Encyclopedia of Native American Tribes [Paperback]

Carl Waldman (Author), Molly Braun (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 2006

A comprehensive reference work discussing more than 150 Indian tribes of all North America, as well as prehistoric peoples & civilizations. Organized alphabetically by tribe, the informative but accessible text summarizes the historical record -- locations, migrations, contacts with whites, wars, etc. Also covers Indian lifeways, including language families, means of subsistence, houses, boats, tools, clothing, art, legends, & rituals. Over 250 beautifully detailed, original color illustrations enhance the text, & 11 maps show the various Indian culture areas plus tribal locations, providing a helpful frame of reference. Glossary. Bibliography.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 5 Up-A splendid revision. While not exhaustive, this volume provides an examination of more than 150 groups of Native American peoples. The alphabetically arranged entries vary in length from a few paragraphs to several pages. The content has been updated to reflect both new information about the past and current issues, and the language has been significantly modified to reflect more contemporary sensibilities and to make the text more readable. The colorful drawings, almost exact duplicates of those in the 1988 edition, are mostly of artifacts, structures, or costumes and serve nicely to clarify descriptions. The brightness and color have been enhanced, adding luster to the overall look of the book. Maps provide a frame of reference for the articles on major cultural groups. All libraries, including those that own other titles on the subject, should give serious consideration to this valuable work.
Linda Greengrass, Bank Street College Library, New York City
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal

The traditional lifestyles and customs of individual North American tribes and their history after contact with encroaching whites are topics discussed in alphabetical entries ranging from Abenaki to Zuni. Cross-referenced segments on cultural areas, i.e., Northeast, supplement the information given under individual tribal headings. Sections on prehistory, Mayas, Aztecs, and Olmecs are included. Entries contain a lot of information but are often chatty, rambling discussions that stray from the topic. The work does not go significantly beyond Barbara Leitch's A Concise Dictionary of Indian Tribes of North America (LJ 4/1/80). Recommended for public libraries lacking Leitch.Mary B. Davis, Museum of the American Indian Lib., New York
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Checkmark Books; 3 edition (September 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0816062749
• ISBN-13: 978-0816062744
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.6 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #204,682 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #35 in Books > Education & Reference > Encyclopedias > Children's

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

52 of 52 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A complete and easy to use guide, April 25, 2000

By 

D. McGraw II "amergin" (San Diego, Ca) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Encyclopedia of Native American Tribes, Revised Edition (Facts on File Library of American History) (Paperback)

Ever wondered if there were differences between the Apache and the Navajo, the Cheyenne and the Sioux? Did you know that many of the names we have for tribes were ones used by other tribes or by the white man? Learn what the different native american tribes called themselves, their sacred rites, their style of warfare- even what the tribes are doing today. This is a great tool for the novice since tribes are listed alphabetically, not by classification (such as Southwest, Plains, etc.). The only possible drawback is the generalization of the California Indians. This is a definite must have in any historian's library

42 of 42 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Terrific!!!, June 24, 2003

By 

"bigbrian12" (a state of elation) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Encyclopedia of Native American Tribes, Revised Edition (Facts on File Library of American History) (Paperback)

They say this book is designed for older teens or young adults. So how come an old guy like me read it enraptured and learned a lot! This is a very strong and well written book that will give you all the basics about tribal, ethnic and cultural differences, customs and habits. If you are interested in native Americans, but are not yet an expert, this is your book.

28 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding Reference Work, December 25, 2003

By 

Laura Redish (Twin Cities, Minnesota) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Encyclopedia of Native American Tribes, Revised Edition (Facts on File Library of American History) (Paperback)

Excellent presentation of past and present information about the culture groups of native North America, arranged alphabetically and accompanied by a terrific selection of pictures. This reference book is easy enough to read that it works as a children's resource, but it doesn't 'dumb down' or get lost in silly romanticizing. I could recommend this book to anyone with an interest, but particularly for school libraries.