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by Black Hawk (Author), J. B. Patterson (Essay by)
A vivid account of the experiences of an 18th century Sauk Chief, The Autobiography of Ma-Ka-Tai-Me-She-Kia-Kiak tells the story of Native American chief Black Hawk after his imprisonment by the US federal forces.
Black Hawk, born Ma-ka-tai-me-she-kia-kiak, was a great Sauk leader and warrior who lived in what is now the Midwestern United States during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. He earned his chiefdom status through action and violence, and is most well known for leading the famous Black Hawk War of 1832, which attempted to drive white settlers off the land in Illinois. Shortly after the war, Black Hawk was captured by US forces and taken to tour a selection of Eastern US states.
Just before his emancipation, Black Hawk recorded his life story with the help of government interpreters and local reporters. The resulting autobiography was the first to be published in the United States by a Native American and was an instant hit.
This rare insight into the mind of one of the great native American chiefs of history provides an immersive read for those interested in this period of American history. Republished by Read & Co. Books, The Autobiography of Ma-Ka-Tai-Me-She-Kia-Kiak is a classic piece of native American literature and is a fantastic read for those interested in the history of the United States written from the opposition's point of view.
