A young naturalist sets out to single-handedly explore the Amazon basin in the mid-19th century, his only help being Indian guides and interpreters.
This book is so refreshing after reading other travelogues that are either too introspective or full of overblown hyperbole. Mr.Wallace is, I admit, a favourite author of mine, but there is nothing partisan in my praise for his writing ability; in another, later, book he says he is no writer, but his minute descriptions of people, places and environs conjures up mental pictures almost as good as a video. He doesn't over-elaborate points, but describes them so well that any more words would be superfluous. Having read Humboldt's descriptions of the same areas, I know whose I prefer - one can almost smell the soil and foliage.
Reading the book today, there is something a little disturbing in the casual way he shoots everything that crosses his path to add to his collection, but when we consider the alternative of drawing and measuring each item on the spot (no cameras then) and the hyper-abundance of animal life in the forest at that time, it is no wonder he takes the easy option. There was no environmental crisis nor any need for species protection in those days - an area the size of Europe was governed from a town of 15.000 people!

He poses some questions that underpin the theory of evolution by natural selection, and it is interesting to observe first-hand the mental process of trying to understand why and how different species became adapted to a particular shape and lifestyle. Wallace and Darwin corresponded and independently arrived at the same result, which culminated in 'The Origin of Species' (also recommended); although Wallace had doubts about the completeness of the theory, believing in a higher authority which lent a helping hand now and again - reminding us a little of the modern-day clash between Gould & Dawkins.

A great example of good travel writing *****
This review refers to the original 1889 copy.

Native American Legends Of The Great Lakes And The Mississippi Valley is an outstanding collection of legends, tales and myths drawn from the Native American peoples of the Great Lakes area, the Midwest, and the Mississippi River valley. This rich and diverse collection reveals the central beliefs and reflects the guiding principles of Winnebago, Ojibwa, Menominee, and other native tribes, providing the reader with insights into their outlook and aspirations. Native American Legends Of The Great Lakes And The Mississippi Valley is a welcome addition to personal, academic, and community library Native American Studies reading lists and reference collections.

And I thought I knew the Ojibwa. Hah. I'll tell you one thing. If you're ever going to be on the Berens River in Manitoba with a few days to kill and plan on meeting people from the Ojibwa Nation, well you've just got to have this great book. The description of the Ojibwa diet alone is worth the cover price. And the index is to die for.
Surprised it hasn't yet been made into a major motion picture.

i've never met mr. winn (but i would like that)but i feel confident in saying that here is an author that has done more than just research...he has reached into the soul of our souther creek ancestors and shared that with decendants like myself.from the stories and legends i was priviledged to hear from my grandfather and clan uncle,wm. winn has filled in the blanks. his reflections on creek daily life is as i heard in my youth.for those seeking arealistic and pasionate documentation of the real people who lived in those first blessed times before the invasion and then showed their courage and spirit to overcome those horrendous days of removal. thank you mr. winn,i will continue to suggest your book. i was a partiscipant at columbus college southeastern celerbration many years. sorry i missed meeting you. i would like to read your views on who the creek people (decendants) are today and their roll and contributions here in the southeast. thank you chief bobby johns bearheart

Leveillee has joined careful empiricism, with "a science of the heart." The exceptionally well-documented scientific data are considered at many conceptual levels, allowing the reader to understand what happened at this very special, sacred place. The project team included several Native American representatives who contributed a great deal to the appropriate and respectful treatment of the site contents and contexts. Leveillee has accomplished what so many prehistorians-as-anthropologists have long hoped for when interpreting a Northeastern North American ancient Native American site. This book is a significant contribution to anthropology, and will be particularly useful for anthropologists and archaeologists who deal with material evidence of ritual practices. It is highly recommended.

This book is informative and in depth regarding the Shoshone nation of Wind River. I have now a deep respect for the honored Chief Washakie of their tribe. I wish I could have elected him President of the United States.

I recommend reading Geneva's Hope, a historical romance including reference to the Shoshone nation. It is make believe but gives insights into the nation. The romance novel Geneva's Hope is set in the late 1870's. The tribal nation is the Shoshone and the location is Ely, Nevada.

I also recommend Smitten (historical romance) by Payton Lee

Dr. Wilson has authored a spectacular treatise on ancient Peruvian devlopment. He is the foremost academic leader in his chosen field. This reference is must reading for academics and lay people who want a complete understanding of the historical progression and settlement patterns of Peruvians. Bravo, Dr. Wilson for your superb research and writing.

I first came across this book as a story in a magazine. I enjoyed reading it so much I intended to go to the bookstore and buy it, but I never got around to it. Then 4 years later I came across that magazine again boxed up with some books and papers. I flipped through it until I found the story "River of Sky" and right then I looked the book up here on Amazon.com. Karen Harper has done a great job of weaving in the fictional characters so they fit into the story with the actual historical characters that lived in that day. The book had lots of nice twists, but also a great story. This is a book about self-discovery, following your dreams and your heart, and also about a tribe of Native Americans called the Mandan. Some of the actual historical events included in the book about the Native Americans are indeed very sobering, and sad. If you like books with romance, adventure and enjoy reading about the Native Americans in the early days of the frontier I recommend it to you.

If you thought the scalp hunters were the Indians, guess again. This book reveals that the Indians were the HUNTED, and that one of the local chaplains was a scalp hunter. A well-written book packed with info.

The book takes you to the Amazon jungle, where the Waltons lived for 18 years. They had two small children with them. There task was to learn the language of the Muinanes people group; the first foreigner ever to attemt it. Then they reduced the language into an alphabet and later translated the New Testament. Surely the book most worthy to translate! One reads of the struggles, challenges and joys they endure. Last but not least, you get a good picture of missions and of the God they served. I highly recommend this book.