Legends of the Delaware Indians and Picture Writing

The folklore of the Delaware Indians is fascinating for its imagery and affinity with the natural world - this illustrated book contains several of the finest legends and folk stories.

Richard Calmit Adams mixes in stories of heroic prowess and bravery against the day-to-day life of the Delawares. The introductory verse features an elderly Native American man sharing some of the stories of his tribe with children; as well as talking about traditional life and everyday living, he keeps the narration entertaining with a series of legends told between the Delaware tribes for centuries. Although most of the tales are short, they are evocatively written and provide life lessons and cultural insight.

Adams' retelling of the tribal folklore is greatly helped by more than forty illustrations. These depict characters in the stories, scenes of daily life, and traditional drawings and artworks concerning the hunt. Many of the legends concern animals, whom the Delawares considered to be significant representations of the natural world, with the most mighty or beautiful creatures considered to carry magical powers and blessings. After death, their bones and tusks were kept by the tribes for good fortune.