Florida's First People: 12,000 Years of Human History (Hardcover)

by Robin C. Brown (Author) "Some 30 million years ago a line of low sandy islands emerged from the shallow waters of the Caribbean Sea, and Florida was born..." (more)
Key Phrases: southeastern ceremonial complex, sabal palm trunk fiber, oak mortar, Key Marco, Weeden Island, Contemporary Note (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Revised edition. Brings to life the first humans who entered Florida about 12,000 years ago. Combines contemporary archaeology, the writings of early European explorers, and replication experiments to paint a vivid picture of the state's original inhabitants. Photos of replications of many of the technologies used by early people in their day-to-day lives. The author made a tool kit of stone, wood, bone, and shell, then used implements to carve wood, twist palm fiber into twine and rope, make and decorate pottery, and weave fabric. Includes a comprehensive photographic atlas of Florida projectile points, pottery types, and typical plant and animal remains that are uncovered at Florida archaeological sites.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 262 pages
• Publisher: Pineapple Pr; 1st edition (March 1, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1561640328
• ISBN-13: 978-1561640324
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.4 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #639,966 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #21 in	Books > History > Americas > Native American > Southeast
  #39 in	Books > Science > Archaeology > Prehistoric

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent guide to Paleo-indians, pottery ID, & much more.A+, December 24, 1995

By A Customer

This is the best book I've read on Florida's Paleo-Indians so far, not only for identifying pottery, tools (both shell & stone) and other artifacts, but the author's details on reconstructing the methods of creating and using the same, are wonderful. The photos and drawings of hundreds of different potsherds are alone worth the price of the book. At last I can not only identify the many pieces I have picked up over the last several years, but gain a greater understanding of the people who created them.

6 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Detailed And Readable Volume, April 3, 1998

By A Customer

Mr. Brown goes a long way to test his theories. Recreating the articles of every day life was at times arduous and demanding, but his work was not in vain.
What I liked most was the practicality of the author. Instead of writing from the lofty towers of "academia" and pure theoretical knowledge, he and his small band of peers proves the discoveries and findings at archeological digs are based on real events, not some kooky theory. The people described did exist, and after reading this book they will become more real to you.
The knowledge gained from reading this book is immense and is time well spent.

4.0 out of 5 stars Floridas first People, June 17, 2009

By	John R. Blackstock (Jacksonville Fl) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Book was very informative and well written.Includes very interesting data that is vital to understanding ancient cultures.