Giving Voice To Bear

In this new edition of a classic, David Rockwell describes the captivating and awe-inspiring presence of the bear in Native American rituals. The bear played a central role in shamanic rights, initiation, healing and hunting ceremonies, and new year celebrations. Considered together, these traditions are another way of looking at the world, one in which the mysteries of the universe are revealed through animals.

This highly readable anthropological study includes Indian folktales and rare photographs and illustrations.

In this new edition of a classic, the author describes the captivating and awe-inspiring presence of the bear in Native American rituals.

Living with Animals presents over 100 images from oral and written sources – including birch bark scrolls, rock art, stories, games, and dreams – in which animals appear as kindred beings, spirit powers, healers, and protectors.

'A moving and timely work, which captures the lasting pain and grief of those who lost loved ones during the Troubles.' Eoin McHugh, Sunday Independent Nearly 4,000 people were killed during the Troubles. Susan McKay's book explores the difficult aftermath of the violence for families, friends and communities. By interviewing those who loved the missing and the dead, as well as some who narrowly survived, McKay gives a voice to those who are too often overlooked in the political histories. She has found grief and rage, as well as forgiveness. This book is a powerful and important contribution to the Northern Ireland power-sharing process. Only by confronting the brutality of the past can there be any hope that the dead may finally be laid to rest. 'An exemplary undertaking . . . a necessary book, which restores humanity to those among the dead who tend to be remembered in terms of statistics alone. Susan McKay has gone about her difficult task with bravery and finesse.' Patricia Craig, Independent 'Peace can only endure if the dead can finally be laid to rest. Bear in Mind These Dead is a moving and important contribution to that process.' Derry Journal 'Tremendously moving . . . Anyone who wants to understand the sectarian conflict of Northern Ireland must examine the individual tragedies that go to make up the broader narrative. This is the grim task to which McKay so admirably applies herself.' Andrew Anthony, Observer

The angry grizzly and the cuddly teddy: few animals possess such a range of personas as the bear. Here, Robert Bieder surveys the wealth of imagery, myths, and stories that surrounds the bear. Beginning with the dawn bear, the small dog-sized ancestor of all bears who hails from 25 million years ago, Bieder embarks on a fascinating exploration of the evolutionary history of the bear family, from extinct species such as the cave bear and giant short-faced bear to the mere eight species that survive today. Bear draws on cultural material from around the world to examine the various legends and myths surrounding the bear, including ceremonies and taboos that govern the hunting, killing, and eating of bears. The book also looks at the role of bears in modern culture as the subjects of stories, songs, and films; as exhibited objects in circuses and zoos; and, perhaps most famously, as toys. Bieder also considers the precarious future of the bear as it is threatened by loss of habitat, poaching, global warming, and disease and discusses the impact of human behavior on bears and their environments. Accompanied by numerous vibrant photographs and illustrations, and written in an engaging fashion, Bear is an appealing and informative volume for anyone who has curled up with Winnie-the-Pooh or marveled at this powerful king of the forest.

Big Brown Bear and Little Bear shared a cosy cave. They shared each other's company and they shared each other's food. Little Bear liked eating edges and Big Brown Bear munched up all the middles. This worked very well until, one autumn day, Little Bear woke up feeling EXTRA hungry and Big Brown Bear woke up feeling MONSTROUSLY hungry...

Presents a collection of critical essays analyzing modern Native American writers including Joy Harjo, Louise Erdrich, James Welch, and more.