Alvin M. Josephy Jr. (May 18, 1915 – October 16, 2005) was an American historian who specialized in Native American issues. New York Times reviewer Herbert Mitgang called him in 1982 the "leading non-Indian writer about Native Americans"."American Indian Historian Alvin Josephy Jr. Dies", Adam Bernstein, The Washington Post, October 18, 2005.
Early life Josephy was born in Woodmere, New York. His mother was a daughter of publisher Samuel Knopf and a sister of Alfred A. Knopf.
Career Early career Early in his career, Josephy worked as a Hollywood screenwriter, New York City newspaper correspondent, radio station news director, the Washington Office of War Information, and in the Pacific theater as United States Marine Corps combat correspondent, where he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for "heroic achievement in action... [making] a recording of historical significance" during the U.S. invasion of Guam.Citation for Sergeant Alvin M. Josephy, Junior, United States Marine Corps Reserve, by Lt. General H.M. Smith, Headquarters Fleet Marine Force, Pacific After the war, Josephy returned to Hollywood where he wrote for the movies, for a local newspaper, and for veterans groups. There he married his second wife, Elizabeth Peet. Josephy's reporting on organized crime in Santa Monica was the basis for the film The Captive City, which he co-wrote.
Time magazine Around 1952, the Josephys moved to Greenwich, Connecticut, when Alvin joined Time magazine as photo editor. One assignment sparked his interest in the history of indigenous peoples of the Americas, especially the Nez Perce people, who lived primarily in Oregon and Idaho. He developed that interest largely in his free time.
American Heritage magazine In 1960, he joined the American Heritage Publishing Company as a senior editor of American Heritage books, and in 1976, became editor-in-chief of American Heritage magazine, a position he served in until 1978.
Literary works Josephy's works include The Patriot Chiefs (1961); Chief Joseph's People and Their War (1964); The Nez Perce Indians and the Opening of the Northwest (1965); The Indian Heritage of America (New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1968); Red Power: The American Indians' Fight for Freedom (1971); and Now That the Buffalo's Gone (1982); also Black Hills, White Sky; The Civil War in the American West and History of the Congress of the United States."Alvin Josephy (1915-2005)", Rich Wandschneider, The Oregon Encyclopedia.
Government advisor Josephy served as a senior advisor on Federal Indian Policy to Secretary of the Interior Stewart Udall during the Kennedy Administration, and later as an advisor to President Richard Nixon on matters pertaining to Native Americans and government policies relating to Indian Tribes. He had strongly disagreed with Eisenhower Administration policies on such matters, as President Nixon came to later, in retrospect. Prior to this time, more than 100 tribes had lost federal recognition, and their land holdings under Federal policies of "termination" and forced assimilation. Based significantly on Josephy's advice and encouragement, the Nixon Administration adopted a policy of "self-determination" for Native Americans, and furthered policies and practices to encourage their cultural survival.)"Alvin Josephy: A gentle, graceful advocate for sovereignty", Rebecca A. Miles, High Country News, December 12, 2005.
Personal life Alvin and Elizabeth "Betty" Peet Josephy were married for 56 years, until her death in 2004. He died at his home in Greenwich, Connecticut, a year later. He was survived by one child from his first marriage, three from his second, and their descendants.
Legacy In Joseph, Oregon, where Alvin and Betty owned a ranch and hosted a camp for Nez Perce children, their legacy is well remembered. The Josephy Center for Arts and Culture was founded in his name. Included in the center is the Alvin M. and Betty Josephy Library of Western History and Culture, which holds much of Josephy's personal collection, as well as related materials.The Alvin M. and Betty Josephy Library of Western History and Culture One of his books, The Nez Perce Indians and the Opening of the Northwest, was included on the list of 100 Oregon Books by the Oregon Cultural Heritage Commission.Oregon Cultural Heritage Commission website His papers are held at the Knight Library at the University of Oregon.
Publications
Books Book titleDatePublisherSubjectThe Long and the Short and the Tall1946KnopfU.S. Marines in the Pacific during WWIIThe Patriot Chiefs1962VikingPortraits of Native American leadersChief Joseph's People and Their War1964YellowstoneA very brief version of Nez Perce historyThe Nez Perce Indians and the Opening of the Northwest1965YaleComprehensive history of the Nez Perce tribeThe Indian Heritage of America1968Knopf (American Heritage Books)Comprehensive overview of Indigenous Peoples of the Western HemisphereThe Artist Was A Young Man1970Amon Carter MuseumPeter Rindisbacher, first artist of the Plains Indians, early 1820sBlack Hills, White Sky1978New York Times BooksDakota tribes (narrative and historic photographs)On the Hill1979Simon & SchusterHistory of the United States CongressNow That the Buffalo's Gone1982KnopfCase studies in contemporary Native American issues (water, sovereignty, religion)The Civil War in the American West1991KnopfThe American Civil War in the West500 Nations: An Illustrated History of North American Indians1994Knopf(accompanied a CBS television series)Red Power: The American Indians' Fight for Freedom, 2nd Rev. Ed.1999University of Nebraska PressDocumentary history of the American Indian activist movementA Walk Toward Oregon2000KnopfAutobiographyNez Perce Country2007BisonCondensed version of Nez Perce history
Magazine articles