What the White Race May Learn from the Indian, by George Wharton James (HC, $6 with loose spine, which is 1/3 the internet price.)
James lectured and wrote about California and the American Southwest. Even now some of his books on Indian baskets and blankets are in print.
This is another unique author. James, a minister, was tried in ecclesiastical court for real estate fraud, sexual misconduct, and using fake credentials. He was found guilty, and defrocked (though he would later be reinstated). Important to note: he was never convicted in criminal court.
Depending on who you talk to, his views on Natives were either idealized or insightful: his views on nutrition either faddish or ahead of his time. When I skimmed this book I found much to admire, but also much I disagreed with. In particular, his conclusion thanks his "dusky brothers" for "recalling to me some primitive principles which civilization ignores at its peril." Some of those "primitive principles" may not have been so primitive. The Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) government may have influence the writing of both the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. The power women held in their culture was also light years ahead of women's power in the white world. Still, this makes for an interesting read. Look for it in the Native American section, avail. 1/25.
