Living as long as five thousand years in the arid Great Basin, the Owens Valley Paiute and other Native groups survived to create a rich oral and ceremonial tradition, subsisting on what the earth provided. A peaceable and social culture they were overwhelmed by the ever advancing flow of American settlers, explorers and profit seekers. This is the story of the Paiute Nation, their social structure, mythology, religion, art, folklore and enduring spirit. It is also the story of their great leaders Sarah Winnemucca and Wovoka and the creation of the Ghost Dance religion which ultimately resulted in the massacre of the powerful Sioux at Wounded Knee. Illustrated with 28 pages of photographs.
Gary R. Varner is a lecturer and writer on folklore and early religions. He is author of a series of popular books comparing legends and beliefs around the world published by Algora Publishers as well as other publishing companies. His approach incorporates details from ancient cultures and from Native American, UK and European, Asian, South Pacific and African folklore.
Varner has traveled extensively to research his projects, most notably to England, Wales, Ireland, Canada, Mexico and the American West and Southwest.He is a member of the American Folklore Society and the Royal Anthropolgical Institute and writes about ancient traditions and how those traditions, along with their folklore and mythology, continue to play an important part in contemporary society. He is listed in successive editions of Who's Who in America and Who's Who in the World reference works.
Varner lives in northern California. His website is popular with those interested in pre-Christian religions, traditional beliefs, myths, legends and superstitions.
My first book, Essays in Contemporary Paganism, was discontinued in 2009 but has recently reappeared on Amazon. Please do not buy this book. Since I cancelled my contract with the publisher in 2009 any republication, by the original publisher or others, is a copyright infringement.
