Esther K. Braun and David P. Braun. 1994. Moccasin Hill Press, P.O. Box 405, Bedford, MA 01730. ISBN 0-9651476-0-6 (paper). 106 pages, plus two appendices, 5 pages of references, and an index.
Esther Braun and David Braun have assembled an excellent introductory text on the archaeology of northeastern America. In the manner of such regional overviews, the text begins chronologically with Paleoindian sites and continues through the European contact period. Liberally illustrated with both artifact drawings and artist conceptions of the lifeways, the text emphasizes cultural patterns, spending a goodly amount of the book on the patterns of subsistence, seasonal rounds, house construction and the like.
Two appendices round out the text. Appendix A, entitled "How Archaeology Works" is a description of archaeological methods and a brief discussion of the importance of conservation. Appendix B is an extensive list of addresses of museums, universities and historical societies conducting research or providing archaeological information to the public. A time line for northeastern American history and prehistory is also provided.
Two appendices round out the text. Appendix A, entitled "How Archaeology Works" is a description of archaeological methods and a brief discussion of the importance of conservation. Appendix B is an extensive list of addresses of museums, universities and historical societies conducting research or providing archaeological information to the public. A time line for northeastern American history and prehistory is also provided.
The prose is clear and uncluttered by jargon, and the authors take care to explain why we know what we know along the way. Even though this book is ten years old, First Peoples is an excellent introduction to archaeology in the northeast and would be terrific as an introductory text in a high school or amateur situation.
