Madsen (American literature and culture, U. of Geneva, Switzerland) settles upon a central defining issue of Native literature and culture in this collection of essays. An international group
of contributors expand upon the concept of authenticity in their lives and identities as well as in the writings they make and study, with specific discussion of Chicano, Hawaiian, Canadian
First Nation, and Native people in the U.S. The history of the terms, attitudes, and racism applied to these people, the development of theoretical notions of the Other and similar concepts,
colonialism, post-colonialism, and critique of the American academic environment are among the themes. An interview of Gerald Vizenor (American studies, U. of New Mexico) and A. Robert Lee
(American literature, Nihon U., Tokyo, Japan) and a lengthy introduction by Madsen round out the work. The quality of the volume and the range and depth of its discussion make it a significant
addition to the field. Annotation 穢2010 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
