Voices from Four Directions: Contemporary Translations of the Native Literatures of North America (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9780803293106)

Storytelling and singing continue to be a vital part of community life for Native peoples today. Voices from Four Directions gathers stories and songs from thirty-one Native groups in North America--including the Ipiaqs in the frigid North, the Lushootseeds along the forested coastline of the far West, the Catawbas in the humid South, and the Maliseets of the rugged woods of the East. Vivid stories of cosmological origins and transformation, historical events remembered and retold, as well as legendary fables can be found in these pages. Well-known Trickster figures like Raven, Rabbit, and Coyote figure prominently in several tales as do heroes of local fame such as Tom Laporte of the Maliseets. The stories and songs entertain, instruct, and recall rich legacies as well as obligations. Many are retellings and reinventions of classic narratives, while others are more recent creations.

Award-winning poet and critic Brian Swann has gathered some of the richest and most diverse literatures of Native North America and provides an introduction to the volume. In addition, each story is introduced and newly translated.

Author: Brian Swann
ISBN-10: 0803293100
ISBN-13: 9780803293106
Publisher: Bison Books
Language: English
Published: 05/01/2004
Pages: 617
Format: Paperback
Weight: 2.50lbs
Size: 10.16h x 7.04w x 1.29d

Review Citation(s):
Library Journal 05/01/2004 pg. 120
Kliatt 09/01/2004 pg. 40
Choice 11/01/2004 pg. 488
Multicultural Review 12/01/2004 pg. 48