The Voice in the Margin: Native American Literature and the Canon

The Voice in the Margin explores American Indian literature and argues that it should be included in the broader canon of American literature. It is a valuable contribution to contemporary cultural studies, particularly for anthropologists, folklorists, and students of literature.

Format: Hardback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 15 July 2022
Publisher: University of California Press

The Voice in the Margin is a groundbreaking work that delves into the realm of American Indian literature, presenting it as a vibrant and captivating body of work that challenges our understanding of what constitutes a truly inclusive American literature. At a time when the most influential national media have placed significant emphasis on the literary canon, the book emerges as a timely and thought-provoking exploration of this critical topic. It prompts us to expand our conception of the literary canon and its relationship to an international, cosmopolitan literary tradition.

The book arrives at a juncture when the literary canon has become a subject of widespread public interest and scholarly debate. The media, driven by their influential platforms, have expressed strong opinions on what the American student should or should not consider essential or core texts. This debate continues to be fervently contested, even in the present day.

Arnold Krupat, in his compelling argument, asserts that the literary expressions of the indigenous peoples of the United States warrant more than mere marginal attention. With a firm grasp of both literary history and contemporary critical theory, Krupat skillfully situates Indian literature, both traditional and modern, within various contexts and categories. His extensive knowledge of the history and current theory of ethnography makes The Voice in the Margin an invaluable resource for anthropologists, folklorists, students, and teachers of literature, both canonical and noncanonical.

The breadth of materials covered, the diverse perspectives considered, and the impressive learning displayed in the book make it a significant contribution to the dynamic field of contemporary cultural studies. This title is part of UC Press' Voices Revived program, which commemorates the University of California Press' commitment to seek out and nurture the brightest minds and provide them with a platform to express their ideas, reach a wider audience, and have a lasting impact. Drawing on a rich backlist dating back to 1893, Voices Revived showcases the enduring legacy of UC Press in promoting intellectual discourse and cultural exploration.

Weight: 454g
Dimension: 216 x 140 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780520365278