The song of Hiawatha;: The epic adventures of an Indian hero

From inside front cover: Perhaps the best loved of Longfellow's poetic tales, 'Hiawatha' combines high adventure with the fascinating themes of Indian life and legend. Based on a tradition common to many North American Indian tribes of the Great Lakes area, it tells of an Indian hero and his mighty exploits in hunting, fishing, and combat. A great leader, he converts his people from savagery and instructs them in the arts of peace. For more than a century 'Hiawatha' has been treasured by millions who find in this noble epic a vision of primeval America and of the Indians who lived there--a strongs people, of distinct values, ideals and traditons. It has spread before latter-day readers a vast panorama of the land as it was at the coming of the white man, and has made them aware of the red man's dignity. 'Hiawatha' has thus become an established American classic, a precious protion of our national heritage. In this handsome illustrated edition, 'Hiawatha' is presented in its entirety. A foreword by Odel Shephard, novelist, biographer and critic, pays tribute to both the poem and the poet.