The Reservation - (Iroquois and Their Neighbors) by Ted C Williams (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

An autobiographical account of tribal and family life on New York State's Tuscarora Reservation by the son of a medicine man, now a crane operator and artist.

Review Quotes

Not only a skilled storyteller but also an accomplished artist. . . . The Reservation brings an important new dimension to Tuscarora studies.-- "The Journal of Ethnic Studies"

The best modern work of Indian literature, a rough-edged, brilliant, diamond of a book. . . . He introduces us, story by story, to people who by the strokes of his depiction elicit our concern and love. Then, in a stirring recreation of ritual activity, he binds them together as a community. And then, without the slightest hint of self-pity, he demonstrates the effects of American ways on this community of beloved people.-- "Cross Currents"

Unusual and appealing tales of life on the Tuscarora Indian Reservation in New York State from the late Thirties through the early Fifties. . . . These are warm, affectionate stories of real people and events; Williams is a fine storyteller and has given us a unique piece of Americana.-- "Publishers Weekly"

Williams deserves an audience that will meditate on his message that those who can truly laugh can endure.-- "Book Forum"

Williams' style moves easily and frequently between the poetic, inspired, compelling narrative and earthy, ribald colloquial. A vein of humor runs through it all so that the reader finds himself smiling, chuckling, and at times laughing aloud. . . . [The book] will serve to help us to understand and appreciate reservation life, at Tuscarora and elsewhere.-- "Ethnohistory"

About the Author

The son of a Turtle Clan sachem chief and respected medicine man, Ted Williams grew up on the Tuscarora Indian Reservation near Niagara Falls, New York, in the 1930s and 1940s.