The Great Law and the Longhouse: A Political History of the Iroquois Confederacy (Civilization of the American Indian) (Paperback)

~ William N. Fenton (Author)

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Product Description

This masterful summary represents a major synthesis of the history and culture of the Six Nations from the mid-sixteenth century to the Canandaigua treaty of 1794. William N. Fenton, renowned as the dean of Iroquoian studies, draws on primary sources, in both French and English to create a readable narrative and an invaluable reference for all future scholars of Iroquois polity.

Central to Fenton's study is the tradition of the Great Law, still practiced today by the conservative Iroquois. It is sustained by celebrations of the condolence ceremony when participants mourn a dead chief and install his successor for life on good behavior. This ritual act, reaching back to the dawn of history, maintained the League of the Iroquois, the legendary form of government that gave way over time to the Iroquois Confederacy.

About the Author

William N. Fenton was Professor of Anthropology at the State University of New York, Albany.

Product Details

• Paperback: 786 pages
• Publisher: University of Oklahoma Press; New edition (February 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0806141239
• ISBN-13: 978-0806141237
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 6.9 x 1.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #2,436,859 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a wonderful, life's work, August 12, 2000

By	Michael A. Lacombe (Augusta, Maine United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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This review is from: The Great Law and the Longhouse: A Political History of the Iroquois Confederacy (Civilization of the American Indian Series) (Hardcover)

Fenton is the reigning expert on the Iroquois and has published extensively on a multitude of subjects relating to them. This is his life's work and it is a tremendous achievement. Not a book to curl up to, nevertheless it is a must for anyone who professes interest in American history. Worth owning.