Waterlily by Ella Cara Deloria is a foundational work in Native American ethnography that blends narrative voice with scholarly insight. This article highlights five relevant editions and companion titles to help readers understand its context, content, and continuing influence. Each entry offers a concise overview, notable features, and access to a trusted Amazon listing for convenient viewing or purchase. Readers will gain perspective on editorial approaches, historical framing, and the enduring importance of Deloria’s ethnographic contributions.
| Product | Author/Editor | Format | Amazon Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waterlily | Ella Cara Deloria, Susan Gardner, Raymond J. DeMallie | Book | View |
| Waterlily (REV 09) by Deloria, Ella Cara [Paperback (2009)] | Deloria | Paperback | View |
| Waterlily by Ella Cara Deloria (1988-06-01) | Unknown author | Book | View |
| Water-lily by Ella Cara Deloria (1988-02-01) | Ella Cara Deloria | Book | View |
| Study Guide: Waterlily by Ella Cara Deloria (SuperSummary) | SuperSummary | Kindle Edition / Study Guide | View |
Waterlily

Overview: This edition presents Waterlily as a landmark ethnographic narrative grounded in the Lakota Sioux community. The collaboration with Susan Gardner (Introduction) and Raymond J. DeMallie (Afterword) provides context for readers seeking scholarly framing alongside Deloria’s firsthand accounts. The book blends participant observation with cultural analysis, illuminating rituals, kinship, and daily life that define Waterlily’s world.
Key features:
– Comprehensive introduction and afterword that situate the work within American anthropology.
– Accessible narrative style that blends ethnography with storytelling.
– Scholarly apparatus that supports classroom and independent study.
– Durable paperback format suitable for libraries and personal shelves.
Waterlily (Rev 09)

Overview: This revision presents Waterlily in a refreshed paperback edition, preserving Deloria’s core ethnographic material while updating editorial notes for contemporary readers. It’s a useful option for those who want a compact, updated format without sacrificing depth. The edition remains faithful to Deloria’s voice and the book’s ethnographic aims.
Key features:
– Updated notes for modern readers and scholars.
– Concise format that maintains essential ethnographic detail.
– Compatible with academic syllabi and independent reading lists.
Waterlily (1988) – Unknown Author

Overview: This edition reflects historical reception and availability from the late 1980s. It serves as a window into how Waterlily was first circulated to audiences, including academics and readers seeking foundational ethnography. The anonymous author credit highlights the book’s position as a product of its time and scholarly networks.
Key features:
– Historical edition useful for bibliographic comparison.
– Intact narrative core with minimal editorial alteration.
– Helpful for tracing the book’s publication history.
Water-lily by Ella Cara Deloria (1988)

Overview: This listing reflects another 1988 publication under Deloria’s authorship, emphasizing Waterlily’s continued availability across decades. It demonstrates the enduring relevance of Deloria’s ethnographic methodology and its role in shaping later Indigenous studies discourse.
Key features:
– Longstanding edition with enduring scholarly value.
– Accessible format for researchers and students.
– Enhanced bibliographic presence in library catalogs.
Study Guide: Waterlily (SuperSummary)

Overview: The SuperSummary study guide provides a concise companion resource designed to support readers and students. While not a primary edition of Waterlily, it offers structured summaries, analysis prompts, and study aids to facilitate deeper engagement with Deloria’s work. It is useful for classroom discussion and exam preparation.
Key features:
– Chapter-by-chapter summaries and analysis.
– Discussion prompts and study strategies.
– Kindle edition convenience for on-the-go reading.
Buying Guide: Key Purchase Considerations
Edition fit: Determine whether you want the authentic historical edition for scholarly tracking, a revised paperback for updated notes, or a study guide for classroom use. Each option serves different reading objectives and academic contexts.
Editorial context: Look for introductions and afterwords that explain Deloria’s methodology, cultural context, and the work’s impact within anthropology and Indigenous studies. These elements enhance comprehension and critical engagement.
Format and accessibility: Paperback and Kindle formats offer convenience for different reading preferences. If you need durable shelf copies for libraries, opt for a well-bound edition with reliable print quality. For quick study, digital editions provide portability.
Audience alignment: University courses may favor edition notes and scholarly apparatus, while general readers might prefer editions that preserve narrative flow with accessible introductions. Consider your purpose and reading background when choosing.
Comparative value: If possible, compare editions side by side to understand editorial changes and how they affect interpretation of Waterlily’s themes, such as kinship, ritual life, and cultural continuity.