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WCU - Horace Kephart

David T. Pottinger to Horace Kephart, September 17, 1929

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  • In a letter to Horace Kephart on September 17, 1929, David T. Pottinger writes from the Harvard University Press about Professor Stith Thompson's “Tales of the North American Indians” and encourages him to purchase a copy.
  • HARVARD UNIVERSITY PRESS CAMBRIDGE MASSACHUSETTS September 17, 1929 X Dear Sir: Everyone who has been attracted to the stirring tales told by the North American Indians, has doubtless had his first enthusiasm cooled by the sight of the enormous mass of material he must wade through and by the discovery that this material is full of vain repetitions. Nevertheless it is safe to say that the stories which scientists have gathered in the past twenty-five years from the Indian tribes, make up the most representative and the most fascinating body of folk-tales we have from any primitive people. In order to bring this material into manageable compass for the general reader, Professor Stith Thompson of Indiana University has gathered in his new book, "Tales of the North American Indians," ninety- six stories typical of such of these tales as have gained any general currency. Here we find not only an interesting glimpse into the mind of the American Indian but a collection of short stories worthy of perusal for their own sake. They reflect in an inimitable way the life of the aborigines in the days before the coming of white men. For the more specialized student of folklore Professor Thompson has provided a separate section devoted to comparative notes, a list of motifs discussed in the notes, a list of his sources arranged by culture areas and tribes, and a complete bibliography. Professor Thompson's "Tales of the North American Indians" is an octavo volume of 410 pagesj the list price is $6.00 a copy, postpaid. Fie shall be glad to send you a copy, with invoice payable in thirty days, upon receipt of your name and address at the bottom of this letter. Very truly yours, DP/P For the Harvard University Press

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Horace Kephart

Background and Early Career Horace Kephart was born in 1862 in Pennsylvania, but spent much of his youth in Iowa. He went on to achieve success in two careers. Trained as a...

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