Song from the Earth. American Indian Painting

Boston: New York Graphic Society. (1976). Highwater was one of the controversial figures in the field of Native American literature. He claimed to be of Blackfeet/Cherokee heritage, but critics disputed that and saw it as yet another case of exploitation of Native Americans -- in this case, Native American heritage and ethnicity itself, and the "authenticity" that comes with it -- by self-promoting whites. For nearly 30 years, though, "Highwater" -- his real name was Jackie Marks -- wrote extensively on American Indian culture and was one of the most visible promoters of Native American interests. He won awards for his writing and his other works, including some from Native American organizations and tribes. His ethnicity may have been a sham -- it was -- but for a time he was an important contemporary literary voice dealing with matters of Native American culture and heritage, with a hefty dose of self-promotion folded in. His writing was prolific, and his books -- on Native American painting, dance, and other subjects -- filled voids left by other writers and became landmarks in their fields. This title, Song From the Earth, an introduction to American Indian painting, and The Sweet Grass Lives On, a subsequent volume that introduced 50 contemporary American Indian artists, together helped launch the trend in collecting contemporary Indian art, and reviving memory of such artists as "the Kiowa Five," from the early 20th century, as well as promoting more contemporary artists. Inscribed by the author. Near fine in a near fine, price-clipped dust jacket worn at the corners and spine extremities. Unless otherwise noted, our first editions are first printings. First Edition. Hardcover. Near Fine.