There are several volumes on the shelves at the Historical Society bookstore devoted to the earliest Humboldters -- the indigenous peoples.  One is a reprint by the Trinidad Museum Society of Yurok Narratives by Robert Spott and A. L. Kroeber.  Kroeber, a professor of anthropology at U. C. Berkeley in the early  20th century, collaborated with Spott on this study and had much praise for the young Yurok man's knowledge and perceptivity.  And although Kroeber's academic Euro-American world view no doubt colors some of his presentation, the book with Spott's input gives us a valuable look at Yurok life and legends. This is supplemented by relevant photographs and appendices.

       The book's first section contains narratives about individual Yuroks and their lives, while the second goes into stories of earlier events and individuals that have almost reached legendary status.  Finally we are given creation myths and other tales that also shine a light on Yurok traditional life and world views, as well as stories of legendary heroes in the early days of the world. All of these entrees came from the authors' extensive interviews with then contemporary Yuroks.

        Together, these stories make compelling reading and intimately reveal Yurok traditional believes, customs and social structures as well as matters such as the handling of domestic and intertribal conflicts.  The myths, sometimes presented in several versions, have the feel of authenticity -- partly because, like all cultures' myths, they seem slightly illogical to contemporary Euro-American eyes. But they also exude a feeling of spiritual connectedness and explain many of the customs and attitudes lingering today.

       This is an enjoyable, mind-expanding book that gives a different, yet familiar, glimpse of our shared land.