Comment

Short Nights of the Shadow Catcher

the Epic Life and Immortal Photographs of Edward Curtis
Aug 03, 2016DorisWaggoner rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
A wonderful bio, full of adventure and pathos. Egan's a wonderful writer, as was Curtis. Curtis believed the Native American cultures were dying, and it was his task to document them as they were before European contact. Census data and the changes brought by missionaries and government agents made his predictions look true. While their numbers today are rising, Egan's interviews, sometimes with Curtis's family members, historians, or tribal members, show most agree with Curtis on the spiritual and cultural level. Living in Seattle, I was aware of Curtis, but had no idea of the extent of his accomplishments, or the price he paid for them. A wonderful book. Now to find a book with more of the pictures themselves.