Geronimo, one of the greatest Apache warriors and American legends, gives his first-hand account of his life in his autobiography “My Life”. The famous chief orally told his story to S. M. Barrett, a Superintendent of Education in Oklahoma, and Barrett published the book with little to no deviations from Geronimo’s interview. This is extraordinary, considering the many contemporary propaganda campaigns created against Geronimo in an attempt to rally the American public against Native Americans. “My Life” tells the warrior’s side of the story about his time fighting the Mexicans for land, surrendering to the American government, being exhibited as a carnival side-show attraction, and his deep love for his people and their land. Geronimo’s dedication to peace between the American government and the Apache people is obvious with the warrior’s diplomatic words and actions after his surrender; even when the American government broke the peace treaty to allow his people to move to Florida unhindered, Geronimo remained honorable and maintained his side of the bargain. Also present is a deep knowledge, respect, and description of Apache traditions, written with the hope of explaining these cultural aspects to a white American audience. “My Life” is simply an outstanding memoir which helped bridge the gap between Apache and American relations in a difficult time in American history.
