Contemporary Native American Literature

A survey of early Native literature provides the framework for considering the development of Native writings throughout the twentieth century. Focusing primarily upon late twentieth-century writings, the study begins with the moment that is widely defined as marking the 'renaissance' of contemporary Native American literature: the awarding of the 1969 Pulitzer Prize to the Kiowa writer N. Scott Momaday for his novel House Made of Dawn.

The subsequent analysis of key writers and texts includes a biography and brief bibliographical survey of each writer's work, with a detailed analysis of one text considered to be particularly important in the field, and considerations of significant topics such as cultural translation, humour, gender, and the role of the reader. The study concludes with an overview of current developments and emerging writers.

Key Features:

* Detailed historical context for writers and texts

* Writers and texts situated within developments in Native politics

* Inclusion of significant writers often excluded from textbooks

* Equal balance between coverage of poetry and prose

* Clear discussion of gender issues and importance of the medium of film

* Comprehensive analysis of recent developments and emerging writers