Helpful Score: 10
1491 is not a worldshaking book. But it does shake up one's world view. I know not everyone will agree with its viewpoints that civilizations in the Americas were more sophisticated and accomplished than we previously thought.
Mann lays out the evidence - archeological, genetic/biological - as well as the historic context of trying to link Native American civilizations to more 'accomplished' civilizations. He also paints a vivid (though far from idyllic) picture of life before and during the initial contact with Europeans.
I've read it twice and will read it again. Its a good one folks - go out and lay hands on it and the books in the bibliography.
Mann lays out the evidence - archeological, genetic/biological - as well as the historic context of trying to link Native American civilizations to more 'accomplished' civilizations. He also paints a vivid (though far from idyllic) picture of life before and during the initial contact with Europeans.
I've read it twice and will read it again. Its a good one folks - go out and lay hands on it and the books in the bibliography.
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