Customer Reviews: Read 6 more reviews...
 A Cultural Study of a Unique People December 12, 2007
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
The Book of the Hopi opened my eyes to Hopi culture. The culture is a melding of myth, legend and spirituality - much like Christianity and Judaism. This culture has made the Hopi Nation rather unique among Native Americans in that it has been passed down intact through many generations and is still (I assume) being lived out today. A major part of this culture is rooted in an overarching respect for peace in both personal relations and relations with the outside world. This, along with their geographic isolation, has allowed the traditions to remain intact and vibrant. I highly recommend this book to get an inside view of a unique culture within the patchwork of America.
 Interesting, but not accurate August 7, 2007
14 out of 17 found this review helpful
The primary informant on Hopi beliefs consulted by Frank Waters was Oswald "White Bear" Fredericks. Oswald was married to a white woman, had been converted to Christianity, and was not a fully initiated Hopi Indian. Thus, as one might expect, many of the traditions reported in this book are inaccurate. See: McLeod, Roxie. Dreams and rumors: a history of "Book of the Hopi". Thesis (M.A.)--Univ. of Colorado, 1994. Pp. 330. MLA. For a more accurate version of Hopi beliefs, try "The Fourth World of the Hopis" by Harold Courlander.
I Thought It Was All Gone August 31, 2005
7 out of 8 found this review helpful
This book is truly a unique text, in that it relates to the reader the more esoteric religious oral traditions of a culture that is quickly vanishing. In fact, I was amazed at the length to which the Hopis views were restored for this book. Admittedly, some parts of the book seem to become lost in detail (in the more literal portions of the book), but even these are quite interesting when accompanied by the more 'philosophical' world view of the Hopis. A worthwhile read...highly recommended.
 Humbled beyond words by the shared insights. Nani Linder Author University Of Life A Cross Cultural Approach to Leadership August 18, 2005
6 out of 9 found this review helpful
This work is a tribute to the wisdom of the ancient ones and reveals in striking detail the future of humans. Serious scholars would do well to study the ancient Indian, Mayan, Aboriginal Societies. You shall find knowledge beyond measure. The lifestyle of the Hopi in keeping with prophecy is to be lauded and so I honor you now publically. I am truly humbled by the strength of the messages and the caring of such a wonderful people. Seekers of truth would do well to look deeper and see beyond the obvious. This is ma'a!
It's the journey... April 11, 2005
15 out of 19 found this review helpful
I've walked many miles with The Book of the Hopi in my backpack.
What is here in this old paperback for a nomad like me?
Well, it presents a compelling vision. It's just beautiful; the Big Picture rattles around and echoes in the mind. While I'm no expert on Native American culture or customs (read: I can't vouch for this document's literal authenticity), I can offer my humble appreciation for the book's humanity, my gratitude for the positive influence it's had on me personally, and an assurance that this is very likely not a syncretic make-it-up like Carlos Castaneda's books.
I don't think the conspicuous similarities between this vision and that of Tantric Buddhism are coincidental or accidental (but I don't think they're a function of any kind of Jungian mechanism either). These similarities are real, and really, Frank Waters goes a bit overboard with his now-dated commentary. Incidentally, this text has played a role in guiding me into the company of a very dear group of friends, Karma Thegsum Choling (yes, Buddhists, and of the first order) of Tempe, Arizona. My point with this tangentiality is simply to suggest some of the potential latent in this plastic and vast vision. Things happen...real things.
May you find your way. Homage to those who know it!
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