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Geronimo: My Life
In this, one of Native American history's most extraordinary documents, a legendary warrior and shaman recounts the beliefs and customs of his people. Completely and utterly authentic, its captivating narrator is the most famous member of the Apache Geronimo.
The spiritual and intellectual leader of the American Indians who defended their land from both Mexico and the United States for many years, Geronimo surrendered in 1886. Two decades later, while under arrest, he told his story through a native interpreter to S. M. Barrett, an Oklahoma school superintendent. Barrett explains in his introduction, "I wrote to President Roosevelt that here was an old Indian who had been held a prisoner of war for twenty years and had never been given a chance to tell his side of the story, and asked that Geronimo be granted permission to tell for publication, in his own way, the story of his life."
This remarkable testament is the result. It begins with Geronimo's retelling of an Apache creation myth and his descriptions of his youth and family. He explains his military tactics as well as traditional practices, including hunting and religious rituals, and reflects upon his hope for the survival of his people and their culture.
The spiritual and intellectual leader of the American Indians who defended their land from both Mexico and the United States for many years, Geronimo surrendered in 1886. Two decades later, while under arrest, he told his story through a native interpreter to S. M. Barrett, an Oklahoma school superintendent. Barrett explains in his introduction, "I wrote to President Roosevelt that here was an old Indian who had been held a prisoner of war for twenty years and had never been given a chance to tell his side of the story, and asked that Geronimo be granted permission to tell for publication, in his own way, the story of his life."
This remarkable testament is the result. It begins with Geronimo's retelling of an Apache creation myth and his descriptions of his youth and family. He explains his military tactics as well as traditional practices, including hunting and religious rituals, and reflects upon his hope for the survival of his people and their culture.
144 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1906
850 people are currently reading
2056 people want to read
About the author
Geronimo
42 books14 followers(Mescalero-Chiricahua: Goyaałé [kòjàːɬɛ́] "the one who yawns") was a prominent leader and medicine man from the Bedonkohe band of the Chiricahua Apache tribe. From 1850 to 1886 Geronimo joined with members of three other Chiricahua Apache bands—the Tchihende, the Tsokanende and the Nednhi—to carry out numerous raids as well as resistance to US and Mexican military campaigns in the northern Mexico states of Chihuahua and Sonora, and in the southwestern American territories of New Mexico and Arizona. Geronimo's raids and related combat actions were a part of the prolonged period of the Apache–United States conflict, which started with American settlement in Apache lands following the end of the war with Mexico in 1848.
While well known, Geronimo was not a chief among the Chiricahua or the Bedonkohe band. At any one time, about 30 to 50 Apaches would be following him. However, since he was a superb leader in raiding and warfare he frequently led large numbers of men and women beyond his own following.
During Geronimo's final period of conflict from 1876 to 1886 he "surrendered" three times and accepted life on the Apache reservations in Arizona. Reservation life was confining to the free-moving Apache people, and they resented restrictions on their customary way of life.
In 1886, after an intense pursuit in Northern Mexico by U.S. forces that followed Geronimo's third 1885 reservation "breakout", Geronimo surrendered for the last time to Lt. Charles Bare Gatewood, an Apache-speaking West Point graduate who had earned Geronimo's respect a few years before. Geronimo was later transferred to General Nelson Miles at Skeleton Canyon, just north of the Mexican/American boundary. Miles treated Geronimo as a prisoner of war and acted promptly to remove Geronimo first to Fort Bowie, then to the railroad at Bowie Station, Arizona where he and 27 other Apaches were sent off to join the rest of the Chiricahua tribe which had been previously exiled to Florida.
In his old age, Geronimo became a celebrity. He appeared at fairs, including the 1904 World's Fair in St. Louis, where he reportedly rode a ferris wheel and sold souvenirs and photographs of himself. However, he was not allowed to return to the land of his birth. He died at the Fort Sill hospital in 1909. He was still a prisoner of war. He is buried at the Fort Sill Indian Agency Cemetery surrounded by the graves of relatives and other Apache prisoners of war.
While well known, Geronimo was not a chief among the Chiricahua or the Bedonkohe band. At any one time, about 30 to 50 Apaches would be following him. However, since he was a superb leader in raiding and warfare he frequently led large numbers of men and women beyond his own following.
During Geronimo's final period of conflict from 1876 to 1886 he "surrendered" three times and accepted life on the Apache reservations in Arizona. Reservation life was confining to the free-moving Apache people, and they resented restrictions on their customary way of life.
In 1886, after an intense pursuit in Northern Mexico by U.S. forces that followed Geronimo's third 1885 reservation "breakout", Geronimo surrendered for the last time to Lt. Charles Bare Gatewood, an Apache-speaking West Point graduate who had earned Geronimo's respect a few years before. Geronimo was later transferred to General Nelson Miles at Skeleton Canyon, just north of the Mexican/American boundary. Miles treated Geronimo as a prisoner of war and acted promptly to remove Geronimo first to Fort Bowie, then to the railroad at Bowie Station, Arizona where he and 27 other Apaches were sent off to join the rest of the Chiricahua tribe which had been previously exiled to Florida.
In his old age, Geronimo became a celebrity. He appeared at fairs, including the 1904 World's Fair in St. Louis, where he reportedly rode a ferris wheel and sold souvenirs and photographs of himself. However, he was not allowed to return to the land of his birth. He died at the Fort Sill hospital in 1909. He was still a prisoner of war. He is buried at the Fort Sill Indian Agency Cemetery surrounded by the graves of relatives and other Apache prisoners of war.
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March 10, 2021
I know relatively little about the Native Americans of the southwestern United States, but this autobiography that Apache leader Geronimo dictated late in his life provided a good start.
In plain language, he describes the Apache origin story, family life, tribal organization, agriculture, hunting, and war, before recounting his early life as part of a large family. When he was 29 and on a trading trip into Sonora, his mother, wife, and three children were killed by Mexican troops, igniting a hatred for Mexicans that would drive him to lead raids there for decades. Later, he, the Apache, and allied tribes warred with U.S. troops, as well, until his final surrender in 1886.
Instead of being united with his family on a comfortable ranch in Florida, as he'd been led to believe would happen by Gen. Nelson A. Miles, he was sent to Texas for trial, then to Florida for two years hard labor sawing logs. He spent the rest of his life as a prisoner of war, first in Alabama, and, finally, at Ft. Sill, Oklahoma. During this time, he adopted Christianity and attended the 1904 World's Fair in St. Louis; his account of his experience there, including an airplane ride, is surreal.
Geronimo lived a remarkable, full life, but one shadowed by a sense of the injustices done to him and the Apache through broken promises and treaties.
In plain language, he describes the Apache origin story, family life, tribal organization, agriculture, hunting, and war, before recounting his early life as part of a large family. When he was 29 and on a trading trip into Sonora, his mother, wife, and three children were killed by Mexican troops, igniting a hatred for Mexicans that would drive him to lead raids there for decades. Later, he, the Apache, and allied tribes warred with U.S. troops, as well, until his final surrender in 1886.
Instead of being united with his family on a comfortable ranch in Florida, as he'd been led to believe would happen by Gen. Nelson A. Miles, he was sent to Texas for trial, then to Florida for two years hard labor sawing logs. He spent the rest of his life as a prisoner of war, first in Alabama, and, finally, at Ft. Sill, Oklahoma. During this time, he adopted Christianity and attended the 1904 World's Fair in St. Louis; his account of his experience there, including an airplane ride, is surreal.
Geronimo lived a remarkable, full life, but one shadowed by a sense of the injustices done to him and the Apache through broken promises and treaties.
April 23, 2021
A brief account told by Geronimo
This is a very brief and somewhat self-serving account of Geronimo's life as told to S. M. Barrett, Superintendent of Education, Lawton, Oklahoma, in 1905. It is told from the Apache point of view after Geronimo had been a POW for about twenty years and had learned much about the white man's laws and society. He had also become a self-proclaimed Christian and a member of the Dutch Reformed Church.
There is some explanation of Apache, a warrior culture, attitudes towards war and what was considered murder by Mexicans and Americans. There is no mention of rape, torture or other activities which helped make the Apache so feared by Mexicans, Americans and many other Indian tribes. In this account Geronimo seems to offer justifications for all of the Apache attacks. In truth, it seems that when he and others were bored with reservation life, or when the whim struck them, or when they suffered some insult, real or imagined, they went to war.
Geronimo is often referred to as a chief but apparently he was not. Instead he was recognized as a warrior and leader so others followed him to war. Usually his followers numbered less then fifty and often twenty or fewer.
From 1876 to 1886, often considered the second period of the Geronimo war, he "surrendered" three times and accepted life on the Apache reservations in Arizona. It is not clear to me if he actually considered himself surrendered or if he deliberately looked for some excuse to begin raiding again. The Apache found reservation life confining and they resented restrictions on their customary way of life including warfare and raiding. Reading this account, which includes footnotes and some of the American military and government view of things, it is apparent that neither side understood the other nor really cared to do so.
This free Kindle edition contains the titles of illustrations but no illustrations.
This is a very brief and somewhat self-serving account of Geronimo's life as told to S. M. Barrett, Superintendent of Education, Lawton, Oklahoma, in 1905. It is told from the Apache point of view after Geronimo had been a POW for about twenty years and had learned much about the white man's laws and society. He had also become a self-proclaimed Christian and a member of the Dutch Reformed Church.
There is some explanation of Apache, a warrior culture, attitudes towards war and what was considered murder by Mexicans and Americans. There is no mention of rape, torture or other activities which helped make the Apache so feared by Mexicans, Americans and many other Indian tribes. In this account Geronimo seems to offer justifications for all of the Apache attacks. In truth, it seems that when he and others were bored with reservation life, or when the whim struck them, or when they suffered some insult, real or imagined, they went to war.
Geronimo is often referred to as a chief but apparently he was not. Instead he was recognized as a warrior and leader so others followed him to war. Usually his followers numbered less then fifty and often twenty or fewer.
From 1876 to 1886, often considered the second period of the Geronimo war, he "surrendered" three times and accepted life on the Apache reservations in Arizona. It is not clear to me if he actually considered himself surrendered or if he deliberately looked for some excuse to begin raiding again. The Apache found reservation life confining and they resented restrictions on their customary way of life including warfare and raiding. Reading this account, which includes footnotes and some of the American military and government view of things, it is apparent that neither side understood the other nor really cared to do so.
This free Kindle edition contains the titles of illustrations but no illustrations.
January 31, 2024
Geronimo tells us the story of his life and the history of his people. One of the most heartbreaking books I have ever read. The way the US government lied to him; really makes you wonder why there has not been more of a movement to reclaim land that was blatantly stolen before the ink could even dry on the treaty signed. The way he died is beyond belief.
February 15, 2020
An extraordinary and heartbreaking book, well worth the read
May 22, 2019
Nonfiction books about the way the native Americans were steam rolled to make way for the European immigrants always breaks my heart. It is so sad. It hurts my heart. Geronimo's history is one of the most well known stories. I liked that this was Geronimo's own story told my him. There was a frankness to this that I appreciated. His word was his word. The fact that he expected that same honor from the US government, was probably a rude awakening.
June 22, 2021
The chapter on Apache myths was a nice bonus. Photographs of Native Americans in the book who are not Apaches was a little weird. No reason was given on how Geronimo got his Indian name or why people called on Saint Jerome when he attacked.
May 28, 2017
Διαβάζοντας το συγκλονίζεσαι και μαθαίνεις.
December 29, 2017
There is so much going on in Geronimo's story, including his telling it to his second cousin who then interpreted it to Barrett, the photograph of the three of them with Geronimo in a headdress and Barrett intently writing everything down, and Geronimo's dedication to Teddy Roosevelt.
I was moved by Frederick W. Turner's introduction to the 1970 edition. "Out of the eyes of that incorruptible Chiricahua leader glares a challenge to our cherished notions of ourselves, of Western Civilization, and of the relentless energy which for centuries has nerved it, " he writes. "Geronimo and his people were unwilling sacrifices to Progress, but we are, too. The men and women strapped to business machines and those in assembly lines are equally victims with Geronimo, Black Kettle, and the Cherokee. And those of us who think we have escaped such dehumanizing routines are no less victims in virtually every aspect of our daily lives, in the food we eat, the air we breathe, the waters we drink and play in. All of us, red and white, have been sacrificed to being steadily devoured by those huge metallic jaws that not so long ago ground up the Indian exceedingly small" (p. 41). Turner does not neglect to acknowledge which race was ground up exceedingly small, which race did the grinding, and how they did it.
I was moved by Frederick W. Turner's introduction to the 1970 edition. "Out of the eyes of that incorruptible Chiricahua leader glares a challenge to our cherished notions of ourselves, of Western Civilization, and of the relentless energy which for centuries has nerved it, " he writes. "Geronimo and his people were unwilling sacrifices to Progress, but we are, too. The men and women strapped to business machines and those in assembly lines are equally victims with Geronimo, Black Kettle, and the Cherokee. And those of us who think we have escaped such dehumanizing routines are no less victims in virtually every aspect of our daily lives, in the food we eat, the air we breathe, the waters we drink and play in. All of us, red and white, have been sacrificed to being steadily devoured by those huge metallic jaws that not so long ago ground up the Indian exceedingly small" (p. 41). Turner does not neglect to acknowledge which race was ground up exceedingly small, which race did the grinding, and how they did it.
August 27, 2015
Excellent insight into the life and times of Geronimo, the Apache chieftan. The introduction is written in 1906, seven years after Geronimo's death. The book largely consists of Geronimo's own words as he narrated his life story to the author. The author adds historical context as well as some editorial commentary. Significant is the relation of injustices done to Native Americans at the hands of both the United States and Mexican governments. Much of Geronimo's notoriety stems from his seeking redress for the wrongs done him and his people after being betrayed time and again by representatives of government.
March 1, 2018
A surprising account whose highlight is Geronimo's early childhood -- told with such enchantment, you're transported to an idyllic ancient age when our ancestors roamed the pristine earth, just and true... sigh.
Rated 3 stars because the narrative's bulk is repetitive and boring : shoot-Mexicans-and-steal-supplies stuff. I realize he was a warrior, but details about his multiple wives would've made the book fascinating :)
Gleaned facts:
-----------
** Geronimo was a POW for 20 years
** He dedicates the book to Teddy Roosevelt, who he felt "was wise and would listen"
** His name means “he who yawns”
** His biographer relates that each day Geronimo came for an interview, he knew exactly what he was going to say. He was utterly clear and concise. “Write what I have spoken.”
** Incredible integrity. "When he fulfills his word, nothing will prevent him from keeping his promise."
** In a tribute to his people, he starts with the Apache origin story. There were 2 tribes on earth: birds and beasts. When birds wanted light, and beasts did not, war erupted and the birds won. There is a monotheistic-like Creator, named Yusin.
** The Apache consisted of 6 tribes. They neighbored and traded with the Navajo, who were not of the same bloodline.
** Apaches considered fish unfit to eat.
** He never wanted to be a warrior, doing so only after Mexicans slew his 1st wife and 3 kids. “I had no purpose left… I spoke to no one, and no one spoke to me. I had lost all.”
The most telling quote : "We are vanishing from the earth, but I cannot think we are useless.”
.
Rated 3 stars because the narrative's bulk is repetitive and boring : shoot-Mexicans-and-steal-supplies stuff. I realize he was a warrior, but details about his multiple wives would've made the book fascinating :)
Gleaned facts:
-----------
** Geronimo was a POW for 20 years
** He dedicates the book to Teddy Roosevelt, who he felt "was wise and would listen"
** His name means “he who yawns”
** His biographer relates that each day Geronimo came for an interview, he knew exactly what he was going to say. He was utterly clear and concise. “Write what I have spoken.”
** Incredible integrity. "When he fulfills his word, nothing will prevent him from keeping his promise."
** In a tribute to his people, he starts with the Apache origin story. There were 2 tribes on earth: birds and beasts. When birds wanted light, and beasts did not, war erupted and the birds won. There is a monotheistic-like Creator, named Yusin.
** The Apache consisted of 6 tribes. They neighbored and traded with the Navajo, who were not of the same bloodline.
** Apaches considered fish unfit to eat.
** He never wanted to be a warrior, doing so only after Mexicans slew his 1st wife and 3 kids. “I had no purpose left… I spoke to no one, and no one spoke to me. I had lost all.”
The most telling quote : "We are vanishing from the earth, but I cannot think we are useless.”
.
June 7, 2016
I would not read this as an autobiography but as a statement and witness of events from a prisoner to his capturer. Reading this feels like we get to sit next to this old man, his wrinkled face still emanates great power and his presence inspires respect to those near him. We can almost hear him speak right next to us with a gruff voice in a language we don't understand and the interpreter is sitting there right next to us, almost just as spellbound as we are.
This is a historical document about cyclical violence and destruction so present in the Apache life. The almost constant battles with the Mexicans and about the arrival and many betrayals of the white man and his soldiers.
We hear little parts about the daily life of the Apache Indian; his trading, wandering, rituals into adulthood, and a little about the way marriage works - and sometimes doesn't work.
Like so many other autobiographies this made me hungry for more. I wonder what more he would have liked to have said. I wonder what was misinterpreted, badly translated, and what was censored by those in power of his life.
I'm definitely going to read more about the Native American history in he near future.
This is a historical document about cyclical violence and destruction so present in the Apache life. The almost constant battles with the Mexicans and about the arrival and many betrayals of the white man and his soldiers.
We hear little parts about the daily life of the Apache Indian; his trading, wandering, rituals into adulthood, and a little about the way marriage works - and sometimes doesn't work.
Like so many other autobiographies this made me hungry for more. I wonder what more he would have liked to have said. I wonder what was misinterpreted, badly translated, and what was censored by those in power of his life.
I'm definitely going to read more about the Native American history in he near future.
November 15, 2022
Džeronimo na manje od sto strana prepričava svoj osamdesetogodišnji život, šta tu može da se spakuje osim pukog nabrajanja važnih događaja (uglavnom borbi), nema tu neke dubine, nekog mesa.
Moram da priznam da sam fasciniran koliko ga je pamćenje služilo u tim poznim godinama, kad je bio u stanju da nabroji ne samo tačnu godinu svakog i najmanjeg sukoba sa Meksikancima ili Amerikancima, nego i koliko je u svakoj borbi tačno mrtvih i ranjenih bilo među njegovima, koliko među protivnicima, pa čak i koliko su konja ili grla stoke oteli, ili im je oteto, u svakom od njih.
Uglavnom, lepo je što ovakvo jedno svedočanstvo postoji, može motivisati one koji ne znaju mnogo o istoriji Indijanaca, među kojima sam i sâm, da čitaju više o njoj.
Završio bih stihovima stare narodne pesme, koja kaže:
"Irokezi i kinezi, komančerosi,
I čiroki, svi apači, meskalerosi,
Nisu znali da je naša skvo u nevolji,
Samo nana sve je znala o toj ljubavi."
Moram da priznam da sam fasciniran koliko ga je pamćenje služilo u tim poznim godinama, kad je bio u stanju da nabroji ne samo tačnu godinu svakog i najmanjeg sukoba sa Meksikancima ili Amerikancima, nego i koliko je u svakoj borbi tačno mrtvih i ranjenih bilo među njegovima, koliko među protivnicima, pa čak i koliko su konja ili grla stoke oteli, ili im je oteto, u svakom od njih.
Uglavnom, lepo je što ovakvo jedno svedočanstvo postoji, može motivisati one koji ne znaju mnogo o istoriji Indijanaca, među kojima sam i sâm, da čitaju više o njoj.
Završio bih stihovima stare narodne pesme, koja kaže:
"Irokezi i kinezi, komančerosi,
I čiroki, svi apači, meskalerosi,
Nisu znali da je naša skvo u nevolji,
Samo nana sve je znala o toj ljubavi."
June 7, 2014
Imagine you could sit an old Geronimo down and just let him talk and tell you all about his life, in his own words. Well, someone did just that, and wrote it down, with just the occasional editorial footnote for clarification and to claim no responsibility for any shit talking Geronimo did along the way. I recently spent a lot of time in Arizona, which I'm not crazy about but too the opportunity to see some of it's museums and natural beauty (e.g. Grand Canyon, Superstition Mountain). Couldn't leave without picking up this book to learn more.
November 28, 2018
Everyone should read this book. What a treasure! An account of Geronimo's life in his own words.
September 7, 2009
Excellent commentary on the occupation and cyclical violence thus engendered.
The entirety of the 1906 edition can be downloded at:
http://www.ibiblio.org/ebooks/Geronim...
From S. M. Barrett's Introduction:
On June 2d, 1906, I transmitted the complete manuscript to the War Department. The following quotation is from the letter of transmission:
“In accordance with endorsement number eight of the ‘Brief’ submitted to me by the commanding officer of Fort Sill, which endorsement constituted the instructions of the Department, I submit herewith manuscript of the Autobiography of Geronimo.
“The manuscript has been submitted to the President, and at his suggestion I have disclaimed any responsibility for the criticisms (made by Geronimo)of individuals mentioned.”
Six weeks after the manuscript was forwarded, Thomas C. Barry, Brigadier General, Assistant to the Chief of Staff, sent to the President the following:
“MEMORANDUM FOR THE SECRETARY OF WAR.
“Subject: Manuscript of the Autobiography of Geronimo. The paper herewith, which was referred to this office on July 6th, with instructions to report as to whether there is anything objectionable in it, is returned.
“The manuscript is an interesting autobiography of a notable Indian, made by himself. There are a number of passages which, from the departmental point of view, are decidedly objectionable. These are found on pages 73, 74, 90, 91, and 97, and are indicated by marginal lines in red. The entire manuscript appears in a way important as showing the Indian side of a prolonged controversy, but it is believed that the document, either in whole or in part, should not receive the approval of the War Department.”
The memorandum is published that the objections of the War Department may be made known to the public.
The objection is raised to the mention on pages seventy-three and seventy-four of the manuscript of an attack upon Indians in a tent at Apache Pass or Bowie, by U. S. soldiers. The statement of Geronimo is, however, substantially confirmed by L. C. Hughes, editor of The Star, Tucson, Arizona.
On pages ninety and ninety-one of the manuscript, Geronimo criticised General Crook. This criticism is simply Geronimo’s private opinion of General Crook. We deem it a personal matter and leave it without comment, as it in no way concerns the history of the Apaches.
On page ninety-seven of the manuscript Geronimo accuses General Miles of bad faith. Of course, General Miles made the treaty with the Apaches, but we know very well that he is not responsible for the way the Government subsequently treated the prisoners of war. However, Geronimo cannot understand this and fixes upon General Miles the blame for what he calls unjust treatment.
One could not expect the Department of War to approve adverse criticisms of its own acts, but it is especially gratifying that such a liberal view has been taken of these criticisms, and also that such a frank statement of the merits of the Autobiography is submitted in the memorandum. Of course neither the President nor the War Department is in any way responsible for what Geronimo says; he has simply been granted the opportunity to state his own case as he sees it.
The fact that Geronimo has told the story in his own way is doubtless the only excuse necessary to offer for the many unconventional features of this work.
November 10, 2016
I didn't know much about Geronimo going into this, and I found it to be a very fascinating record of an era gone by. Throughout the book there are moments of commentary and notes from the US captors and facilitators of the project. It is really unlike any other book I've read, and while there is certainly an autobiographical element to it I see it more as a bearing witness of an age and time that will never exist again.
We need more literature like this. While I know Geronimo wasn't perfect, it was wonderful to get a sense of his upbringing, culture, and life before and after the coming of the white man. His heart wrenching tale is a great example of the stories we might hear if we take the time and energy to seek them out and give them space. I recommend this book not because it stands as a glorious literary accomplishment, but because it opens a window of a people and perspective that is so often left neglected and untold.
We need more literature like this. While I know Geronimo wasn't perfect, it was wonderful to get a sense of his upbringing, culture, and life before and after the coming of the white man. His heart wrenching tale is a great example of the stories we might hear if we take the time and energy to seek them out and give them space. I recommend this book not because it stands as a glorious literary accomplishment, but because it opens a window of a people and perspective that is so often left neglected and untold.
June 24, 2021
A quick read but fascinating. My first read about anything Native American related. I loved reading about the Apache way of life and hearing stories told in Geronimo's own words (more or less so). Sad we couldn't have had more peace with the Native Americans and done more to preserve their heritage. Surely this continent was big enough for us all.
August 13, 2017
Original source history, both sides. Intensely fascinating (even if the final surrender was detailed in such an anticlimactic manner).
April 29, 2021
This was an easy read, and was fairly short. Geronimo is one of those figures very famous these days but most people aren't exactly sure why.
An Apache, Geronimo was a brave whose family was wiped out by a raid of possibly renegade Mexican soldiers who attacked his tribe while all the braves were off signing a treaty with a nearby town. He blamed all Mexicans for this (just like white people blamed all Apaches for the actions of one group) and went on a long series of raids over the years with varying success but great skill to get his vengeance for what he considered a betrayal and the destruction of all he loved.
This book covers his life from his perspective, and in some places its kind of sad because of how he does not quite understand what is going on, and amazing because he's so perceptive and wise. In the end, Geronimo ended up a legendary figure as a light skirmisher and cavalry fighter, but died in captivity with his entire tribe.
His final plea for his people is sad and hopeful, and the footnotes help put things in perspective that Geronimo did not himself quite understand.
An Apache, Geronimo was a brave whose family was wiped out by a raid of possibly renegade Mexican soldiers who attacked his tribe while all the braves were off signing a treaty with a nearby town. He blamed all Mexicans for this (just like white people blamed all Apaches for the actions of one group) and went on a long series of raids over the years with varying success but great skill to get his vengeance for what he considered a betrayal and the destruction of all he loved.
This book covers his life from his perspective, and in some places its kind of sad because of how he does not quite understand what is going on, and amazing because he's so perceptive and wise. In the end, Geronimo ended up a legendary figure as a light skirmisher and cavalry fighter, but died in captivity with his entire tribe.
His final plea for his people is sad and hopeful, and the footnotes help put things in perspective that Geronimo did not himself quite understand.
November 4, 2024
It was ok
February 11, 2017
This was a very interesting read. I do not know much about American history, but the conflict between Cowboys and Indians are, of course, famous and therefor I was interested to see the Indian perspective (especially since there are parallels with South African history). This book provides that perspective and more. The author made an effort to corroborate Geronimo's assertions where possible.
Pros:
1. I enjoyed the story of the war between the Birds and Beasts, which leads to the origin of the Apaches and the reason why chiefs wear eagle feather headdresses.
2. The description of the life of Indian children was interesting, as well as their burial and marriage customs.
3. This is a heart-wrenching story. Something very evil happened to Geronimo which put him on a warpath.
4. He tells about the wars between the Indians and Mexico, before the white man came to Arizona.
5. He tells about the first encounters with white men and how things escalated.
6. My favourite part perhaps was when Geronimo was later permitted to attend a fair, which he found very strange and wondrous.
Cons:
1. The introduction was tedious, what with the thorough description of how they author had to obtain permission.
I found this book very informative and am thankful it was permitted to be published. There is much to be gained from the study of history and different cultures. Times are changing and it is inevitable that cultures will die out; it is important that we keep a record of it.
The feeling I am left with after finishing this book is one of... confusion and dubiousness. I like to keep things in boxes of "right" and "wrong" to help me make sense of the world, but it is impossible to so simply judge the events of this time in history.
Ultimately, I think that all men have seeds of evil, regardless of culture, race, age, gender or religion.
Audiobook: I listened to the Librivox version. The woman who read it was a bit wooden, but it was acceptable.
Pros:
1. I enjoyed the story of the war between the Birds and Beasts, which leads to the origin of the Apaches and the reason why chiefs wear eagle feather headdresses.
2. The description of the life of Indian children was interesting, as well as their burial and marriage customs.
3. This is a heart-wrenching story. Something very evil happened to Geronimo which put him on a warpath.
4. He tells about the wars between the Indians and Mexico, before the white man came to Arizona.
5. He tells about the first encounters with white men and how things escalated.
6. My favourite part perhaps was when Geronimo was later permitted to attend a fair, which he found very strange and wondrous.
Cons:
1. The introduction was tedious, what with the thorough description of how they author had to obtain permission.
I found this book very informative and am thankful it was permitted to be published. There is much to be gained from the study of history and different cultures. Times are changing and it is inevitable that cultures will die out; it is important that we keep a record of it.
The feeling I am left with after finishing this book is one of... confusion and dubiousness. I like to keep things in boxes of "right" and "wrong" to help me make sense of the world, but it is impossible to so simply judge the events of this time in history.
Ultimately, I think that all men have seeds of evil, regardless of culture, race, age, gender or religion.
Audiobook: I listened to the Librivox version. The woman who read it was a bit wooden, but it was acceptable.
June 10, 2020
I read this getting ready for a trip to the Southwest.
January 10, 2013
Superb book! First and foremost it is a story of a great man, who believed he had been done wrong by first Mexicans and then Americans. He developed a hatred for Mexicans because of what was done to him and his family. He went to war with The US, but always had respect for our government and way of life. Later in life Geronimo because a Christian. This I did not know. In reading this book, we see through Geronimo's eyes the ways of his people. To the average American, this would be a hard life, but to an Apache, it was THE way of life. I won't judge the things that were done to the Apache's because I was not there, but I can say there was a lot that was done that just was not right. Let the reader draw his own conclusion.
I will look for other books on Geronimo and hope to better understand the man, his people, and their way of life.
I will look for other books on Geronimo and hope to better understand the man, his people, and their way of life.
Read
March 2, 2020باستثناء الفصلين الأخيرين تقريبًا، وبعض الفقرات هنا وهناك، الكتاب عبارة عن : قتلنا، وقتلناهم وقاتلنا، وتقاتلنا وهربوا وهربنا.
الكتاب هو سيرة ذاتية رواها المُحارب جيرونيمو من قبيلة الأباتشي من سكان أمريكيا الأصليين، وصراعه مع المكسيك والولايات المتحدة من أجل حقوق الهنود الحمر.
جيرونيمو اختار بنفسه ما يرويه للكاتب، لذا كان ما فيها متفرقًا، وأكثر ما فيه لا يعكس حياة الأباتشي وإنما قصص البطولة والحرب التي عاشها جيرونيمو، وحتى هذه الأخيرة وصفها مختصر لا يبتعد كثيرًا عمّا ذكرت في الأعلى، مكان المواجهة، عدد المتواجهين من مات ومن نجى، رغبت لو كان في الكتاب تفصيل أكبر على حياة الأباتشي، أو على الأقل أشياء أبسط من حياة جيرونيمو، لكن الواضح أنه لم يرى نفعًا في أن يرويها لنا.
قرأته وخلصت بالقليل عن الأباتشي، وذلك ليس سيئًا.
الكتاب هو سيرة ذاتية رواها المُحارب جيرونيمو من قبيلة الأباتشي من سكان أمريكيا الأصليين، وصراعه مع المكسيك والولايات المتحدة من أجل حقوق الهنود الحمر.
جيرونيمو اختار بنفسه ما يرويه للكاتب، لذا كان ما فيها متفرقًا، وأكثر ما فيه لا يعكس حياة الأباتشي وإنما قصص البطولة والحرب التي عاشها جيرونيمو، وحتى هذه الأخيرة وصفها مختصر لا يبتعد كثيرًا عمّا ذكرت في الأعلى، مكان المواجهة، عدد المتواجهين من مات ومن نجى، رغبت لو كان في الكتاب تفصيل أكبر على حياة الأباتشي، أو على الأقل أشياء أبسط من حياة جيرونيمو، لكن الواضح أنه لم يرى نفعًا في أن يرويها لنا.
قرأته وخلصت بالقليل عن الأباتشي، وذلك ليس سيئًا.
December 3, 2022
My thoughts on Geronimo's story
I'm glad I got to read the book as I have been wanting to find out more about native Americans but I don't think it showed them in a favorable light , so I would still like to know more.
I'm glad I got to read the book as I have been wanting to find out more about native Americans but I don't think it showed them in a favorable light , so I would still like to know more.
June 8, 2015
What a story! The life of Geronimo told by himself. Told in a very matter of fact fashion and very interesting, not dry, but very alive. And he became a Christian in old age.
May 26, 2018
The only thing Geronimo left out of his story is why we yell his name when we jump off of things.
January 21, 2019
listened to on youtube
January 31, 2021
I was really excited to read this book to learn more about Geronimo, his life, and about him as a person. This book mostly felt like a recollection of battles which I know was a big part of his life as a warrior, but it left much to be desired to learn more about Geronimo outside of battle. Given that Geronimo himself wrote this book I was really excited because I generally prefer autobiographies over biographies to have a more intimate understanding of the person. However, after reading this I'd like to read a biography about Geronimo that will explain his entire life rather than the selected battles that were the main focus of this book.
I did learn, however, much to my surprise that many indigenous tribes like the Apaches were against eating pork when it was introduced to them by the colonizers which I thought was fascinating. This book also showed that Geronimo suffered a lot of loss in his life of family members, wives, and children slain. It was really sad to read. I'm excited to search for more books about him to learn about Geronimo and the life he led that created the legend.
I did learn, however, much to my surprise that many indigenous tribes like the Apaches were against eating pork when it was introduced to them by the colonizers which I thought was fascinating. This book also showed that Geronimo suffered a lot of loss in his life of family members, wives, and children slain. It was really sad to read. I'm excited to search for more books about him to learn about Geronimo and the life he led that created the legend.
February 24, 2024
2.5 - not great writing but it was interesting.
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