Hobomok and Other Writings on Indians

Hobomok, A Tale of Early Times is the provocative story of an upperclass white woman who marries an Indian chief, has a child, then leaves him--with the child--for another man. This novel, originally published in 1824, is a powerful first among antipatriarchal and antiracist novels in American literature. In addition, this collection contains seven remarkable short stories; an extract on Indian women from Child's groundbreaking History of the Condition of Women in Various Ages and Nations (1835); a selection from her best-selling volume of journalistic sketches, Letters from New-York (1843); and her eloquent Appeal for Indians (1868). This revised edition of "Hobomok" and Other Writings on Indians includes three new stories--"The Church in the Wilderness," "Willie Wharton," and "The Indians"--as well as explanatory notes and an updated bibliography.

Lydia Marie Child (1802-1880) was a celebrated American author, abolitionist, and women's rights activist. Born in Medford, MA, her grandfather's house still stands near the Mystic River as a tangible reminder of her most memorable poem.

Carolyn L. Karcher is a professor of American Studies and English at Temple University and the author of The First Woman in the Republic: A Cultural Biography of Lydia Maria Child.