The history, culture, and present state of Native America is revealed, explored, and explained in this, the most comprehensive reference work on the indigenous peoples of North America ever assembled. Anyone and everyone interested in Native Americans will find Native Americans indispensable. Systematically presenting historical and modern data for all known Native American groups in Canada and the United States, the different groups are listed alphabetically within 10 culture areas.
The volumes are richly illustrated and include photos and drawings, culture area and tribal location maps, a master bibliography, bibliographic citations for each tribal entry, a glossary, and a subject index.
From School Library Journal
Gr 9 Up-This expansive reference work examines over 200 cultural groups from the United States and Canada, arranged by 10 areas. Location, population, language, and a set of historical (precontact) topics are addressed for each nation. Archaeology and mythology are not discussed. The entries end with a brief examination of current legal and economic status as well as daily life. The division into "Historical Information" vs. "Contemporary Information" is frustrating, especially since religion and customs are placed in the former category. According to the introduction, the author's intention is to provide "a snapshot portrait of traditional society," but the treatment of modern practices is sometimes confusing. For example, Navajo religion is discussed as being practiced today while Anishinabe religion is strictly referred to in the past tense, implying that only the former religion is currently being practiced. Clearly the work seeks to support accurate and tactful research of Native American cultures, but these divisions and inconsistencies undermine that goal. Illustrations consist of attractive black-and-white photographs, with few of the national symbols and artwork patterns often required in reports. Information from dwellings to dress is provided, but students trying to draw a picture of the items may need further visual references. Nonetheless, researchers will find the material useful and interesting.-Mary B. McCarthy, ACLIN/Colorado State Library
Copyright 1999 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
From Library Journal
Featuring Native American groups from the northern reaches of Canada to the Rio Grande, this encyclopedia presents basic information about each tribal nation in a consistent manner. Organized geographically, each section begins with an introduction to the area and its original inhabitants. Tribal entries follow, with some smaller related groups discussed together. Each article includes sections on location, population, language, history, religion, government, customs, dwellings, diet, key technology, trade, notable arts, transportation, dress, and war/ weapons. A contemporary section follows, with information on government/reservations, economy, legal status, and daily life. Pritzker (the author of books on Ansel Adams, Mathew Brady, and Edward Curtis) is one of the few authors to attempt a work of this size alone. His presentation is even-handed, although some sections, like art, seem less thorough than others. Pritzker manages for the most part to avoid the extensive duplication found in the more expensive Gale Encyclopedia of Native American Tribes (LJ 5/15/98), but a few small groups, such as the Shinnecock, are excluded. Articles do not have bibliographic references, and citations of books on individual tribes are not included in the bibliography. Still, this is a good choice for public and school libraries that have other options for bibliographic sources.?Mary B. Davis, Huntington Free Lib., Bronx, NY Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Review
"A good choice for public and school libraries."
―
Library Journal
"This expansive reference work examines over 200 cultural groups from the United States and Canada, arranged by 10 areas. . . . Researchers will find the material useful and interesting."
―
School Library Journal
"High school, public, and academic libraries with a need for accurate information on native America would do well to consider purchasing."
―
Reference & User Services Quarterly
About the Author
Barry Pritzker is a professional writer specializing in American history and college writing.
The history, culture, and present state of Native America is revealed, explored, and explained in this, the most comprehensive reference work on the indigenous peoples of North America ever assembled. Anyone and everyone interested in Native Americans will find Native Americans indispensable. Systematically presenting historical and modern data for all known Native American groups in Canada and the United States, the different groups are listed alphabetically within 10 culture areas.
The volumes are richly illustrated and include photos and drawings, culture area and tribal location maps, a master bibliography, bibliographic citations for each tribal entry, a glossary, and a subject index.
From School Library Journal
Gr 9 Up-This expansive reference work examines over 200 cultural groups from the United States and Canada, arranged by 10 areas. Location, population, language, and a set of historical (precontact) topics are addressed for each nation. Archaeology and mythology are not discussed. The entries end with a brief examination of current legal and economic status as well as daily life. The division into "Historical Information" vs. "Contemporary Information" is frustrating, especially since religion and customs are placed in the former category. According to the introduction, the author's intention is to provide "a snapshot portrait of traditional society," but the treatment of modern practices is sometimes confusing. For example, Navajo religion is discussed as being practiced today while Anishinabe religion is strictly referred to in the past tense, implying that only the former religion is currently being practiced. Clearly the work seeks to support accurate and tactful research of Native American cultures, but these divisions and inconsistencies undermine that goal. Illustrations consist of attractive black-and-white photographs, with few of the national symbols and artwork patterns often required in reports. Information from dwellings to dress is provided, but students trying to draw a picture of the items may need further visual references. Nonetheless, researchers will find the material useful and interesting.-Mary B. McCarthy, ACLIN/Colorado State Library
Copyright 1999 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
From Library Journal
Featuring Native American groups from the northern reaches of Canada to the Rio Grande, this encyclopedia presents basic information about each tribal nation in a consistent manner. Organized geographically, each section begins with an introduction to the area and its original inhabitants. Tribal entries follow, with some smaller related groups discussed together. Each article includes sections on location, population, language, history, religion, government, customs, dwellings, diet, key technology, trade, notable arts, transportation, dress, and war/ weapons. A contemporary section follows, with information on government/reservations, economy, legal status, and daily life. Pritzker (the author of books on Ansel Adams, Mathew Brady, and Edward Curtis) is one of the few authors to attempt a work of this size alone. His presentation is even-handed, although some sections, like art, seem less thorough than others. Pritzker manages for the most part to avoid the extensive duplication found in the more expensive Gale Encyclopedia of Native American Tribes (LJ 5/15/98), but a few small groups, such as the Shinnecock, are excluded. Articles do not have bibliographic references, and citations of books on individual tribes are not included in the bibliography. Still, this is a good choice for public and school libraries that have other options for bibliographic sources.?Mary B. Davis, Huntington Free Lib., Bronx, NY
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Review
"A good choice for public and school libraries."
―
Library Journal
"This expansive reference work examines over 200 cultural groups from the United States and Canada, arranged by 10 areas. . . . Researchers will find the material useful and interesting."
―
School Library Journal
"High school, public, and academic libraries with a need for accurate information on native America would do well to consider purchasing."
―
Reference & User Services Quarterly
About the Author
Barry Pritzker is a professional writer specializing in American history and college writing.