The Religions of the American Indians: Volume 5

The history of the world is in large part a history of its religions. Hultkrantz's book is an excellent resource on the religions and history of the American indigenous peoples. The book is divided into two parts. Part one covers the religions of the tribal cultures. Hulkrantz also does a great job in explaining all of the anthropological terms used in the descriptions. Also very interesting is the analysis of broad themes found throughout North and South America that links the beliefs of all the tribes from their origins. Part Two covers what Hultkrantz calls "Nuclear America" or the region extending from Mexico to Peru including the religions of the high cultures or advanced civilizations of the Inca, Maya, and Aztec. Readers of this book will finish with a very broad understanding of American Indian history, culture, and religion. A re-reading will give an in-depth knowledge of these cultures.

The book has achieved its goal of overviewing the religious belief systems of Native American tribes of north and south america. Excellent resource book for religious comparative studies and Native American tribal studies. Easily readable. Recommended!