Surviving Through the Days: Translations of Native California Stories and Songs [Paperback]

Herbert W. Luthin (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 2002 | ISBN-10: 0520222709 | ISBN-13: 978-0520222700 | Edition: 1

This anthology of treasures from the oral literature of Native California, assembled by an editor admirably sensitive to language, culture, and history, will delight scholars and general readers alike. Herbert Luthin's generous selection of stories, anecdotes, myths, reminiscences, and songs is drawn from a wide sampling of California's many Native cultures, and although a few pieces are familiar classics, most are published here for the first time, in fresh literary translations. The translators, whether professional linguists or Native scholars and storytellers, are all acknowledged experts in their respective languages, and their introductions to each selection provide welcome cultural and biographical context. Augmenting and enhancing the book are Luthin's engaging, informative essays on topics that range from California's Native languages and oral-literary traditions to critical issues in performance, translation, and the history of California literary ethnography.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

This comprehensive anthology of oral and printed literature from California includes songs, myths, stories, reminiscences, and anecdotes drawn from the vast number of Native American cultures within the state. While not exhaustive, it is the most extensive sampling available to a wide audience. Most of the selections are published here for the first time, many recorded in both the original language and English renderings. Contributing specialists (professional linguists, Native scholars, and storytellers) offer insightful translations, including introductions to and commentary on the cultural and historical foundations of these Native enclaves. Arranged geographically, the writings embrace a poetics and worldview that are not lost but continue to flow from generation to generation. Folk writings are rarely considered in research works, but this volume contains a masterly compilation that will be welcomed by scholars as well as interested lay readers. Recommended for academic specialized collections. Richard K. Burns, MSLS, Hatboro, PA
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Review

"This unique and original book sets the standard for such volumes. I can't see anyone coming along for quite some time who would be able to supersede it or top it for quality and inclusiveness."-Brian Swann, editor of Coming to Light; "It is a masterful treatment of oral literature...a wonderful combination of great verbal art and sound scholarship, carefully crafted so that the collection begins and ends with a powerful creation tale."-Leanne Hinton, author of Flutes of Fire; "Since each of the contributing specialists has first-hand familiarity with the material, the translations are of unusual authenticity and the annotations are of unusual insightfulness. Luthin's own introductory sections are especially vivid and well-informed."-William Bright, author of A Coyote Reader

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Product Details

• Paperback: 640 pages
• Publisher: University of California Press; 1 edition (April 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0520222709
• ISBN-13: 978-0520222700
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 1.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #421,486 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

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0 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars the book is new; arrived really late, August 8, 2010

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This review is from: Surviving Through the Days: Translations of Native California Stories and Songs (Hardcover)

I wish the book arrived earlier than it did.
Though I had "standard shipping," I got my book 3 weeks later.