Handbook of North American Indians, Volume 1

Book excerpt: New from the Smithsonian, the ultimate reference book on Native American communities and their past, present, and future Handbook of North American Indians Volume 1 is the definitive introduction to Native American history and culture. The book provides a much-anticipated opening volume to the Smithsonian’s 20-volume series, the largest collection of knowledge on Indigenous peoples of the US, Canada, and Northern Mexico. The Smithsonian’s Handbook of North American Indians series spans decades, but this introductory volume includes updates on the studies and research of North American Indigenous peoples, as well as contemporary perspectives on issues facing the communities today. Volume 1 is the collaborative effort of 75 contributors from the US, Canada, Mexico, UK, and Germany, including 19 Indigenous authors from across North America. The comprehensive volume contains 36 chapters, 4 appendices, an extensive bibliography with more than 8,000 entries, and 350 illustrations. Handbook of North American Indians Volume 1 brilliantly details the rich and diverse lives, cultures, and experiences of Native Americans.