Four Masterworks of American Indian Literature: Quetzalcoatl, the Ritual of Condolence, Cuceb, the Night Chant

by John Bierhorst (Editor)

Overview

"Bierhorst offers access to more than primary texts here: he maps a way of reading and the necessary apparatus for that reading (including pronunciation guides, reminding us they are oral performances)." —World Literature Today

"This comparative application of the epic poetry tradition to Amerind literature is a scholarly success.... this book is a most noteworthy item in the field of American Indian studies, and is not to be missed by any serious devotee." --Library Journal

"Biehorst's introductions and notes are brilliant, thorough, and an important contribution to the scholarship on these works. His new translation of the Quetzalcoatl is also excellent." --Choice

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780816543618
Publisher:	University of Arizona Press
Publication date:	11/01/1984
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	397
File size:	2 MB

About the Author

John Bierhorst is also the editor-translator of Cantares Mexicanos: Songs of the Aztecs.

Table of Contents

Contents Foreword Quetzalcoatl: An Aztec Hero Myth Introduction Fragment A. The Restoration of Life Fragment B. The Ceremonial Fire Fragment C. A Cycle of Transformation Fragment D. The Fall of Tollan Fragment E. A Song of Survival Notes Bibliography The Ritual of Condolence: An Iroquois Ceremoniala Introduction The Ritual of Condolence (with ritual texts translated from the Mohawk Iroquois by Horatio Hale and from the Onondaga Iroquois by J. N. B. Hewitt) II. Journeying on the Trail lll. Welcome at the Wood's Edge IV. The Council V. The Investiture Notes Bibliography Cuceb: Maya Prophecy Introduction Cuceb (translated from the Maya by Ralph L. Roys, revised by John Bierhorst) A Commentary on the Cuceb The Maya Calendar, the Almanac, and the Counting of Time Bibliography The Night Chant: A Navajo Ceremonial Introduction The Night Chant (with songs and prayers translated from the Navajo by Washington Matthews) Notes Bibliography Index