Through an Indian's Looking-Glass: A Cultural Biography of William Apess, Pequot

by Drew Lopenzina

The life of William Apess (1798-1839), a Pequot Indian, Methodist preacher, and widely celebrated writer, provides a lens through which to comprehend the complex dynamics of indigenous survival and resistance in the era of America's early nationhood. Apess's life intersects with multiple aspects of indigenous identity and existence in this period, including indentured servitude, slavery, service in the armed forces, syncretic engagements with Christian spirituality, and Native struggles for political and cultural autonomy. Even more, Apess offers a powerful and provocative voice for the persistence of Native presence in a time and place that was long supposed to have settled its "Indian question" in favor of extinction.

Through meticulous archival research, close readings of Apess's key works, and informed and imaginative speculation about his largely enigmatic life, Drew Lopenzina provides a vivid portrait of this singular Native American figure. This new biography will sit alongside Apess's own writing as vital reading for those interested in early America and indigeneity.

Genres: Native Americans, History

310 pages, Hardcover

Published February 1, 2017

Reviews

[Barbara Morrison]

Fascinating story of a civilly disobedient and effective leader of his people with much to teach us

[Alexa Chambers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely stunning cultural biography of a fascinating, enigmatic, HUGELY important Pequot figure. I cannot describe how gorgeously this book is written, or how gripping Apess' story is. His political work cannot be matched at the time and calls for so many civil rights. He was so far ahead of his time, and yet to be appreciated, then or now. If there were more stars, I would give them. I cried finishing it. HIGHLY RECOMMEND.

[Sharon Zink · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book reflects liberal revisionist history. When the author actually told what happened, it was interesting, but I did not like his flights of fancy, his imagining what Apess was thinking, and even inferring that some things must have happened. The book was written at least at my instructional level of reading, and almost at my frustration level. It is not an enjoyable book to read.