Four Masterworks of American Indian Literature: Quetzalcoatl, the Ritual of Condolence, Cuceb, the Night Chant [Paperback]

John Bierhorst (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 1984

"Bierhorst offers access to more than primary texts here: he maps a way of reading and the necessary apparatus for that reading (including pronunciation guides, reminding us they are oral performances)." —World Literature Today

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)

About the Author

John Bierhorst is also the editor-translator of Cantares Mexicanos: Songs of the Aztecs

Product Details

• Paperback: 371 pages
• Publisher: University of Arizona Press (November 1, 1984)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0816508860
• ISBN-13: 978-0816508860
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #971,038 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A fascinating gathering of historic texts, July 17, 2001

By 

Michael J. Mazza - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (COMMUNITY FORUM 04)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Four Masterworks of American Indian Literature: Quetzalcoatl, the Ritual of Condolence, Cuceb, the Night Chant (Paperback)

"Four Masterworks of American Indian Literature" has been edited, with commentaries and new translations, by John Bierhorst. The book contains a general foreword and four sections: "Quetzalcoatl: an Aztec Hero Myth"; "The Ritual of Condolence: An Iroquois Ceremonial"; "Cuceb: A Maya Prophecy"; and "The Night Chant: A Navajo Ceremonial." Each of the four sections contains primary texts translated into English, an individual introduction, extensive commentary following the text, a map, and a substantial bibliography.

This book is a superb resource for scholars, students, and people with a general interest in the native cultures of the Americas. The primary texts and supplemental materials offer a rich window into these cultures. These texts are not easy reading; I assigned parts of the Quetzalcoatl narratives to a college literature class I taught, and some of the students had trouble understanding the material. But for the attentive reader, "Four Masterworks" is a very rewarding volume. As a companion text, I recommend "Coming to Light: Contemporary Translations of the Native Literatures of North America," edited by Brian Swann.