3 Review(s)

Indian Story and Song, from North America by Alice C. Fletcher is an important anthology that captures the richness of Native American oral traditions. In this work, Fletcher presents a collection of stories, legends, and songs from various Indigenous tribes across North America, emphasizing the cultural significance of these narratives in preserving history, values, and beliefs. The book is organized thematically, with stories illustrating themes such as creation, morality, nature, and the human experience.Fletcher, an accomplished ethnologist, not only provides the narratives but also contextualizes them within their cultural frameworks, offering readers insights into the social and spiritual life of the tribes. She meticulously transcribes the stories in their original forms and provides English translations, allowing for an authentic representation of the oral tradition. The inclusion of songs, along with explanations of their meanings and purposes, further enriches the understanding of Native American culture.