3 Review(s)

Daniel G. Brinton's Aboriginal American Authors is an exploration of the literary and cultural contributions of Native American authors before and after European contact. As an anthropologist and ethnologist, Brinton sought to highlight the intellectual and creative achievements of Indigenous peoples, challenging the prevailing stereotypes of the time that often dismissed Native American culture as primitive or lacking sophistication.The book examines various forms of Indigenous expression, including oral traditions, pictographs, glyphs, and early written works. Brinton discusses how these forms were used to record history, express spiritual beliefs, and convey social and moral values. He also addresses the transition from traditional oral storytelling to the adoption of European writing systems, as well as the challenges faced by Indigenous authors in preserving their heritage amid colonization.While the work reflects the scholarly attitudes of the late 19th century and includes some outdated perspectives, it remains an important contribution to the study of Native American literature and cultural history. It offers valuable insights into the richness of Indigenous intellectual traditions and underscores the need for their recognition and preservation.