.”
—
1 likes
More quotes…
was hurt or molested by our band. (...)
The whites were complaining at the same time that we were intruding upon
their rights. They made it appear that they were the injured party, and
we the intruders. They called loudly to the great war chief to protect
their property.
How smooth must be the language of the whites, when they can make right
look like wrong, and wrong like right.”
