Unwritten Stories begins with creation tales familiar to the entire community down to the present day, which provide an explanation for observable phenomena. The second portion of the book presents elaborate accounts of the deeds of heroes. In the third and most specialized section of the book, shamans speak of their experiences and knowledge of the afterworld and other hidden aspects of the cosmos. Here Mindlin transcribes ritual chants as well as shamans' remembrances of initiation and the performance of ceremonies.
As well as the intrinsic fascination of the stories it offers, Unwritten Stories is a vivid example of the current-day effort by traditional native communities to prolong the existence of their cultural legacy through writing and print. It will appeal both to folklorists and students of traditional narrative and to general readers interested in knowledge that has previously been kept within a small community in oral form.
