Short Nights of the Shadow Catcher

The Epic Life and Immortal Photographs of Edward Curtis

By: Timothy Egan

Narrated by: David Drummond

At once an incredible adventure narrative and a penetrating biographical portrait, Egan's book tells the remarkable untold story behind Edward Curtis's iconic photographs, following him throughout Indian country from desert to rainforest as he struggled to document the stories and rituals of more than 80 tribes. Even with the backing of Theodore Roosevelt and J.P. Morgan, it took tremendous perseverance. The undertaking changed him profoundly, from detached observer to outraged advocate.

He would die penniless and unknown in Hollywood just a few years after publishing the last of his 20 volumes. But the charming rogue with the grade-school education had fulfilled his promise - his great adventure succeeded in creating one of America's most stunning cultural achievements.

PDF features Edward Curtis photographs.

Download the accompanying reference guide.©2012 Timothy Egan (P)2012 Dreamscape Media, LLC

Critic reviews

"With a reporter's eye for detail, Egan delivers a gracefully written biography and adventure story." ( Publishers Weekly)

"Lucent prose illuminates a man obscured for years in history's shadows." ( Kirkus Reviews)

A must listen !

Anyone who ever had a dream needs to read this book. I was left in awe that Curtis could accomplish the daunting task of preserving the customs, languages & sacred rituals of All of The Native American Indian tribes, in just one lifetime, and never took a cent for it. His passion is contagious...I was taken away... Did not want the journey to end. As the book said, the times finally caught up with him! Amazing!

An amazing biography!

Egan captures the life of Curtis and all it’s complex layers in recording the historical achievements of our Native Americans. A must read !

Best Story of the Vanishing American Indian

If you could sum up Short Nights of the Shadow Catcher in three words, what would they be?

Compelling Unforgettable Saddening

What was one of the most memorable moments of Short Nights of the Shadow Catcher?

Recounting of Custer's Last Stand. Did he watch from the hillside?

Have you listened to any of David Drummond’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

None that I can recall. This performance was magnificent, though the author must be given credit for putting together such a compelling story.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

too many to mention

Any additional comments?

We have romanticized our treatment of the American Indian for so long, that we believe we actually treated them fairly.
It is refreshing to hear the history of Curtis and of his dedication to his mission to portray an accurate history of a people our government was willfully destroying, culturally, if not in fact.

now we know the rest of the story.

having seen the Curtis portraits for most all of my life, I knew he must have been an extraordinary photographer. I am in awe of his dedication, although mildly disappointed in his tunnel vision to the detrement of his family and friends. realizing what he accomplished in this lifetime's work, it is understandable.

A life's work

What an amazing biography of Curtis Edwards. Her for the natives than any other man and had compassion. A must read

the depth of the story

how complete it was and so interesting and thoroughly completeing captivating. about the lost tribes.

History comes alive!

A constantly entertaining and moving saga of an irreplaceable American icon. How delightful to find out this story, even if it embarrasses me not to have known if this crucial figure before!

Don’t miss this!

The audible reading of this epic tome is unforgettable and moving. A must listen for all Americans.

The unprecedented photographer

Beautifully narrated story of an ambitious photographer who captured the quintessential pictures of turn of the century Native Americans. The ability to document the language, customs and most importantly the integrity of a misunderstood and maligned group of people was quite the feat & not really appreciated by the general public. I am all the richer for listening to the great stories of tenacity of Edward Curtis in this audible book.

One of the Best Books

Incredible book and story. Far more than a story about a photographer and more of an firsthand Indian history.