Synopses & Reviews
Here is a story, in thinly disguised fictional form, of Plains Indians, especially a Cheyenne chief, Whirlwindandmdash;his manner of life, his beliefs, and particularly, his love of his son. The villain is a Mandan who is given refuge in the Cheyenne camp and then wreaks havoc with the lives of his hosts. He causes a battle with the Sioux, steals the chiefandrsquo;s favorite wife, and slays the chiefandrsquo;s young son. Whirlwindandrsquo;s revenge for the death of his beloved son provides a dramatic climax.
Happy Hunting Grounds recaptures Cheyenne life on the plains. The battles, celebrations, and lifeways of the Indiansandmdash;Sioux, Cheyennes, and Mandansandmdash;are accurately and graphically portrayed.and#160;This volume is illustrated with drawings and paintings by Frederick Weygold, reflecting his own long association with the Plains tribes.and#160;and#160;and#160;and#160;and#160;and#160;and#160;
Review
andquot;Vestal is lyrical without growing sentimental, mingling Indian music and ritual into a story of high adventure. A treat.andrdquo;andmdash;
New York TimesReview
andquot;The writing of this story is superb. In perhaps no other book is there as vivid and complete a commentary on Plains Indian camp life and activity.andrdquo;andmdash;
Western American Literature Synopsis
Few people comprehend the supernatural beauty and harsh reality that mingled to form the essence of Plains Indian life, and fewer still possess the firsthand knowledge and literary skill to portray it accurately. Stanley Vestal did, and never better than in this book.
About the Author
Stanley Vestal is the pen name of Walter S. Campbell, who up grew up in Southern Cheyenne country. A graduate of Oxford University and longtime Professor of English at the University of Oklahoma, he wrote many distinguished books on American Indians and the West, including Sitting Bull, Champion of the Sioux.
Father Peter J. Powell was founder and first director of St. Augustine's Center for American Indians, Chicago. He is also the author of the two-volume People of the Sacred Mountain. He is an Honorary Chief of the Northern Cheyenne People. Since 1972 he has been a Research Associate of The D'Arcy McNickle Center for American Indian History, The Newberry Library, Chicago.