Choice Review

Recognized by his peers as a preeminent folklorist, anthropologist, and Native American studies scholar (as shown, for example, by his election to the presidency of the American Folklore Society in the mid-1960s), Melville Jacobs remains a recognized authority in his fields of inquiry. By compiling some of Jacobs' best published and unpublished theoretical and methodological essays, transcriptions of Northwest Indian narratives (primarily Chinook, Kalapuya, Sahaptin, and Coos), and analyses of those texts, the editors bring together an essential resource in folklore, anthropology, and Native American studies. Although some of his theoretical positions are dated today, Jacobs' published work on theory and methodology served to push disciplinary inquiry forward. Appropriately, since he was a premier collector and interpreter of Northwest Indian myths, legends, and folktales, this compilation includes strong representations not only of Jacobs' scholarly writing, but also of his collected texts. The introductory biographical essay on Jacobs is an excellent contextual recounting of his life, his studies, and the development of his theoretical and methodological orientations. The complete Jacobs bibliography, including his copious reviews, is a valuable resource for researchers. Highly recommended for graduate students, researchers, faculty, professionals, and practitioners. J. B. Wolford; University of Missouri--St. Louis