On Our Own Ground

Makes available in a superb scholarly edition not only the first published autobiography by a Native American (1829 originally), but also a range of historical, political, and personal writings. The anger in Apess's work, . . . always eloquent, serves a depth of analysis and a layered irony that make pressing claims on any catalog of what is finest and most significant in American literary history.'—New York Times Book Review
'The appearance of this volume brings to center stage a writer of great importance and power, the first Native American to speak fully in his own words about the appalling racism of the early republic. . . . With the publication of this work, those who care about what passes for nineteenth-century American literature can never be the same.'—New England Quarterly
'A milestone in the evolution of American literary and historical scholarship. By bringing Apess's voice before the public, Barry O'Connell has both broadened our understanding of the literary canon and extended our definition of Native American history. . . . This book should be a part of any library of American letters.'—Frederick E. Hoxie, Director, D'Arcy McNickle Center for the History of the American Indian, Newberry Library
'O'Connell's introduction is exemplary in the solidity of its research and the sophistication of its readings. This volume renders a real service to students in a variety of disciplines.'—Arnold Krupat, Sarah Lawerence College
'In addition to rescuing Apess from obscurity, the book adds substantially to our understanding of New England Indian history in the post-colonial period. . . . O'Connell's introduction is a first-rate piece of work that will be widely recognized above and beyond the edited collection for a long time to come.'—Neal Salisbury, Smith College