The Manitous: Supernatural World of the Ojibway, The Paperback – June 21, 1996

One of the three Ojibwe books by Basil Johnston and the other two will follow it here some time.This set of short stories encapsulates the belief system of the Ojibwe (Anishinabe, etcetera, various names for this large association of First Nations) in a charming and beautifully written style, almost as if, reading, we are sitting round the fire in camp.The feeling of the northern plains and woods is deftly drawn, and atmosphere skilfully set out.The stories vary from biblical creation through monsters and mermaids, and quantities of humour and horror are added to taste.Not only is this a very readable work of entertainment, it is much more. It defines, poetically, the threads of philosophy that guide these people, and is also capable of instilling those values into the very young, the older, and even the grey-headed such as myself.The cleverest element of these works is that they are set in a family ambience and the rivalries, jealousies, and conflicts, are drawn in such a realistic manner that the development and resolution are totally credible: even when themed on mermaids, nosey dwarves, and talking dismembered skeletons...More so than in other explorations of this genre, it seems that the Anishinabe's skills in tribal story telling are the closest I've found from native america to match those of the great traditions of the Middle East, and this is not a slight on either.

This book is spell-binding. It captures the lore of native Americans in the form of nuanced fables. Most vividly it describes the blessed lack of hierarchy in the relationships between man/woman/animal - possibly too between man and Manitou (spirit). Equality and respect describe how the Ojibway culture works. Towards the end of the book there is a story about the white man's betrayal of the native Americans - describing how an oppressive hierarchy dehumanizes the English settlers enabling them to turn against their Indian hosts in a most brutal fashion. You see the Anglo culture from the vantage point of an outsider.

Johnston assembles stories from the oral traditions of his people, in a scholarly but very accessible way. He wisely draws on several sources for most, if not all, of the stories, which necessarily are mutable because they come down to us orally in the main. The book gives a valuable glimpse of a rich culture parallel to, but little recognized by, the culture dominant in North America for the last two centuries or so. In a broad way, the flood stories and some of the other themes remind readers again of the near universality of many human myths and efforts to explain the physical world around us, and to reconcile ourselves with it.

This is a necessary reading if you are interested in Anishnaabe (Ojibway, Chippewa) culture and survival. Johnston tells us what Manitous are, how they've been mis-perceived and suppressed by Euro-Americans, and the importance of the stories to the survival of the Anishnaabe nation. He gives a chapter to each of the major manitous, telling their stories on the page, so they are available for those not hearing them on winter nights, or at gatherings. I am Abenaki, and so related to the Anishnaabe, with similar stories and way of being in the world. I have re-read this book every time I teach Love Medicine, Tracks or other book by Louise Erdrich. Wliwni.

I am Anishinaábé Bodéwadmi, little brother tribe to Ojibwé, and this book has helped to fill in so many gaps. This was a perfect book for Winter Story Time and I’ll be reading it to my family every winter from now on. Chi miigwetch Jayek.

This is a fascinating look at anishanabe beliefs and traditions. The stories are told without any unnecessary ivory tower type lit crit or sociology gibberish. If you have ever wondered what lies behind the term kitchi-manitou, this seems a good place to start, and is pitched right for a reader like me, a non-expert.

I bought this as a spur of the moment gift for a friend who is Ojibwa and he said it was "nice....but". Basically to cut a long story short, he thought it "westernized" and a shame that it did not tell the stories in a more traditional way.

I have taken several courses related to Native American history and culture and this book in particular has proven its worth in relation to the study of the Native American spiritual realm. I highly recommend this book to anyone, whether they are a scholar in the field or a novice just looking for something interesting to read about the field. Hope you enjoy it as much as I have.

Loved these stories. Very beautiful and I love that the traditional Anishinaabek language was woven in bits and pieces of the stories, along with a glossary of the translated words found in the back

Making a change is possible. A great inspiration for a living in accordance with God's Manitous Laws

The book came quickly, but the condition was questionable. The cover and first few pages were heavily damaged. I did not see this in the description and was surprised by the condition. That being said, the bulk of the book was in good condition and the pages were readable. It was a decent value for the price.

This is an important book that beautifully recounts the myths that underlie the moral teachings of a people.The stories have humour, drama, heartbreak, embedded with life lessons.

If you are seeking the truth about the First people this is one of many of Basil Johnston books that will give you just that. Excellent.