Encyclopedia of Native American Bows, Arrows & Quivers: Volume 1: Northeast, Southeast, and Midwest

This is a very detailed informative book which has helped me greatly in recreating Native bows and arrows.

It is true that this book is not a how-to book, but I think that was the author's intention. What it is, is a much-needed reference work, indeed, it is the first and certainly most up-to-date record of American Indian archery equipment. It's been at least 50 years since a book of this sort has been published. My only objection is that the book does not (cannot?) provide enough context or provenance; this is a minor objection. Perhaps fans of Hamm would be more satisfied with Bows and Arrows of the Native Americans. I'd say the book is directed more towards the ethnographer or anthropologist; however, the book is clearly an invaluable reference for the traditional archer/bowyer (hey, this is a "living" hobby - be creative), as it provides dimensions, materials used, colors, and closeups of designs. Fans of American Indian art in gerneral will also appreciate it. Volume II, which should be available before the end of the year, should be at least as good.

I read the two previous reviews, so before buying I exactly knew what to expect.I received my book a couple of days ago, I really liked it, at least for what it is, a kind of catalog of bows, perfectly drawn, with explanation of wood used, dimensions, and colours.This on Tribe by Tribe basis.I'll wait volume 2, about western and Plains Indians.So, if you are really intrested in Native American bows, this is a book to buy, if you prefer something like a "how to", than the traditional Bowyer's bibles are more fit to what you want. Alberto

well, I really enjoyed the book, the drawings are really good, therre has been a real information work and the bows are wonderful, I was searching for informations about american indian archery, I've found it.when one knows how to build bows he can find all informations in order to make a replica: length, width, wood used, cross section, color of the paint used and so on. I'm waiting for the next one...