Through the kindly but mysterious Basket Woman, cocky young glaciers, ancient Paiutes, and clever rabbits become the companions and teachers of Alan, the young son of homsteaders in early Nevada. The Basket Woman doesn't simply tell stories: She transports her young friend into powerful mythic tales where Alan learns the secret of the trees and animals and the wisdom of the people who flourisehd before the arrival of white settlers. A preface by Austin and a new introductgion by Austin scholar Mark Schlenz provide ample context for a multilevel appreciation of one of this remarkable writer's most important works.