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When Buffalo Ran   By: (1849-1938)

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When Buffalo Ran by George Bird Grinnell is an exceptional piece of literature that vividly brings to life the captivating era when herds of buffalo ruled the Great Plains. Grinnell's extensive research and firsthand experiences in the field of anthropology and history are clearly reflected in his compelling account.

The book takes readers on an enthralling journey through the history and significance of the buffalo in Native American culture and the drastic changes they faced during the westward expansion of the United States. Grinnell masterfully intertwines stories of Native American tribes, such as the Lakota Sioux and the Blackfeet, with his own adventures in the vast expanses of the Plains.

One of the book's most notable strengths is Grinnell's attention to detail. His descriptions of the buffalo's behavior, habitat, and ecological impact are remarkable, allowing readers to envision the awe-inspiring scenes of thousands of bison roaming freely across the prairies. Through his words, the reader can almost hear the thundering sound of hooves and envision the vast herds sweeping across the open plains.

Moreover, Grinnell skillfully explores the complex relationship between Native Americans and the buffalo. He delves into their deep reverence for these magnificent creatures, which played a crucial role in their survival and cultural identity. The author's extensive knowledge of Native American customs and beliefs enriches the narrative, providing a comprehensive understanding of the buffalo's significance in their lives.

While Grinnell's enthusiasm for the subject is evident, the book occasionally becomes weighed down by excessive technical information. Some readers may find the extensive descriptions of buffalo anatomy or exhaustive accounts of hunting techniques to be overly detailed or monotonous. Nonetheless, for those with a genuine interest in the subject matter, these sections offer valuable insights that deepen the understanding of the buffalo's historical and cultural impact.

When Buffalo Ran is not merely a book about the rise and fall of the buffalo population in North America; it is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of Native American tribes, whose lives were profoundly intertwined with these majestic creatures. George Bird Grinnell's writing is both captivating and informative, painting a rich tapestry of the historical, ecological, and cultural significance of the buffalo in North America. This book is a must-read for history enthusiasts, nature lovers, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the country's past.

First Page:

[Illustration: PEOPLE LOOKING FROM THE LODGES]

WHEN BUFFALO RAN

BY GEORGE BIRD GRINNELL

Copyright, 1920, by Yale University Press.

First published, 1920.

Table of Contents.

Introduction: The Plains Country The Attack on the Camp Standing Alone The Way to Live Lessons of the Prairie On a Buffalo Horse In the Medicine Circle Among Enemy Lodges A Grown Man A Sacrifice A Warrior Ready to Die A Lie That Came True My Marriage

List of Illustrations.

People Looking from the Lodges Hunting in the Brush along the River My Grandmother Lived in Our Lodge My Grandfather ... Long before Had Given up the Warpath I Killed Many Buffalo and My Mother Dressed the Hides Holding the Pipe to the Sky and to the Earth "Do Not Go, Wait a Little Longer" Watch the Men and Older Boys Playing at Sticks

The Plains Country.

Seventy years ago, when some of the events here recounted took place, Indians were Indians, and the plains were the plains indeed.

Those plains stretched out in limitless rolling swells of prairie until they met the blue sky that on every hand bent down to touch them. In spring brightly green, and spangled with wild flowers, by midsummer this prairie had grown sere and yellow. Clumps of dark green cottonwoods marked the courses of the infrequent streams for most of the year the only note of color in the landscape, except the brilliant sky... Continue reading book >>




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