The Cherokee People: The Story of the Cherokees from Earliest Origins to Contemporary Times

Tulsa, Oklahoma: Council Oak Books, 1992. First Printing . Hard Back. Fine/Very Good. 9 1/2" x 12 1/2. Haralson, Carol - Design. 368 Pages with a General Index, and Index of Illustrations. White cloth with gold spine lettering. As new book with flawless interior text and illustration pages. Dust jacket is complete with very light wear to top edges. Illustrated with 15 full-page color plates. This book covers Cherokee ways and history from their earliest appearance in the Southeast through the forced removal of most of the nation to Indian Territory. The author's well-known line drawings and paintings highlight the text. Veils of mystery surround important questions regarding the great nation and its individual citizens: Where did they originate, and when did they first establish their home in southeastern North America? What were this home and the ancient culture like? What were the physical characteristics of the Cherokees? How did they dress? Were they warlike? Were they religious? Were they creative? Was the ancient culture successful and if so, why did so many of the people exchange it for white ways? Did the transformed Cherokees of the 18th and 19th centuries leave the ancient culture behind, or were some essential parts retained? If something was retained, why was it, what was it, and what of this is still being observed today? What qualities and special powers enabled the Cherokees to endure and to triumph over a series of trials and tribulations so devastating they should have been crushed by them? In beautifully detailed text and illustrations, the author answers these questions, and in the process tells an absorbing story about the remarkable Cherokee people. Long ago, a magnificent race of people arose to build cities in the mountains and valleys of the southeastern quadrant of North America, to build armies feared and respected over a vast domain, and to build a society centered on amazing spiritual powers, offering a fulfilling life to every individual. These were the Cherokee people, and in this volume is their story from the most ancient times until today. In carefully researched and documented text and vivid drawings, renowned author/artist Thomas E. Mails depicts the Cherokees' ancient culture and lifeways, their government, dress, and family life, the songs they sang and the games they played. Here are the details of their vital spiritual beliefs and practices, their powerful rituals, their joyful festivals. In picture and word, the author tells how the Cherokee warriors prepared for battle and how the Cherokee clans lived in prosperity and peace. He tells also the story of the coming of white explorers and settlers to the domain of the Cherokee, of a gradual encroachment which all but destroyed this powerful civilization, and of the special qualities which enabled the Cherokees as a people to endure. It contains the sad chapter of the Trail of Tears, and the inspiring tale of the two Cherokee nations which arose from the ashes of the old, one in the original southeastern homeland and one in Indian Territory. The author continues the story up to the present day, bringing together pictures, facts, personal observations, and interviews with contemporary Cherokees to show how the ancient traditions have survived and are practiced among these amazingly adaptable people in our day.