The Works of Hubert Howe Bancroft (Volume III): The Native Races (Vol. I) Myths and Languages

Across the vast landscapes of North and Central America, stories once told by firelight shaped how peoples understood the world. The past is always speaking. In The Native Races: Myths and Languages, Hubert Howe Bancroft gathers a sweeping panorama of indigenous myths and legends and early records of native american languages history, revealing the spiritual and intellectual life of the pre columbian indigenous americas. Moving between origin tales, sacred narratives and reflections on speech, naming and symbolism, this classic ethnology study opens a window onto the inner worlds of many tribes and nations, written with the curiosity and ambition of nineteenth century scholarship. More than a story collection, this native american mythology book functions as an anthropological reference volume and a foundational work in the comparative mythology of americas. Bancroft's careful assembling of traditions from north and central america tribes makes the volume a rich primary source for historians and a lasting scholarly reference for researchers in linguistics, anthropology and native american studies classics. As part of the renowned bancroft native races volume series, it preserves voices and world views that might otherwise have faded from the record. Out of print for decades and now republished by Alpha Editions. Restored for today's and future generations. More than a reprint - a collector's item and a cultural treasure, this new edition invites both curious general readers and serious collectors to rediscover a landmark in classic ethnology and indigenous studies.