5 books found
Examination of etiquette in fifteen of Cooper's novels
In "A Parody Outline of History," Donald Ogden Stewart presents a witty and incisive reimagining of historical narratives, weaving humor with a keen critique of societal conventions. Stewart employs a satirical literary style, using parody to explore the absurdities of history and the folly of human endeavors. This work reflects the emerging trends of the early 20th century, where intellectuals sought to question and deconstruct established narratives, thereby resonating strongly with contemporaneous movements in literature and thought, such as modernism and anti-establishment sentiments. Donald Ogden Stewart was a prominent figure in the American literary landscape, known for his sharp intellect and penchant for humor. As a member of the Algonquin Round Table, he was immersed in a world of creativity and critical discourse. His experiences as a playwright, novelist, and essayist informed his approach to "A Parody Outline of History," allowing him to craft a work that not only entertains but also provokes deeper reflection on the nature of history and human misadventures. This book is highly recommended for readers looking to engage with historical discourse through a humorous lens. Stewart's masterful parody offers profound insights into human behavior while providing a delightful reading experience. It stands as an essential text for anyone interested in the intersection of history, humor, and literary innovation. In this enriched edition, we have carefully created added value for your reading experience: - A succinct Introduction situates the work's timeless appeal and themes. - The Synopsis outlines the central plot, highlighting key developments without spoiling critical twists. - A detailed Historical Context immerses you in the era's events and influences that shaped the writing. - A thorough Analysis dissects symbols, motifs, and character arcs to unearth underlying meanings. - Reflection questions prompt you to engage personally with the work's messages, connecting them to modern life. - Hand‐picked Memorable Quotes shine a spotlight on moments of literary brilliance. - Interactive footnotes clarify unusual references, historical allusions, and archaic phrases for an effortless, more informed read.
by Arthur Wellesley Henry, Clifford Penny Fitch, Fred Alfred Krantz, Frederic Leonard Washburn, H. C. H. Kernkamp, Herbert Kendall Hayes, Holbrook Working, John Donald Black, Willard L. Boyd
1924
This book recounts the reservation period of the Cheyennes and the Arapahoes in western Oklahoma and the following fifteen years. It is an investigation-and an indictment-of the assimilation and reservation policies thrust upon them in the latter half of the nineteenth century, policies that succeeded only in doing enormous damage to sturdy, vital people. Confined to a reservation in the Indian Territory in 1875, the Southern Cheyennes and their neighbors, the Arapahoes, traditionally hunting and mobile societies, were forced into the federal government's image of "educated, Christian farmer-citizens." Lacking the support of adequate appropriations or protective legislation, the Cheyennes' lives were dominated by hunger, disease, and despair. Continuing niggardliness on the part of Congress in providing adequate agricultural equipment and instruction and an environment hostile to cultivation made agricultural self-sufficiency all but impossible. The continued reduction of their land base through allotments under the 1887 Dawes Act and later leasing and sale of land to whites further eroded the Indians' meager sources of income and security. An educational policy that left Cheyenne children without hope of jobs, the banning of traditional religious ceremonies, the prejudice of white citizens and institutions, and the undermining of the roles of head men and medicine men led to further despair. But, as the author demonstrates, despite these crushing burdens and in the face of the slow and inevitable changes in the society, the Southern Cheyennes retained their identity, a testimony to their courage and character. This well-documented, compassionate account of the ordeal of the two tribes serves as a classic example of what happened to America's Indians at the hands of the whites.
Until now Apache history has been fragmented, offered in books dealing with specific bands or groups-the Mescaleros, Mimbreños, Chiricahuas, and the more distant Kiowa Apaches, Lipans, and Jicarillas. In this book, Donald E. Worcester synthesizes the total historical experience of the Apaches, from the post-Conquest Spanish era to the late twentieth century. In clear, fluent prose he focuses primarily on the nineteenth century, the era of the Apaches' sometimes splintered but always determined resistance to the white intruders. They were never a numerous tribe, but, in their daring and skill as commando-like raiders, they well deserved the name "Eagles of the Southwest." The book highlights the many defensive stands and the brilliant assaults the Apaches made on their enemies. The only effective strategy against them was to divide and conquer, and the Spaniards (and after them the Anglo-Americans) employed it extensively, using renegade Indians as scouts, feeding traveling bands, and trading with them at their presidios and missions. When the Mexican Revolution disrupted this pattern in 1810, the Apaches again turned to raiding, and the Apache wars that erupted with the arrival of the Anglo-Americans constitute some of the most sensational chapters in America's military annals. The author describes the Apaches' life today on the Arizona and New Mexico reservations, where they manage to preserve some of the traditional ceremonies, while trying to provide livelihoods for all their people. The Apaches still have a proud history in their struggles against overwhelming odds of numbers and weaponry. Worcester here re-creates that history in all its color and drama.