The Native American in Long Fiction [Hardcover]

Joan Beam (Author), Barbara Branstad (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0810830167 | ISBN-13: 978-0810830165 | Publication Date: April 2, 1996 | Edition: annotated edition

An annotated bibliography of all identifiable novel-length fictional works by and about Native Americans of the United States published between the 1890s and the 1990s. All literary genres have been included, whether contemporary fiction, westerns, romances, mysteries or science fiction. Young adult fiction of interest to adult readers has also been included. If the author is Native American, his or her tribal affiliation is identified. The critical annotations include the time periods, geographical location, and the tribe or band identified in the novel. Reviews of the novels that have been published in standard review sources are cited. The bibliography contains indexes and appendixes of literary criticism, sources consulted, and novels excluded from the work(when they fall outside the scope of the work). For high school, public, and college libraries.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

The authors, Beam and Branstad, are librarians, and this work clearly shows it. They have included all the features we like to see in a reference book. First of all, the introduction is actually useful. It tells the parameters, defines the terms, and outlines the methodology of the bibliography. It tells the user that this is a critical bibliography of novel-length fiction by and about Native Americans of the contiguous U.S., published between 1890 and 1990.

The 406 works included have culture, history, social conditions, religion, and or customs of native people as their central theme. This work covers all genres: contemporary and historical romances, westerns, mysteries, and science fiction. This is essentially a list of adult novels, but a few young adult novels are included if they will appeal to adult readers. Works the compilers judged to be poorly written are included if they are in some way unique. Poorly written works that are "not at all unique" are not included. No collections of short stories, folktales, myths, personal narratives, or poetry works are included.

Each entry contains full bibliographic information for the first edition but no subsequent editions. There is no ISBN, nor is there any indication whether the book is out of print. Tribal affiliation is listed after the author's name when appropriate. If there is some question about the heritage of the author the tribal affiliation is followed by a "?". Following the bibliographic citation are the time of the novel, the tribe represented, and the place or setting of the novel. This section is followed by a descriptive, evaluative paragraph of up to 300 words. These paragraphs include plot summaries, which are very helpful in identifying the characters and theme(s) of the novels. Citations are provided to reviews in standard sources, such as Booklist, Library Journal, and the New York Times Book Review. Unfortunately, there is no indication of whether the work has been made into a film.

The bibliography is arranged by author's last name but there are six excellent indexes: title, date/time of the novel, tribe, historical personage, historical events, and literary genre. A character index would be useful. The authors have also appended a list of novels that were not included in this bibliography and a reason why. There is also a short list of juvenile novels. Finally, there is a short but useful bibliography of books and articles about Native American fiction.

In summary, this is a valuable edition to the burgeoning list of reference works on Native Americans. Because of the special features that the authors have thoughtfully included, this is a work that will get a lot of use in high-school, public, and academic libraries with a concentration and interest in Native Americans. The Native American in Long Fiction may set a standard for bibliographies in this area.

Review

...a valuable edition to the burgeoning list of reference works on Native Americans...will get a lot of use in high-school, public, and academic libraries with a concentration and interest in Native Americans...may set a standard for bibliographies in this area. (Booklist )

...a useful--and welcome--bibliography of native American novels published in the last one hundred years...a useful reference for librarians and for anyone interested in native American fiction. Classroom instructors will find it a helpful guide to native American novels that might be appropriate for school use. (Voya )

People who appreciate "browseable" reference books can rejoice at this publication...a bibliographer's delight. (Books Of The Southwest )

...a helpful tool for academic, school, and public libraries...an excellent choice for most collections. (Arba )

Another [purpose] is to clarify some of the misconceptions about Native Americans by providing novels that will entertain as well as provide information on Native American history, culture, and contemporary life... this volume is recommended because it helps find elusive information. Recommended for public libraries and colleges and universities supporting Native American studies. (Choice )

Another [purpose] is to clarify some of the misconceptions about Native Americans by providing novels that will entertain as well as provide information on Native American history, culture, and contemporary life... this volume is recommended because it helps find elusive information. Recommended for public libraries and colleges and universities supporting Native American studies.... (Choice )

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 384 pages
• Publisher: Scarecrow Press; annotated edition edition (April 2, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0810830167
• ISBN-13: 978-0810830165
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 5.5 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #10,458,795 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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