Hamlin Garland’s Observations on the American Indian, 1895–1905 ed. by Lonnie E. Underhill and Daniel F. Littlefield, Jr.

Abstract

350 Western American Literature the intricately connected life of plants, animals, insects, birds — and the land itself — with great skill. Basically a presentation of the life of a badger, Borun, and in this sense a detailed and unusual story, the novel also interweaves its human and animal characters — the aging country dweller, Polly; a one-eyed fox; the cat Vandal; badgers of various ages and stages in their life-cycles; as well as fox-hunters and farmers. A nonsentimental environmental viewpoint pervades the book, along with a sound sense of both natural and human history. Obviously, The Badgers of Summercombe, with its animal characters and simple story line, would be suitable for younger readers (11-12 and up) ready for a more sophisticated view of nature and ecology. The richness of zoological detail (one is reminded at times of Walter Clark’s fine story of a hawk, “Hook”), and our interest in the American Badger found as an intriguing resident throughout the West, broaden the novel’s appeal. ROBERT A. RORIPAUGH, University of Wyoming Hamlin Garland’s Observations on the American Indian, 1895-1905. Edited by Lonnie E. Underhill and Daniel F. Littlefield, Jr. (Tucson, Arizona: The University of Arizona Press, 1976. 182 pages, bibliography, $4.95 paper; $9.95 cloth.) The theme for this series of non-fiction essays by Hamlin Garland could be stated in this way, “The Indian should not be civilized at the expense of his native rituals, ceremonies and amusements.” Throughout his writings, Garland is insistent that the Anglo recognize the point of view of the Indian. This is a request we, the Anglos of the 1970’s, could still honor. In the 1890’s Garland developed an interest in the West, its land, places, and especially its people — the Indian. Traveling widely in the West, he kept accurate notes based on his observations and later used these to write essays on the reservation Indian. The Indian was then in a transi­ tion period. Established patterns of living were abandoned as a push for assimilation into Anglo culture came from Indian agents and missionaries. Garland many times pointed out the absence of proper Anglo models for the Indians to follow. The Anglos on the reservation were not always the best to serve as mentors, causing the Indian to become nothing more, in Garland’s opinion, than a low class Anglo. Garland was present to witness this occurrence. In his writings, Garland attempted to show the Indian as a human being. Other writers of the time were not doing this. Garland is sympathetic toward the Indian. No doubt of that. He views them through the eyes of a reformer, seeing the injustices being done to them and the unjust social conditions they had to bear. Reviews 351 The editors of this volume, Lonnie E. Underhill and Daniel F. Littlefield, Jr., have selected thirteen essays by Hamlin Garland. Each essay is prefaced by a short introduction. Footnotes used throughout each essay clarify portions of the text and put others into perspective. An informa­ tive introductory survey apprises the reader of Garland’s background and his literary endeavors. The editors are to be commended for this presenta­ tion of factual material. A reference section presents many sources of primary and secondary materials as well as a bibliography of Garland’s writings on the American Indian. Hamlin Garland’s Observations on the American Indian is a good book, one which would appeal to many readers, the historian, anthropolo­ gist or to the student of literature. The format is presented in an informa­ tive manner. The reader will see a way of life which no longer exists, but will see the beginning of a problem which has lingered through the years and faces us today. PATRICIA ANN OWENS, Godfrey, Illinois ...