Following the success of First Invaders (Ronsdale, 2004), Alan Twigg turns his attention to First Nations writers, unearthing more than 300 books by more than 170 mostly unheralded British Columbia aboriginal authors. Taking the reader from residential schools to art galleries, this lively and unprecedented panorama of British Columbia includes trailblazer Pauline Johnson, political organizer George Manuel and Haida carver Bill Reid. Equally important, Aboriginality sheds new light on fascinating, lesser-known figures such as Chief William Sepass, and Howard Adams, to name only two. Nearly half the author profiles are women, including Marilyn Dumont, Lizette Hall and Heather Harris. Each author is presented in historical and chronological context, along with background material on aboriginal history, as well as rare photos, illustrations and a comprehensive bibliography. "Alan Twiggs Aboriginality is unprecedented and indispensable." —Howard White, publisher, Encyclopedia of British Columbia.

Alan Twigg is the publisher and editor of BC Book World, Canada's largest-circulating publication about books. He has also been contributing editor of Quill & Quire, Canadian books columnist for the Vancouver Province, books columnist for Vancouver magazine, a contributor of profiles to the Toronto Star and the Writers Union of Canada representative on the board of directors of the Canadian Centre for Studies in Publishing. In 2000, he was the first recipient of the Gray Campbell Distinguished Service Award for outstanding contibutions to literature and publishing.

Alan is the author of ten previous titles including For Openers: Conversations with 24 Canadian Writers, Hubert Evans: The First Ninety-Three Years, Vancouver and Its Writers, Vander Zalm: from Immigrant to Premier, First Invaders: The Literary Origins of British Columbia and Cuba: 101 Top Historical Sites.

Alan Twigg's profile page

• Nominated, Aboriginal Books for Canadian Schools

“Aboriginality is not a comprehensive reference work by any means, but it’s something more valuable: a starting point for discovering the mostly unsung native writers who have put pen to paper in B.C. . . . a must-read.”—Vancouver Sun

“Alan Twigg’s Aboriginality is unprecedented and indispensable.”—Howard White, Publisher, Encyclopedia of British Columbia

“[Aboriginality] offers a wealth of selections, a menu to explore, to devour, for any readers with similar motivation to know this place and its cultures.”—Prairie Fire

“A satisfying read for anyone who is interested in knowing more about the work of Aboriginal writers and artists.”—Pacific Rim Book Review

“Twigg’s new book alters the face of Canadian literature. It is a must-read.”—Wendy Wickwire, History Dept., University of Victoria

“Twigg is the Ali Baba of Canadian literary studies. He finds literary gems from the often silent and discursive past and brings them to life.”—Papers of the Bibliographical Society of Canada