Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This book, thanks to the very accurate drawings and precise indications (length, diameter, type of wood and fletching, colours indications) have enabled me to duplicate native American arrows with precision. I have often counterchecked the descriptions with some information I have found in museums and found the book very reliable. First pity, there aren't enough photos or colour drawings. Second and most catastrophic pity: why has the publisher apparently given up the idea of publishing the second volume about the Great plains, Columbia and Southwest?

As a fan of Jim Hamm I was extremely disappointed in this book... as an amateur bowyer I expected to find a good bit of text describing the building of these bows, arrows and quivers, but instead found page after page of nothing but pictures with barely descriptive text (i.e Naraganset. Hickory bow with burned design on belly similar to Powhattan bow. Hole drilled through tip) I do not criticize the amount of work and research that must have gone into this book, nor do I criticize the excellant pen and ink drawings. I just wish that there was information on the building of these magnificent weapons. If you just want to see what the bows, arrows and quivers of the early Native Americans looked like, this book is for you. However, if like me, you are more interested in how to recreate one of them, I suggest you look elsewhere.

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

This book really opened my eyes. I couldn't put it down for days. I'm still amazed by the high level of workmanship that the Native Americans achieved with these so-called "primitive" weapons. More amazing to me, however, is the realization that there are so many poor quality reproductions on the market...and thanks to this book, I am able to see them for what they are...."ugly" reproductions lacking the artistic, technological, and even spiritual aspects of the originals.

The second book is available (but not on Amazon...for some reason) and I have purchased that one also. It is even better than the first.

Overall, I think that books like this will lead to an appreciation of the art of Native American archery....and for those who think that pictures alone cannot give insights into the construction of these weapons, think again. Anyone who has advanced experience in both woodworking and archery will immediately appreciate this book.

My only question now is why books like this are so rare. Perhaps it is because we are caught up in the "engineering" of archery and not the "art" of archery. Perhaps these weapons are considered "inferior". Perhaps we don't care.....

This is a very useful book for studying tribal or regional designs of bows. Most bows on the market have incorrect or nil provenance on the origin of the bow. This book gives the ethnologist some indication of common characteristics of bow design from the regions listed. If you are looking to build your own bow, Hamm (and others) have different works specifically written for would-be bowyers.

Where is Vol. II ??

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...

A great book for a person who is interested in the shape and design of bows. Has enough text for you to understand and grasp what they are saying without getting lengthy or confusing.

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