AustLit
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Publication Details of Only Known VersionEarliest 2 Known Versions of
Works about this Work
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James Cowan and the White Quest for Black Self
2001
single work
criticism
— Appears in: Australian Aboriginal Studies , no. 1 2001; (p. 1-20)'A literary genre is emerging in which Aborigines are cast as the spiritual saviours of the supposedly alienated Western self. One of the most prolific authors writing in this field is the Australian, James Cowan. Through a series of books Cowan moves further and further into the Aboriginal metaphysical realm until at last, he would have his readers believe, he actually enters the Dreaming and becomes an intrinsic part of it. In this article I critically examine these books, focusing on Cowan's construction of Aborigines and the sorts of claims he makes. I also consider some possible consequences of his particular portrayal of Aborigines. Despite his prominence in this field, and publishers' claims that he is 'an internationally respected authority on Australian Aborigines and other indigenous peoples', his work so far has received little critical analysis.' (Publication Abstract)
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Wisdom at a Safe Distance
1994
single work
review
— Appears in: Australian Book Review , May no. 160 1994; (p. 42)
— Review of Messengers of the Gods : Tribal Elders Reveal the Ancient Wisdom of the Earth 1993 single work prose
-
Wisdom at a Safe Distance
1994
single work
review
— Appears in: Australian Book Review , May no. 160 1994; (p. 42)
— Review of Messengers of the Gods : Tribal Elders Reveal the Ancient Wisdom of the Earth 1993 single work prose -
James Cowan and the White Quest for Black Self
2001
single work
criticism
— Appears in: Australian Aboriginal Studies , no. 1 2001; (p. 1-20)'A literary genre is emerging in which Aborigines are cast as the spiritual saviours of the supposedly alienated Western self. One of the most prolific authors writing in this field is the Australian, James Cowan. Through a series of books Cowan moves further and further into the Aboriginal metaphysical realm until at last, he would have his readers believe, he actually enters the Dreaming and becomes an intrinsic part of it. In this article I critically examine these books, focusing on Cowan's construction of Aborigines and the sorts of claims he makes. I also consider some possible consequences of his particular portrayal of Aborigines. Despite his prominence in this field, and publishers' claims that he is 'an internationally respected authority on Australian Aborigines and other indigenous peoples', his work so far has received little critical analysis.' (Publication Abstract)
- Borneo, Southeast Asia, South and East Asia, Asia,
- Kimberley area, North Western Australia, Western Australia,
- Torres Strait Islands, Queensland,
