Customer Reviews

Ohio Archaeology: An Illustrated Chronicle of Ohio's Ancient American Indian Culture

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"Ohio Archaeology" is easily the finest work of its kind ever written on the subject. It's beautifully illustrated, well written, up-to-date, comprehensive and informative. One reviewer described it as a "coffee table book"---quite a compliment for something designed as an educational tool but one which reflects the fact that this is one of those rare volumes which both educates and entertains. It is accessible to to readers at many different levels; and despite its title, it should generate far more than regional interest: The influence of the early cultures explored by Dr. Lepper and his many contributors extended throughout much of North America. In short, this is an important work which belongs on the bookshelf of anyone interested in archaeology, pre-Columbian America, or Native American history.

The companion book to the Ohio Archaeology project, which also includes a public television documentary series, an "Ancient Ohio" art series, and a companion website Ohio Archaeology: An Illustrated Chronicle of Ohio's Ancient American Indian Cultures is a superb history of prehistoric cultures in Ohio and their legacy to this day. Full-color artworks, maps, and photographs on almost every page lend a vivid touch to this accounting of ancient migration to and settlement within Ohio, how the first Ohio people lived over thousands of years, Native American earthworks that survive to this day, and legal and ethical controversies concerning the research and display of human remains and funerary objects - while much of scientific use can be learned from such things, many Native Americans consider digging them up a violation of the sanctity of their ancestors' gravesites. Ohio Archaeology is a truly wonderful, balanced, and in-depth read revealing fascinating new details about Ohio's lively past.

Dr. Lepper has written the book I have been waiting for. As a new resident of Ohio, I have been working to understand my new home better, and this book answers many of the questions I have about the earliest residents of this area. I am still reading it so cannot comment on its entirety but it features gorgeous color photographs, helpful maps, and a text accessible to the lay (as in non-professional archaeologist) reader. This book may also answer one of the questions I brought with me from my former home in New Mexico: Where are the builders of the mounds now, and why have so few of their works been preserved? Reading lists and references will help me extend my understanding.

The Sociey for American Archaeology chose this book for its Public Audience Book Award. It is a fine choice.

This beautiful book has many things to recommend it: the importance of the subject, the beauty of the artwork and the photography, the quality of the contributors and the masterful presentation by its author, Dr. Bradley T. Lepper.

Ohio is loaded with treasure for archaeologists. Not one but four ancient Ohio sites are likely to receive World Heritage status from UNESCO in the next few years. These include Fort Ancient, the Newark Earthworks, the Serpent Mound and the earthworks at the Hopewell Culture National Historical Park in Chillicothe. Just this winter the U.S.Department of the Interior has released a list of fourteen sites it will present to UNESCO for consideration - including all of these. And of course Ohio has even more amazing ancient places and stories to offer.

Such treasures call for stunning images, and there are many here. There are also fascinating contributions by more than twenty of the world's authorities on ancient Ohio. It is hard to imagine a better team to teach this subject. But this is more than a coffee-table book and is not an anthology of independent articles. Bradley Lepper leads us through the story from the ice age to the era of early contact between American Indians and Europeans. He writes wonderfully and is the master of both science and story telling.

This new book covering the archaeology of Ohio's ancient cultures is a real beaut. The production is gorgeous - many lovely maps, and interpretive diagrams as well as terriffic photos. I haven't read much of the text yet, but Lepper is highly regarded all over Ohio. I had the privilige of spending three days touring Ohio's sites with him a couple years ago and he was terrific. He has gathered together text from many of those doing work in Ohio today - so this is not just Lepper's ideas. I believe that this volume is meant to be a companion book to a media project as well. Something else to look forward to!

Ohio Archaeology is a splendid overview of Ohio's native American cultures and sites. Beautifully illustrated and photographed (including photo's of assembled artifacts) it deserves a place in any collection of materials on the subject.

One of the best acquisitions I've made this year.

Ohio Archeology is a must read, with beatiful photos and illustrations, for those wishing to learn the most up-to-date information on the Native Americans of the Woodland Period. Learn how archeologists decipher the mysteries surrounding the amazing earthen monuments of these early Ohioans.

As a long time citizen of Ohio and long time fan of Archaeology, I should have had a much higher awareness of just how much incredible history there is to be had right here in my home state. While I always had a vague notion that people have lived here in Ohio for thousands of years before the first European settlers arrived ... I never encountered any material that seemed to do a very good job of shedding light on this period of the state's history. Well, Mr. Lepper's book does a FANTASTIC job of bringing this part of our state's history the attention it deserves. Great text, diagrams and photos.

Easily read and understood text on an exciting topic for all living in the mid-west. Dr. Lepper's enthusiasm for the topic is infectuious. The color pictures and reproductions are very helpful.