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

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"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.