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The Indian queen

By Ann S. Stephens
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About This Book

Mahaska, a young woman of mixed French and Seneca descent, rises to a position of authority among the Iroquois and uses charisma and ritual prestige to press her claims. She confronts factional opposition from rival chiefs who conspire against her while she seeks to prove herself by leading a campaign against a neighboring tribe, balancing personal ambition, prophetic visions, and political calculation to secure loyalty. The narrative combines council-house intrigue and frontier conflict with examinations of cultural identity, gendered power, vengeance, and the role of ceremony in shaping communal decisions.

About the Author

Stephens, Ann S. portrait

Ann S. Stephens

Ann S. Stephens was a prominent American novelist and writer in the 19th century, known for her contributions to the genre of domestic fiction. She authored several notable works, including "Malaeska: The Indian Wife of the White Hunter," which reflects her interest in themes of cultural conflict and identity. Stephens often explored the complexities of women's lives and societal expectations in her narratives, as seen in titles like "A Noble Woman" and "Fashion and Famine." Her writing not only entertained but also provided commentary on the social issues of her time, making her a significant figure in the literary landscape of her era.

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