George A. Dorsey – författare

Hernando de Soto encountered the Caddos in the sixteenth century, and survivors of Sieur de La Salle's last voyage in the late seventeenth century gave the first full description of them. By 1903, when George A. Dorsey was investigating their customs and beliefs, the Caddos, numbering 530, were living on a reservation in Oklahoma. The Caddoan tribes, found along the Red River and its tributaries in present-day Louisiana and Arkansas, practiced agriculture long before they hunted buffalo. The tales collected for this book, first published in 1905, reflect the women's horticultural practices (supplemented by the men's hunting), village life distinguished by conical grass lodges, family and social relationships, connection to nature, and ceremonies. The tales vibrate with earthly and unearthly forces: Snake-Woman, who distributes seeds; Coyote, who regulates life after death; the Effeminate Man, who brings strife to the tribe; Coward, son of the Moon; the Man and the Dog who become Stars; the Old Woman who kept all the pecans; Splinter-Foot Boy and Medicine-Screech-Owl; water monsters; animal-people; and cannibals.

The Pawnee Mythology, originally published in 1906, preserves 148 tales of the Pawnee Indians, who farmed and hunted and lived in earth-covered lodges along the Platte River in Nebraska. The stories, collected from surviving members of four bands—Skidi, Pitahauirat, Kitkehahki, and Chaui—were generally told during intermissions of sacred ceremonies. Many were accompanied by music. George A. Dorsey recorded these Pawnee myths early in the twentieth century after the tribe's traumatic removal from their ancestral homeland to Oklahoma. He included stories of instruction concerning supernatural beings, the importance of revering such gifts as the buffalo and corn, and the results of violating nature. Hero tales, forming another group, usually centered on a poor boy who overcame all odds to benefit the tribe. Other tales invited good fortune, recognized wonderful beings like the witch women and spider women, and explained the origin of medicine powers. Coyote tales were meant to amuse while teaching ethics.

Anthropologists George A. Dorsey and Alfred L. Kroeber joined forces to record and preserve the rich cultural traditions of the Arapaho Indians, long split into two bands. Dorsey had done fieldwork with the Southern Arapaho after they moved from Colorado to Oklahoma and would soon be known for his study of their Sun Dance. Kroeber had visited the Northern Arapaho, who were still living in Wyoming. Traditions of the Arapaho, first published in 1903, is the result of their collaboration. This collection of tales bears witness to the religious feeling, imagination, and humor of the Arapaho. Beginning with creation myths, Dorsey and Kroeber offer stories about Found-in-Grass, Blood-Clot-Boy, Badger-Woman, Blue-Feather, White Dog, the Rolling Stone, Porcupine, and the Woman Who Climbed to the Sky. Entities marvelous and mundane—water monsters, speckled horses, dancing ducks, cannibalistic dwarves—populate these vibrant tales, where spirit permeates everything, and everything has meaning.

First published in 1904, George A. Dorsey's Mythology of the Wichita is a rich collection of American Indian folklore. WIth the help of a Wichita interpreter, Dorsey gathered sixty tales from the Wichitas living in Oklahoma and arranged them according to the first period, the creation; the second period, transformation; and the third period, the present.For the Wichitas, tale-telling was of great instructional value for the young. The tales taught that braverly and greatness depended upon individual effort, no matter how low or mean might have been the individual's origin, and at the same time, that there might descend upon the child the same longevity and good fortune possessed by the hero of the tale.

Charles Darwin is well-known throughout the world for his revolutionary work from 1859; The Origin of Species, the foundational study of evolution which greatly challenged the near-universal belief in the Christian world, at that time, of creationism. Originally published in 1928, Dorsey attempts to provide a detailed account of the scientist’s life and personality informed by letters, published works and an autobiography written by Darwin. Darwin’s life was full of challenges both in his personal life as well as his career and The Evolution of Charles Darwin explores all aspects of his life from birth to death emphasising the great impact his work had in the scientific community and humanity as a whole.

Charles Darwin is well-known throughout the world for his revolutionary work from 1859; The Origin of Species, the foundational study of evolution which greatly challenged the near-universal belief in the Christian world, at that time, of creationism. Originally published in 1928, Dorsey attempts to provide a detailed account of the scientist’s life and personality informed by letters, published works and an autobiography written by Darwin. Darwin’s life was full of challenges both in his personal life as well as his career and The Evolution of Charles Darwin explores all aspects of his life from birth to death emphasising the great impact his work had in the scientific community and humanity as a whole.

Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of the Arapaho people with George A. Dorsey''s Traditions of the Arapaho. This comprehensive and meticulously researched work provides an in-depth exploration of the myths, legends, and traditions that have shaped the Arapaho''s unique cultural identity.George A. Dorsey, a renowned anthropologist and ethnographer, brings his extensive fieldwork and scholarly expertise to this seminal collection. Traditions of the Arapaho captures the essence of Arapaho folklore, offering readers a rare and authentic glimpse into the spiritual and social fabric of the tribe.The book is organized thematically, covering a wide array of topics including creation myths, hero tales, and moral stories that have been passed down through generations. Dorsey''s engaging prose and faithful retelling of these oral traditions ensure that the Arapaho''s voice is preserved and honored.Readers will discover the significance of key figures in Arapaho mythology, such as the Trickster and the Culture Hero, and learn about the rituals and ceremonies that play a vital role in the community''s spiritual life. Dorsey''s detailed annotations and contextual insights provide a deeper understanding of the symbolic meanings and cultural values embedded in these stories.This book is an essential read for students of anthropology, historians, and anyone interested in Native American cultures. Traditions of the Arapaho stands as a timeless tribute to the enduring legacy of the Arapaho people and their vibrant storytelling tradition.Join George A. Dorsey on a journey into the heart of Arapaho culture and discover the timeless stories that continue to inspire and teach. Traditions of the Arapaho is a captivating exploration of a people''s heritage, offering readers a profound connection to the wisdom and spirit of the Arapaho.

Delve into the rich cultural tapestry of the Arikara people with George A. Dorsey''s Traditions of the Arikara. This comprehensive work offers an in-depth exploration of the myths, legends, and traditions that have shaped the Arikara''s unique heritage and identity.George A. Dorsey, a distinguished anthropologist and ethnographer, presents a meticulously researched collection of Arikara folklore, providing readers with a rare and authentic glimpse into the spiritual and social life of this Native American tribe. Traditions of the Arikara captures the essence of Arikara storytelling, preserving the wisdom and cultural values passed down through generations.The book is organized thematically, covering a diverse array of topics including creation myths, hero tales, and moral stories. Dorsey''s engaging prose and faithful retelling ensure that the Arikara''s voice is preserved and honored, offering readers an immersive experience of their cultural narratives.Readers will encounter key figures in Arikara mythology, such as the Trickster and other cultural heroes, and learn about the rituals, ceremonies, and social customs that play a vital role in the community''s spiritual life. Dorsey''s detailed annotations and contextual insights provide a deeper understanding of the symbolic meanings and cultural significance embedded in these stories.Traditions of the Arikara is more than just a collection of folklore; it is an invaluable ethnographic record that sheds light on the Arikara''s worldview, social structure, and historical experiences. Dorsey''s respectful and thorough documentation highlights the resilience and richness of Arikara culture.Join George A. Dorsey on a journey into the heart of Arikara culture and discover the timeless stories that continue to inspire and teach. Traditions of the Arikara is a captivating exploration of a people''s heritage, offering readers a profound connection to the wisdom and spirit of the Arikara.