John Rollin Ridge's literary work has been regarded as a prime example of early Native American writing in English. His novel and poetry are widely studied in literature courses and American Indian studies programs. His journalistic writing, especially his pieces on American Indians, is less widely known but is important because of its perspective. Ridge's The Life and Adventures of Joaquín Murieta, the Celebrated California Bandit (1854) is considered to be the first novel written in California, as well as the first written by an American Indian. The Life and Adventures of Joaquín Murieta was extremely popular and was widely pirated. Versions appeared as books, were serialized in periodicals, and were translated into foreign languages. Adaptations appeared in verse, and at least one motion picture was based on Ridge's story. Although many versions were produced in the nineteenth century, others have appeared more recently, including...