Autor: Cornelius Mathews

Cornelius Mathews (1817–1889) was an American writer and critic, part of the Young America movement, a literary group that sought to promote democratic ideals and American cultural nationalism. He is perhaps best-known today for his work „The Indian Fairy Book: From the Original Legends, “ which is a collection of Native American folktales and legends adapted for a wider audience. Mathews demonstrated his unique literary style by rendering these indigenous narratives in a manner that sought to preserve their authenticity while rendering them accessible and entertaining to children and adults alike. A contemporary of authors like Edgar Allan Poe and Nathaniel Hawthorne, Mathews was noteworthy during his time for his efforts to infuse American literature with a spirit of national identity, albeit through a lens that can now be viewed as colored by the period“s cultural and colonial biases. Over his career, Mathews contributed numerous works to American letters, including poetry, plays, and critical essays. Though largely overshadowed by his contemporaries, Mathews laid foundational work in the development of American mythopoetic tradition, exploring the integration of folklore and the crafting of an American literary voice, as reflected in his work with Native American tales. His endeavors were emblematic of his era“s literary quest and remained critical as a reflection of the complexities inherent in the shaping of American cultural and literary identities.