In 1911, a starving Indian emerged from the foothills of California, after having lived in hiding for over 40 years. In keeping with the traditions of his tribe, he never revealed his true name and became known simply as Ishi, person in the Yahi language. He would become the most celebrated and written about of all California Indians, a symbol for the depth and beauty of California Indian culture, an icon of the tragedy that befell native people throughout the state. Many books have been written about Ishi, but in Ishis Tale of Lizard, we finally hear his own voice. Originally narrated in Yahi, and now interpreted and introduced by noted linguist Leanne Hinton, this story tells of Lizard, the arrow-maker, and his adventures. Within the story, we catch loving, detailed accounts of daily life as the Yahi once lived it. Accompanied by Susan L. Roths sensitive collage interpretation, this award-winning book allows us to glimpse the world of Ishi and to delight in an authentic, unusual, hauntingly effective storytelling tradition.
