Customer Reviews

Indian New England Before the Mayflower

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

 

 

I picked this book up a couple of weeks ago at the Harvard Book store in Boston, Mass. It is an excellent book for anyone researching the pre-contact Native Peoples of New England. From Personal Characteristics to Horticulture and Warfare, Howard Russell's publication is phenomenal. It is full of primary source excerpts, which really backs up the author's writing. A must-read.

Of course I was attracted to this book for all the reasons you are, and it does present some interesting insights into aboriginal life in our region. Mr. Russell is strongest in is knowledge of Algonquian vocabulary and on the subjects of hunting and cultivation. Prepare yourself for an extensive discussion of maize. And who knew that the Pamola was "the spirit of the night air?" The reader will be disappointed, however, in the shallow treatment of arts and clothing. Illustrations are principally rough sketches, and some of the few photos are of museum dioramas. One illustration shows tools "possibly used to remove bark from trees," though those tools appear identical to what are called pestles for grinding maize in other illustrations and photos. Readers with high regard for science should completely skip the chapter titled "Health and Illness," because it is infuriating. It is one thing to report the Indians' superstitions, and quite another to endorse them. Even so, Mr. Russell's confusing superstition for fact shows up in other chapters, and detracts from the book's value. He shouldn't say that wild animals are known to eat tobacco as a remedy for snakebite if there is not the slightest evidence to support it. And to suggest, as he does, that "certain medicine men were especially sensitive to atmospheric pressure changes and relative humidity," enabling them to predict rain two days away is, well, irresponsible, and detracts from Mr. Russell's overall scholarship. Still, I rate the book a three out of five, because anyone with such an obvious affection for the New England Indian is a kindred spirit.

This is an amazing resource on the everyday lives of the natives of New England. I love this book! So many interesting details, like how the English were shocked at the amount of wildlife they found in the area, how the natives were disgusted by European war tactics, and how native women gave birth to their babies (I won't go into detail there!). The author draws his info from the first explorers of the east coast to early settlers, using plenty of quotes. There are black and white drawings, maps, and photos too. This book is a colorful and educational step back in time. You'll learn things you would never have thought to ask about. Whether you are researching or just into history, it's a great book to have.

There is so much information in this book, I've read some parts several times over. I especially like the way the author frequently identifies multiple first-hand accounts, which are sometimes contradictory. Of special interest to me was the use of plants and farming, which is often skipped over by other books.

If you want to know what real daily life was like for New England tribes before the Europeans arrived, this is the book to read. I especially enjoyed the chapter about what a typical day would be like in the summer or the winter. Very enjoyable reading, also great to keep for reference.