Cherokee History, Myths, and Sacred Formulas

This new edition of Mooney's books features a biographical introduction by George Ellison that provides background information on Mooney's life. The foreword is written by Principal Chief of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, Michell Hicks.

Barbara R. Duncan, of the Museum of the Cherokee, said this in part of her introduction:

"...For Cherokee people who grew up immersed in the culture, however, Mooney's words can provide valuable details in the voices of grandmothers and grandfathers from the past. For the rest of us, this work gives us a glimpse of a remarkable people and a remarkable man who diligently recorded their words, their beliefs, and their lives.

This comprehensive work details and records the history, material culture, oral tradition, language, arts, and religion of the Eastern Cherokee. Mr. Mooney lived with, ate with, even spoke with the Cherokee in their native tongue, and his work was relied upon by students of Native American culture, general readers, and many of the Cherokee people themselves. Combing various methods of research and utilizing sources form his subjects, Mooney added a new dimension to the recording of Native American history.