Erdoes and Ortiz "have edited, translated and transcribed oral stories, classic accounts, and tales from 19th century sources.The book is divided into ten parts that arrange the tales of various tribes by theme, i.e., creation stories, trickster tales and tales of ghosts and the spirit world.There are introductory annotations to individual tales, and a note at the end of each tale giving its origin.Each section has a two or three page introduction.The book has . . . an appendix listing tribes in alphabetical order with a short description of each tribe." (Voice Youth Advocates) Bibliography. Index of tales.

Gathering 160 tales from 80 tribal groups to offer a rich and lively panorama of the Native American mythic heritage. 100 drawings.