Promotions - Choice's Outstanding Academic Titles 2018 -

In this major exposition of the current scholarly understanding of the development of Mississippian societies and cultures, 17 scholars collectively offer a revision of the seminal study The Mississippian Emergence (CH, Apr'91, 28-4579), edited by Bruce Smith. Each chapter in this new collection focuses on a different region and emphasizes the use of recently developed technology that has allowed analysis impossible for the 1990 contributors. David Anderson's synthesis of the state of Mississippian studies is particularly important. The combined studies stress Cahokia as the epicenter of Mississippian development and a magnet for pilgrims, as well as the source of colonizing efforts. They also provide localized examples of the political, religious, and artifact variability that proves Mississippian was not a static culture but an evolving civilization spread over a large, fluidly adapting area. Each of the articles reinforces a picture of Mississippian cultures and societies that is multifaceted and informative. This work is seminal in the field of Mississippian studies and ideal for well-informed students of the culture.Summing Up: Essential. Upper-division undergraduates and above.

Bruchac (Abenaki, anthropology, Univ. of Pennsylvania) has written a subtle, rich reflection on the relationships between several influential anthropologists and the Native people they worked with (particularly, although not exclusively, Native women) and on the consequences for anthropology and museums of these partnerships. Her research is extraordinarily thorough, involving archival and ethnographic sources, and her analysis and writing are exceptionally engaging and sensitive. Her goal is not primarily to critique these sometimes-romanticized relationships but to understand them as part of a process of "reverse ethnography," a "restorative" methodology intended to relate to and reconnect objects, peoples, and histories. Bruchac focuses on George Hunt (Tlingit) and Franz Boas, Beulah Tahamont (Abenaki) and Arthur Parker, Bertha Parker (daughter of Beulah Tahamont and Arthur Parker) and Mark Harrington, Jesse Cornplanter (Seneca) and William Fenton, and Gladys Tantaquidgeon (Mohegan) and Frank Speck. A must read for anyone interested in museums and the collection of material culture, the history of anthropology and ethnographic relationships, or Native studies, this elegant work of scholarship will also appeal to readers with more general interests.Summing Up: Highly recommended. Lower-division undergraduates through faculty and professionals; general readers.

Sometimes even a reviewer who likes to avoid appearing too effusive has to stop and say, "Wow; what a great book!" That's what this reviewer said when he was half way through the first chapter of Vierra's book, and kept repeating it until the end. To many archaeologists who do not work in the US Southwest (this reviewer included), the region is known for its many famous ruins--two of the most celebrated being Mesa Verde and Chaco--but they forget that there were over 10,000 years of occupation before anyone ever decided to build a pueblo. This book makes archaeologists rethink their narrow focus. San Ildefonso Pueblo tribal historic preservation officer Vierra has assembled a highly talented group of authors to help him explain how archaic foragers made their living on what seems to be an inhospitable land. The 16 chapters make it clear that although the land is arid, it is not inhospitable if one knows how to read it correctly, which countless generations of foragers have done. The book will appeal to all levels of readers, from interested lay persons to professional archaeologists. Especially helpful are well-drawn maps and chronological charts, excellent drawings and photographs of artifacts, rock art, site excavations, and a professionally done index.Summing Up: Essential. All public and academic levels/libraries.