NY, Vantage Press, (1977). A self-made review copy of the first book by this Crow Creek Sioux author: a collection of stories and poems published by a so-called "vanity press." Vanity press books from this era often received no distribution from their publishers at all, and were eventually pulped; often the only copies that circulated were the ones the author distributed. Vantage Press, which published this book, was one of the oldest vanity presses in the U.S.; it lost a class action lawsuit filed by its authors when a judge determined that its claim to be an actual publisher was fraudulent, and the press did not promote or distribute copies of the authors' books. Cook-Lynn has taken matters into her own hands with this copy, writing "Review Copy" on the flyleaf and including an autograph letter signed, on Eastern Washington State College stationery, dated August, 1977, and addressed "Sirs." She states that she is enclosing a review copy, which she hopes they "find interesting," and adds "Since I am not sure about promotion & distribution, I must refer your inquiries to Vantage Press, N.Y.C. - But will be glad to answer any queries on other related topics." Signed "Liz Cook." Cook-Lynn is the author of The Power of Horses and From the River's Edge, among others, and is one of the most highly praised and frequently anthologized Native American writers working today. She has written a novel, Aurelia: A Crow Creek Trilogy, and co-authored The Politics of Hallowed Ground: Wounded Knee and the Struggle for Indian Sovereignty. The letter is folded in thirds and a bit creased and sunned on the edges; near fine. The book is fine in a near fine dust jacket. Illustrations by two Native American artists, Sam Leader Charge and his wife, Sonny Tuttle. An uncommon book in the original edition, and a rare glimpse of the author's literary beginnings and her efforts to find an audience for her work. [#032897] SOLD