Native Roots: How the Indians Enriched America [Paperback]

Jack Weatherford (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 15, 1992

"Well written, imagery-ridden...A tale of what was, what became, and what is today regarding the Indian relation to the European civilization that 'grafted' itself onto this ancient system.'"
MINNEAPOLIS STAR TRIBUNE
Conventional American history holds that the white settlers of the New World re-created the societies they had known in England, France, and Spain. But as anthropologist Jack Weatherford, author of INDIAN GIVERS, brilliantly shows, the Europeans actually grafted their civilization onto the deep and nourishing roots of Native American customs and beliefs. Our place names, our farming and hunting techniques, our crafts, the very blood that flows in our veins--all derive from American Indians ways that we consistently fail to see.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

"Beneath the surface of . . . American accomplishments, lie indigenous roots," asserts cultural anthropologist Weatherford, in this sequel to his popular Indian Giving ( LJ 11/1/88). The bounty of the Americas, carefully tended and developed by the first Americans, melded with the rich diversity of both European settlers and indigenous groups to produce a unique American culture. While the premise is sound, the author's assertions often overstate Indian influence on settlers. He relies on secondary sources, some of which are incomplete or controversial, for his references. General readers deserve better.
- Mary B. Davis, Huntington Free Lib., Bronx, N.Y.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Kirkus Reviews

Another insightful and provocative contribution by anthropologist Weatherford (Indian Givers, 1989, etc.) to increasing national recognition of the extent of white America's debt to Native Americans. Taking far-off Tuktoyaktuk, inside the Arctic Circle in Canada, as a point of departure, Weatherford illustrates that interdependency between white and Indian cultures persists today- -there, between a DEW-line radar installation and the old Inuit community nearby. Historically, the author details how early explorers from DeSoto to Lewis and Clark used native guides, and how many natural resources (timber, furs, cash crops of tobacco and King Cotton among them)--the economic foundation of white North America--were husbanded and harvested by Indians. Moreover, Weatherford points out, Indians as well as Africans were enslaved, and from native women as companions to European trappers and traders arose prominent mixed-blood groups such as the proud M‚tis of central Canada. Evidence past and present combines to indicate contributions to language, military tactics, food, and philosophy, creating in each case an example concise and scholarly, yet at times lively and even poetic. Quietly subversive but wonderfully accurate--a comprehensive, memorable tribute to the pervasive Native American influence on those who destroyed a way of life even as they assimilated it. -- Copyright ©1991, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Ballantine Books (September 15, 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0449907139
• ISBN-13: 978-0449907139
• Product Dimensions: 5.1 x 0.6 x 8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #182,477 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Jack Weatherford is a professor of anthropology at Macalester College in Minnesota. He is a specialist in tribal peoples and the author of Indian Givers, Native Roots, Savages and Civilization and The History of Money.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Entertaining and Educational Book, March 28, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Native Roots: How the Indians Enriched America (Paperback)

This book details the origins and development of many everyday / ordinary things in our lives. You may be surprised how much the Europeans owe to the natives of this land. This is NOT a hate filled, preachy, or mean spirited book. I think that regardless of age, race or up bringing you will enjoy this book and be educated by it.

14 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A fascinating unobstructed view of the true Native Americans, January 10, 2000

By 

Edward J. Insinger - See all my reviews

This review is from: Native Roots: How the Indians Enriched America (Paperback)

Native American history is a significant part of America in all its facets today. The myths and half-truths that have filtered down through television, movies, school textbooks and the educational system have seriously tainted these indigenous peoples. Jack Weatherford has placed the lives, cultures and customs of the Native Americans in an historically refreshing and accurate portrayl. He writes with carefully researched truth essential to create the groundwork for understanding and respecting America's first -- and perhaps most intelligent --civilization. Once this is accomplished, Mr. Weatherford weaves the complete tapestry that makes up this rich and self-sustaining society, long before the first European set foot on this continent. A must reading for serious students of American history and adults like myself who missed the full story the first time around!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating, July 8, 2007

By 

April - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Native Roots: How the Indians Enriched America (Paperback)

Jack Weatherford is a well known and respected professor and author and he brings great perspective and respect to this subject. The book is not terribly long or difficult to get through but really does a great job of educating the reader about the enormous contributions of the Native people of the Americas, in particular the U.S. and should be assigned reading for high schoolers.