Chinnubbie and the Owl: Muscogee (Creek) Stories, Orations, and Oral Traditions

Description

Though he died at the age of thirty-four| the Muscogee (Creek) poet| journalist| and humorist Alexander Posey (1873-1908) was one of the most prolific and influential American Indian writers of his time. This volume of nine stories| five orations| and nine works of oral tradition is the first to collect these entertaining and important works of Muscogee literature. Many of Posey’s stories reflect trickster themes; his orations demonstrate both his rhetorical prowess and his political stance as a “Progressive” Muscogee; and his works of oral tradition reveal his deep cultural roots. Most of these pieces| which first appeared between 1892 and 1907 in Indian Territory newspapers and magazines| have since become rarities| many of the original pieces surviving only as single clippings in a few archives. While Muscogee oral tradition greatly influenced Posey’s prose| his work was also infused with the Euro-American influences that formed much of his literary education. As this collection demonstrates| Posey used his knowledge of Euro-American literature and history to help write works that championed his own people at a time of profound oppression at the hands of the United States government. Posey’s vivid literary style merges rich regional humor with Muscogee oral tradition in a way that makes him a unique figure in American Indian literature and politics. Chinnubbie and the Owl brings these works of great literary| cultural| and historical value to a new generation of readers. Matthew Wynn Sivils is a doctoral student in English at Oklahoma State University.