This work investigates the diverse mythological traditions across the Americas to provide a systematic, comprehensive survey of indigenous narrative structures. John Bierhorst, a prolific scholar of Native American lore, synthesizes vast amounts of folklore and cultural history into a coherent framework. By organizing these narratives geographically and thematically, the author addresses the lack of modern, overarching descriptive texts on the subject. The study serves as a foundational reference for understanding the complex belief systems of North, Central, and South American civilizations.

Experts and critics recognize this work as a significant contribution to the field of anthropology, noting its ability to make profound concepts accessible to a general audience. The text is frequently cited for its organizational clarity and its role in filling a long-standing gap in the study of Native American narrative traditions.