The first novel to feature a Mexican American hero- an adventure tale about Mexicans rising up against U.S. rule in California, based on the real-life bandit who inspired the creation of Zorro, the Lone Ranger, and Batman.
John Rollin Ridge (1827-1867), also known as Yellow Bird, was born
in Georgia to a Cherokee father, who was murdered by a Cherokee
leader for having supported the treaty that led to the Trail of
Tears. After killing a man who had stolen his horse, Ridge fled to
California, where he identified with Mexican Americans who had been
displaced from their land by white settlers. He wrote for the San
Francisco Herald, among other publications, and was the first
editor of the Sacramento Bee. His only novel, The Life and
Adventures of Joaquin Murieta, was published in 1854.
Hsuan L. Hsu (editor/introducer) is a professor of English at the
University of California, Davis.
Diana Gabaldon (foreword) is the author of the multimillion-copy #1
New York Times bestselling Outlander series. She lives in
Scottsdale, Arizona, with her husband.
Remarkably readable and entertaining ... Offers a window on the
real social dynamics - race, culture and prejudices - of the time
and may offer grounds for reflection on how much things have
changed. Or haven't.
*Diana Gabaldon*
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