California Indian Folklore

California Indian Folklore, which was first published in 1936, is a fascinating book, well written, and full of interesting first hand lore of California’s Yokuts Indians. It is because Frank Latta was able to interview the last of the old tribal leaders that this book exists. Latta’s expertise in gaining information from the Yokuts has enabled us to preserve, in writing, some of their heritage.

California Indian Folklore is a valuable resource on the life of the Yokuts of the San Joaquin Valley. The Yokuts, overall, were a happy people who made admirable use of the natural resources that surrounded them. It would make excellent first person quotes for exhibits or school study, even at the elementary level. The reader who has an interest in early California native ways will enjoy this historic volume.