
Shape-Shifting
Images of Native Americans in Recent Popular Fiction
Praeger Publishers Inc
Published on 30. September 2000
Book
Hardback
360 pages
978-0-313-30842-0 (ISBN)
Description
This study of the Native American in the western, romance, detective, horror, and science fiction genres examines how even historically accurate representations distort and bias the Native American figure to fit European-based traditions and modern agendas. The authors provide critical approaches for evaluating the literature. They argue that while popular fiction conventions determine and limit authentic portraits of Native American cultures, successful popular fiction writers approach literary quality by fusing authentic Native American culture with the standard genre conventions. Approximately 200 books are discussed and evaluated, and true Native American stories and writings are contrasted with mainstream versions of Indian culture.
While the exploitation of Native Americans has long been recognized, little has been written about the manipulation of Native American figures in recent popular fiction. This study will appeal to students of Native American culture, literature, and popular culture. An appendix of special terms is provided along with a comprehensive bibliography.
While the exploitation of Native Americans has long been recognized, little has been written about the manipulation of Native American figures in recent popular fiction. This study will appeal to students of Native American culture, literature, and popular culture. An appendix of special terms is provided along with a comprehensive bibliography.
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
United States
Publishing group
Bloomsbury Publishing Plc
Target group
College/higher education
Professional and scholarly
Interest Age: From 7 to 17 years
Dimensions
Height: 235 mm
Width: 157 mm
Thickness: 26 mm
Weight
735 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-313-30842-0 (9780313308420)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Persons
ANDREW MACDONALD teaches English at Loyola University. He is the author of Howard Fast: A Critical Companion (Greenwood, 1996).
GINA MACDONALD teaches English at Nicholls State University. She is the author of James Clavell: A Critical Companion (Greenwood, 1996) and Robert Ludlum: A Critical Companion (Greenwood, 1997).
MARYANN SHERIDAN has taught in the Religious Studies Department at Loyola University.
GINA MACDONALD teaches English at Nicholls State University. She is the author of James Clavell: A Critical Companion (Greenwood, 1996) and Robert Ludlum: A Critical Companion (Greenwood, 1997).
MARYANN SHERIDAN has taught in the Religious Studies Department at Loyola University.
Content
Introduction Writing Indians: Native Americans of the Imagination Native American Perceptions of Reality: Accessing a Different World-View Native-American Literature--The Enduring Creation Story The Western The Romance Genre: Welcome to Club Cherokee The Native American in the Detective/Crime Genre: Bridging Ratiocination and Intuition Amalgams of Horror: Shaping Native American Magic into European Molds Indian Utopias/Dystopias: Science-Fiction and Fantasy Projections Past and Future Conclusion Appendix: Native American Terminology Bibliography