The purpose of the vision search is not only to find a vision, but to find in it help for yourself to lead a better life. Some chapters tell of past great Sacred Beings, chiefs and medicine men; others tell how they prepared for the vision search, the preliminary ceremonies for purification, the quest, and how visions were interpreted.

Vinson Brown was trained in anthropology and zoology at the University of California, studying under the eminent professors Drs. Lowie and Kroeber. In 1946 he received his M.A. in biology from Stanford University. Earlier he made trips to Central America where, as a field collector of natural history, he met and lived with members of three Panama Indian tribes, the Burica, Dolega and Guaymi. A Guaymi man, Chino Jari, who worked for him there, had a profound spiritual influence on his life. This infuence is related in VOICES OF EARTH AND SKY, along with other experiences Brown has had with native peoples of the Americas. As a personal document, it is a truly remarkable study of the vision life of the Native Americans and their great cultural heros.

"The author examines previously unknown aspects of the native inhabitants of this land and relates his findings in an introspective yet objective manner for the reader to consider at his own discretion. The book is extremely well-written, easy to follow, entertaining, and full of wisdom." --- Jan Shelton, The Association for Research and Enlightenment Journal.

"...when he gets to the vision quest, particularly his own pursuit of the vision at Bear Butte, South Dakota, Brown manages to convey the sense of spiritual renewal he has derived from Indian concepts of harmony with the universe and love of nature and all beings. It is this personal experience that recommends the book to all interested in understanding or aiding a revival of the mystic teaching of the first Americans." --- Leo E. Oliva, Library Journal