Enthralling generations of readers, the narrative of capture by Native Americans is arguably the first American literary form dominated by women's experiences. Many such captivity narratives were fact-based but often transformed by authors or editors into spellbinding adventure stories, sentimental tales, spiritual autobiographies, or anti-Indian propaganda.

For this pioneering collection, Kathryn Zabelle Derounian-Stodola has selected ten complete narratives that span two hundred years (1682-1892) and show literary as well as geographical diversity. From Mary Rowlandson's famous account and Hannah Dustan's infamous escape (after she scalped her captors), to Sarah Wakefield's passionate critique of white society and Mary Jemison's permanent transculturation to Indian life, a variety of experiences is represented here.

Derounian-Stodola's fascinating introduction to the history and influence of the genre shows it to be a foundation text of American culture with enduring popular appeal.