The Soul of the Indian: This unjustly forgotten book by Santee Sioux Indian Charles Alexander Eastman tells in a simple and impressive way about the nature religion and way of life of the Sioux. Eastman provides deep insights into the Native American reverence for the "Great Mystery," family relationships and customs, central rites (vision quest, sun dance, medicine society, sweat lodge, pipe ceremony), code of honor, and warfare, as well as mythology and belief in spirits, across six chapters. "The Soul of the Indian," first published in English in 1911 and in German in 1938, is now available in a long-overdue, well-researched new translation to mark the 70th anniversary of the author's death. This book of Native American wisdom is complemented by an expert afterword that honors Eastman's life and work and places it in the historical and religious context. 108 pages, 14 euros.

Charles Alexander Eastman (1858-1939) – known by his Native name Ohiyesa (meaning "Winner") – experienced the last days of the Sioux's free nomadic life in his childhood and youth. He entered school at the age of 15, later attended university, and in 1890 became one of the first Native Americans to earn a doctorate in medicine. As a physician and author, he dedicated his life to Native American issues, witnessed the Wounded Knee Massacre, and co-founded the first pan-Indian associations. He was also involved in the American Boy Scout movement. He became known as a writer and mediator of Native American culture and worldview. Between 1902 and 1918, he published ten books, some of which became very famous and are still considered classics of Native American literature today.