Invisible Reality
Storytellers, Storytakers, and the Supernatural World of the Blackfeet
By Rosalyn R. LaPier | Publisher: Nebraska
About the book
Winner of the 2018 John C. Ewers Book Award
Winner of the 2018 Donald Fixico Book Award
Rosalyn R. LaPier demonstrates that Blackfeet history is incomplete without an understanding of the Blackfeet people’s relationship and mode of interaction with the “invisible reality” of the supernatural world. Religious beliefs provided the Blackfeet with continuity through privations and changing times. The stories they passed to new generations and outsiders reveal the fundamental philosophy of Blackfeet existence, namely, the belief that they could alter, change, or control nature to suit their needs and that they were able to do so with the assistance of supernatural allies. The Blackfeet did not believe they had to adapt to nature. They made nature adapt. Their relationship with the supernatural provided the Blackfeet with stability and made predictable the seeming unpredictability of the natural world in which they lived.
In Invisible Reality LaPier presents an unconventional, creative, and innovative history that blends extensive archival research, vignettes of family stories, and traditional knowledge learned from elders along with personal reflections on her own journey learning Blackfeet stories. The result is a nuanced look at the history of the Blackfeet and their relationship with the natural world.
Editions of Invisible Reality
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9781496201508
- EBook
- ISBN 9781496202390
- EBook
- ISBN 9781496202406
- EBook
- ISBN 9781496202383
Read an Excerpt
Winner of the 2018 John C. Ewers Book Award
Winner of the 2018 Donald Fixico Book Award
Rosalyn R. LaPier demonstrates that Blackfeet history is incomplete without an understanding of the Blackfeet people’s relationship and mode of interaction with the “invisible reality” of the supernatural world. Religious beliefs provided the Blackfeet with continuity through privations and changing times. The stories they passed to new generations and outsiders reveal the fundamental philosophy of Blackfeet existence, namely, the belief that they could alter, change, or control nature to suit their needs and that they were able to do so with the assistance of supernatural allies. The Blackfeet did not believe they had to adapt to nature. They made nature adapt. Their relationship with the supernatural provided the Blackfeet with stability and made predictable the seeming unpredictability of the natural world in which they lived.
In Invisible Reality LaPier presents an unconventional, creative, and innovative history that blends extensive archival research, vignettes of family stories, and traditional knowledge learned from elders along with personal reflections on her own journey learning Blackfeet stories. The result is a nuanced look at the history of the Blackfeet and their relationship with the natural world.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Invisible Reality about?
Winner of the 2018 John C. Ewers Book Award
Winner of the 2018 Donald Fixico Book Award
Rosalyn R. LaPier demonstrates that Blackfeet history is incomplete without an understanding of the Blackfeet people’s relationship and mode of interaction with the “invisible reality” of the supernatural world. Religious beliefs provided the Blackfeet with continuity through privations and changing times. The stories they passed to new generations and outsiders reveal the fundamental philosophy of Blackfeet existence, namely, the belief that they could alter, change, or control nature to suit their needs and that they were able to do so with the assistance of supernatural allies. The Blackfeet did not believe they had to adapt to nature. They made nature adapt. Their relationship with the supernatural provided the Blackfeet with stability and made predictable the seeming unpredictability of the natural world in which they lived.
In Invisible Reality LaPier presents an unconventional, creative, and innovative history that blends extensive archival research, vignettes of family stories, and traditional knowledge learned from elders along with personal reflections on her own journey learning Blackfeet stories. The result is a nuanced look at the history of the Blackfeet and their relationship with the natural world.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Invisible Reality?
Society and Social Sciences > Society and culture: general > Social groups, communities and identities > Ethnic studies / Ethnicity
Where can I read a sample of Invisible Reality?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9781496201508
Is Invisible Reality part of a series, and can it be read as a standalone?
Yes it is a part of series New Visions in Native American and Indigenous Studies
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Invisible Reality?
Rosalyn R. LaPier
Who is the Publisher of the book Invisible Reality?
Nebraska
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Invisible Reality is available as hardcover(ISBN 9781496201508) and ebook(ISBN 9781496202390) and ebook(ISBN 9781496202406) and ebook(ISBN 9781496202383)
Where can I buy Invisible Reality online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Invisible Reality from below
Where can I buy Invisible Reality?