Book excerpt: These sixteen stories—ten of which have not been previously published—represent the work of one of the most influential Native American writers of the twentieth century—held by many to be the most important Native Americans to write fiction before N. Scott Momaday. Birgit Hans's introductory essay provides a brief biography of McNickle, sets the stories in the context of his better known work, and provides insights into their literary significance. Together, they constitute a collection essential to an adequate understanding of McNickle and of the development of Native American fiction. CONTENTS The Reservation Hard Riding En roulant ma boule, roulant... Meat for God Snowfall Train Time Montana The Hawk Is Hungry Debt of Gratitude Newcomers Man's Work Going to School The City Manhattan Wedlock Let the War Be Fought In the Alien Corn Six Beautiful in Paris The Silver Locket