Short Nights of the Shadow Catcher

The Epic Life and Immortal Photographs of Edward Curtis

By: Timothy Egan

Narrated by: David Drummond

Length: 11 hrs and 56 mins

Publisher's summary

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)

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.

Intimate look at a brilliant and prolific photographer/anthropologist

I have learned about Edward Curtis several times throughout my photographic and artistic education. I thought I had a clear grasp on him. This book changed several of my opinions about him. I had often read a lot of criticism about Curtis - mostly with regard to documentary ethics as well as his role in perpetuating stereotypes of native Americans. First of all this book exposes Curtis as a prolific, sensitive and genuine documentarian and advocate for all Native American cultures. He was progressive for his time and had the foresight to see Native American cultures would soon be lost.... many Americans (even some anthropologists) were caught up in racist hatred towards native Americans. While Curtis had many famous and wealthy friends and supporters, his thorough documentation of Native American cultures (which was with deepest sensitivity) often came at his own expense: mostly financial and stress it caused on his family. It was in many ways a thankless job that was not respected until long after he passed away.
Second, this book bravely approaches the very criticism I had read about. Which I really appreciated because it showed awareness of such criticism and it made arguments against it.
Oh I just want to keep listening to this book - it's for sure one of my favorite historical/biographical pieces I've listened to in a while.

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 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 !

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.

Must listen for all who appreciate Edward Curtis

Any additional comments?

For anyone who has marveled at Curtis's photographs this is an essential listen. I was amazed at how monumental the effort in creating the 20 volumes of the North American Indian actually was. I new he had finacial backing but had no idea how much - 20 million in today's dollars. I also did not know how many others had been involved and lastly how much he sacrificed in creating this. His achievements will be eternal.
Even though he did not gain financially from his work he did get to live a life of a purposeful wanderer traveling throughout the United States with someone else paying for it.
Highly recommend