Book excerpt: This book was written by the creator of the first definitive, award-winning documentary film on the Mardi Gras Indians: "The Black Indian of New Orleans" (1976). This historical novel allows students to experience the history of the Black Indians through its main character Samba Prudeaux. The reader will experience a firsthand account of slavery including hardships, a slave revolt, and the Seminole underground railroad to Mexico. Preserved in the traditions of the Black Indians of New Orleans, and passed through its elders to Dr. Maurice Martinez, this book also presents the evolution of the culture.