On the Trail of Elder Brother: Glous'gap Stories of the Micmac Indians (Hardcover)

~ Michael B. Runningwolf (Author), Patricia Clark Smith (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

RunningWolf and Smith, direct descendants of the Micmac Indian nation, have assembled 16 classic legends from oral tradition into an authentic cycle that conveys inherited belief systems. The tales center on Glous'gap, a legendary hero, teacher, leader, and spiritual entity, who visited Earth to relate teachings on human relationships, monsters, and magic. Embracing the laws, morals, and wisdom of the Wabanaki people, which include the Micmac, these tales span the ages, providing unique insight into human interaction with common surroundings. Collected from the maritime provinces, Quebec, and Maine and known in the Great Lakes region and in Delaware, the tales reflect concerns essential to Algonquin-language speakers. The Micmac incorporated maps, traditional designs, and motifs into their quill- and beadwork, hide paintings, and the legends they inscribed on rock and tree bark--as illustrated here in pen-and-ink drawings. Collectively, this is a most worthy and thoroughly accessible glimpse of Native American thought. Academic, select, and specialized collections will be well served by this brief anthology.
-Richard K. Burns, MSLS, Hatboro, PA
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Glous'gap, the great being whom the Micmac tribe call Elder Brother, is the embodiment of the Great Spirit, moving about on Earth dealing directly with people and animals. Retold here are 16 tales of Glous'gap's adventures. First Glous'gap helps populate the newly formed Earth with creatures and plants, then he kills his evil twin, Young Wolf. Glous'gap battles giant creatures who threaten the Micmac, saves the earth from eternal winter, and teaches the people how to live in harmony with nature. Pen-and-ink drawings by Michael Runningwolf accompanying each tale add visual appeal without overshadowing the story. With a logical sequence and recurring characters, this collection of creation myths, pourquoi stories, and instructive tales will be appreciated most when read in its entirety. Unfortunately, there are no source notes for this very accessible retelling of Micmac folktales. A glossary, pronunciation guides, and a reading list are appended. Karen Hutt
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 128 pages
• Publisher: Persea Books; illustrated edition edition (May 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0892552484
• ISBN-13: 978-0892552481
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,728,403 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great stories, November 12, 2003

By	"Ian Herrick" "PapaIan" (San Jose, CA) - See all my reviews

This is an excellent source of atukwaqn, or stories, from and for the Mi'kmaq. Contrary to a previous review, which stated no sources are given, the introduction states that these were stories Michael B. Runningwolf learned as a child in Maine and New Brunswick. They are wonderful versions of the Mi'kmaw stories that include the Kluskap. My only bone of contention is that the authors did not use the standardized Francis-Smith orthography for the Mi'kmaw words, but any one who has a familiarity with Mi'kmawi'simk (the Mi'kmaw language) should still be able to understand the words.
To the authors I say, "Wela'lioq," (Thank you).

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A treasury of stories for young and old!, September 7, 2000

By	Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

On The Trail Of Elder Brother presents a collection of 16 stories retold by two Micmac authors. This is a magical universe peopled with witches and magicians, man-eating moose, whales, birds and more. Every tale has moral and aesthetic purpose as well as prophetic or holy meanings. These tales will be enjoyed by children to whom they will always be new. They also remain a treasured resource to adults.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A "must" for students of Native American history & culture., August 3, 2000

By	Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

The authors are direct descendants of the Micmac Indian nation and have assembled sixteen oral history tales which reflect the Micmac heritage and belief systems. On the Trail of Elder Brother is a rare glimpse of Micmac tribal values and a recommended pick for any avid student of Native American history and culture.