This important work is the autobiography of Black Hawk aka Black Sparrow Hawk aka Makataimeshekiakiak. Blackhawk was both a leader and warrior of the Sauk tribe of Native Americans in the United States. He served as a war chief for the Sauk indians and was known as Chief Black Hawk to the english. This is an important read for those interested in native american history especially since it is written by this important figure in native american history about his life and beliefs as well as an intimate firsthand account of the black hawk war.