In this landmark work on the Anasazi tribes of the Southwest; naturalist Craig Childs dives head on into the mysteries of this vanished people. The various tribes that made up the Anasazi people converged on Chaco Canyon (New Mexico) during the 11th century to create a civilization hailed as "the Las Vegas of its day;" a flourishing cultural center that attracted pilgrims from far and wide; and a vital crossroads of the prehistoric world. By the 13th century; however; Chaco's vibrant community had disappeared without a trace. Was it drought? Pestilence? War? Forced migration; mass murder or suicide? Conflicting theories have abounded for years; capturing the North American imagination for eons.Join Craig Childs as he draws on the latest scholarly research; as well as a lifetime of exploration in the forbidden landscapes of the American Southwest; to shed new light on this compelling mystery. He takes us from Chaco Canyon to the highlands of Mesa Verde; to the Mongollon Rim; to a contemporary Zuni community where tribal elders maintain silence about the fate of their Lost Others; and to the largely unexplored foothills of the Sierra Madre in Mexico; where abundant remnants of Anasazi culture lie yet to be uncovered.
#3481592 in Books Praeger 2012-05-04Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.30 x .90 x 6.10l; 1.15 #File Name: 0313356068203 pages
Review
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. VERY helpful for Euro-AmericansBy Dr. Bob Hieronimus; 21st Century RadioNative American approaches to land and spirituality are hard to grasp for outsiders. But comprehending them now may be the only answer to our current pressing environmental concerns. Joy Porter's background in this subject makes her writing authoritative; while remaining accessible to the reader new to these themes. After generations of brainwashing with the American historical myth taught in schools and perpetrated in the media; it is a decided mental challenge to understand the Native Americans' concepts of land; property; and how these are integral to spirit and sustainability. I believe all Americans need to make this mental shift; not only to appreciate better the perspectives of the Native Americans; but also to maintain a sustainable environment for our children and our 7th generations to live with and on this land with spirit. Highly recommended.
