The Rise and Fall of North American Indians: From Prehistory Through Geronimo

My husband was reading this on a recent vacation and it got left behind in the final packing. We got home and bought it again! If this topic interests you it's certainly worth buying once.

What a wonderful exploration of America's prehistory. William Brandon examines the findings and controversies of original Americans from the beginning through their ultimate engulfing by the Old World immigrants His approach is to focus a traveling spotlight on each of the critical cultures through the ages in an effort to offer information in a way to encourage the reader to gain an understanding of the importance and context of successive groups. Interspersed amongst this unfolding are three "Through the Looking Glass" chapters wherein he considers the relevance of what has transpired and considers the viewpoints of scholars in conflict. His use of "soft" footnotes--extensive references in a back section, unnumbered, thereby avoiding the unwelcome interruption numbered notes can cause--is a stroke of genius, allowing the focused reader a smooth journey through his narrative. My only criticism: his economy of language--never using two words when one will do--which makes the reading slow, yet rich. I liken the experience to taking a taste of concentrate then having to add the water (thinking) to complete the process. For readers who prefer every idea be expressed verbally, this may be a challenge, but to those who like to read with their rational gift engaged, this will be a heartening experience. I wish he had lived to read my praise in person.