Customer Reviews

500 Nations: An Illustrated History of North American Indians

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This is a wonderfully illustrated history of the Indian nations of North and Central America, From pre-Columbian times to the present. The text is straight forward and easy to read. The entire book is illustrated with rare and enticing paintings, photos, and drawings which help to recreate a powerful history of an ancient people. 500 Nations covers the history of the prehistoric peoples, the arrival of Columbus and the conquest of the New World. It shows how the world of the North American Indians was changed by growing contact with white traders and how, in the end, their world was entirely overwhelmed by the powerful drive of Manifest Destiny. This is definately meant as an introduction to the subject and thus does not delve deeply into the the meat of the matter, but it is still well worth the price for anyone interested in the history of our land and its original inhabitants.

This book opened my eyes to my heritage as a Native American (Hopi/Zuni). Straightforward writing, beautiful illustrations & wonderful pictures. I liked this book because it is a comprehensive study of the First Nations through prehistoric times to the Great Civilizations on to the time of Columbus and the coming of the Europeans. Finally, to the dissemination & destruction of the Native People's religion & culture. This book delves into an often overlooked period of American history- the Native slave trade. For hundreds of years Native peoples were kidnapped and forced into servitude, either sent to European countries or to European owned plantations in the Caribbean. The average Native died within a year after being captured due to harsh cruelty or European disease for which they had no immunity. European diseases wiped out whole tribal populations. I fully recommend that anyone interested in real American history reads this book.

Throughout my days in school, prior to college, the history classes taught me a sugar coated version of what happened in our history. Obviously, history is indeed written by the victors, and most likely, the version will be slanted towards making the ones in charge look good. This book did not focus on an anthropological study, but rather the effects of the Europeans upon the many tribes. In almost all cases, the effect was horrific for the native tribes. If you want to know what injustices were done to the Native Americans by historical figures such as Columbus, for example, read this book. It is not easy to read, but it does open your eyes to how this country came to be.

This book is a grand overview of the history of the native peoples of North America, from the time of first settlement until their ultimate confrontations with European immigrants. Josephy takes us on a tour of the continent from the Mayan and Aztec civilizations to the Inuits. For each group of people, he describes their major accomplishments and customary ways of life. He then traces what happened to the tribes when Europeans determined to take away their lands or resources.

Although I thought I knew a fair amount about the history of Native Americans, as I read this book, I became more and more aware of the enormity of my ignorance. For example, I always wondered before why there were no Native American cities-but Josephy explains that that there were indeed numerous large cities in North America before the arrival of Europeans, but for some reason, most people have never heard of them. Native American history has been suppressed to the extent that school kids never come to understand Native Americans as having any history at all. They never hear about the role the Native Americans played in the early wars over the sovereignty of the continent, let alone the policies of genocide set in place in the Nineteenth Century. It's time that more of this information gets included in general school curricula.

This book is a must have for all U.S. households, along the with the DVD's. It is important for adults and children alike to know the Truth, as harsh as it is. I watched each disc with my two children and they were engrossed with each episode. We have used the book for research for school reports and on the local Native American history for my job. This book is an eye opener for some teachers.

I bought the book and the VHS tapes when they first came out, after watching the show on PBS. After I watched the VHS tapes several times, I borrowed them to my Dad, who has never given them back! I told him to keep them, when I purchased the DVD's.

I have also purchased this book for friends and family who are interested in Native American history. It has been great to see what some of our ancestors were really like and how they were treated by the white men. If you do genealogy, or know that you have Native American ancestors or even closer relatives, you should definitely read this book. I can say that the way my ancestors were treated, angered me a lot. Prepare to feel anger and guilt for what the white men did. But most of all, share your knowledge with someone else, who has the wrong idea about the Native Americans.

I love my copy of this book and read it often. It is very informative, sensitive, and beautifully illustrated. You know: this book would make a perfect college graduation or birthday present, because the recipient will dip into it every now and again, enjoyably, for ever.

If you have the DVD 500 Nations, narrated by actor, director, Kevin Costner, then this is a must have. Both the DVD and the book are excellent. This is another way to learn about history and the Native Americans who were the first ones here in America before the explorers and settlers arrived. It's also a way to think about all the issues that are going on in today's society. Please read this book and see the DVD 500 Nations. Please visit the the Smithsonian Native American Museum in Washington D.C.. You will be amazed and will want to learn more.

I had this book and then lost a 42 year collection of books when my home burned down two years ago. Didn't think I'd find another one. At my age now, I am only replacing the nonfiction big picture books and picture/text. I can read anything I want from the library. I liked that the vendor was a nonprofit organization as well. I liked the quick service and the book was impossible to tell from a new one. Thanks.

A well-organized history of the Native Americans. Information is given in an even-handed factual way - not as it could be in pointing out the ruthless, greedy, inhuman "settlers" of this country, not that different from the arrogant, non-caring moneyed Americans of today. We could learn a lot from the honesty and grace of those who were here first.

This book was a gift for my 10 year old Grandaughter. She knows about her distent indian hearitage and wanted to learn more. She loves the book and says it is fun to read.