NOTICES OF THE PRESS.
"We hope that Dr. Brinton will receive every encouragement in his labors to disclose to Americans these literary antiquities of the Continent. He eminently deserves it, both by the character of his undertaking and the quality of his work."—The American (Phila.)
"It would be difficult to praise too highly the task Dr. Brinton has set before him. Prepared by long studies in the same field, he does not undertake the work as a novice. … There should be no hesitation among those who wish well to American antiquarianism in subscribing to the series edited and published by Dr. Brinton."—The Critic.
"Dr. Brinton's work upon the history of the Mayas or Aborigines of Yucatan [the "Maya Chronicles">[ is a most important contribution to the literature of American antiquities. … Comparative linguists, as well as archaeologists, will find a new and very interesting subject of study in these remains."—The Saturday Review (London).
"The efforts of Dr. Brinton will be welcomed by all antiquarian students, for they are not only original contributions, but are also presented in a readable and interesting manner."—The American Antiquarian.
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No. II. The IROQUOIS BOOK OF RITES.
Edited by HORATIO HALE, Esq.
1 vol., 8vo. Price, paper, $3.00; cloth, $3.50.
The "BOOK OF RITES" is a native composition, which was preserved orally for centuries, and was written down about a century ago. It gives the speeches, songs and ceremonies which were rehearsed when a chief died and his successor was appointed. The fundamental laws of the League, a list of their ancient towns, and the names of the chiefs who composed their first council, are also comprised in the work. It may be said to carry the authentic history of Northern America back to a period fifty years earlier than the era of Columbus. The introductory essay treats of the ethnology and history of the Huron-Iroquois League and its founders, the origin of the Book of Rites, the composition of the Federal Council, the clan system, the laws of the League, and the Iroquois character, public policy, and language.