Presented in this lot is the First Edition of the National Historical Society 1994 reprint of the S. M. Barrett 1906 book originally published by Duffield & Company. In Geronimo’s own words, this is his fascinating life story. Beginning with an Apache creation myth, he discusses his youth and family, the bloody conflicts between Mexico and the United States, and his two decades of life as a prisoner. Revered by his people and feared by his enemies, Geronimo narrates his memoir with a compassionate and compelling voice that still resonates today. From the preface, "The initial idea of the compilation of this work was to give the reading public an authentic record of the private life of the Apache Indians, and to extend to Geronimo as a prisoner of war the courtesy due any captive, the right to state the causes which impelled him in his opposition to our civilization and laws." An autobiography as told to S. M. Barrett during Geronimo's imprisonment at a military reservation compound at the end of his life. Stephen M. Barrett, a superintendent of education from Lawton, Oklahoma, first met Geronimo in the summer of 1904, and felt that the 76 year old Bedonkohe Apache leader and medicine man from New Mexico and Arizona, a prisoner of war for 20 years far from his home, who had never told his side of history before, should finally do so. President Theodore Roosevelt granted Barrett's request to interview Geronimo, and this is the result, without Barrett's clarifications or intrusions - "write what I have spoken," as Geronimo said. Topics covered include his early life, the origin of the Apaches, their tribal structure, raids in Mexico, and interactions with the American military. This green clothbound gold gilt stamped hardcover book is in good overall condition, very slight scuffing to cover edges noted. Gold gilt titling on the spine is very clean and bright, front cover stamp says, "The West As It Was". Intact pages are clean, no age tanning or foxing noted. No other marring noted, measures 5.5"W x 7.75"L x 1"D