Allegories of Encounter

More about the book

Focusing on the interplay of literacy and colonialism, Andrew Newman examines Indian captivity narratives to uncover how colonists valued reading and writing as tools for identity and connection to their cultural roots. These narratives illustrate that while colonists sought to distinguish themselves from their Native captors, Indigenous people also acknowledged the significance of literacy, occasionally offering books to captives. This innovative analysis highlights the complex dynamics of power, culture, and communication in colonial America.