The Telling of the World: Native American Stories and Art

by W.S. Penn

The anthology contains legends and stories from many Native American tribes and nations - Mohawk, Sioux, Cree, Nez Perce, Yakima, Cherokee, Zuni, to name but a few - collected from both traditional and contemporary sources. These inspirational tales follow the path of life - from creation and birth, through adolescence, family relationships, love and marriage, death and renewal. Words recounted by respected storytellers reveal a unique approach to the world, as well as a desire to pass along the knowledge necessary to lead a good life. Taken as a whole, the stories reveal an innate power to entertain, to instruct, to bind people together into a healing community, and to provide an identity and a unifying vision.
These stories are richly illustrated with art - paintings, sculpture, drawings - created by modern Native American artists, and historically significant artifacts. Their work showcases the enduring spirit of Native American peoples who have found ways to survive and to continue telling their stories, revealing who they are for future generations. Among the artists included are Jaune Quick-To-See-Smith, George Longfish, Emmi Whitehorse, and Fred Kabotie.

Genres: Art, Mythology, Native American, Nonfiction

240 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 1996

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

William S. Penn, born 1949

Reviews

[Brian · Rating 3 out of 5]

While some of the stories are hard to follow as a non-Native person without the cultural background to deeply understand and relate to these stories, the compendium is GORGEOUS, and the stories work together to form a cohesive whole. A great addition to the indigenous folklore literature.

[Will · Rating 5 out of 5]

I opened this book to read a few coyote trickster tales--and got so much more. Moral instruction with a wonderfully light and humorous touch. Talking animals who are irresistible. Plots that quite clever and satisfying. Surprising similarities to Greek mythology, Biblical tales, etc. All illustrated by beautiful artworks. I lingered over this book for days. A captivating introduction to a remarkable living tradition. Now I want to write my own coyote tales.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am very glad I read this. Some of the art is real creepy-looking. It's all thought-provoking and reminds me that there is no one Native American tradition but a bunch of related sets of stories and myths. I love Coyote.

[Summeralism · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did enjoy the stories in this book! There were a lot of tales told, all based on a belief or culture. The stories you read are brighter, more vivid, and lovely when your belief system is based on a majority of these stories.

[Valerie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful art, poems and stories. A wonderful family book.

[Spoke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully done, by a Native and with respect for all traditions involved.

[Catherine Gatzimos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a delightful insight into the legends of several American Indian tribes. I love this book. :)