1491 (Second Edition) - Charles C. Mann

1491 (Second Edition)

By Charles C. Mann

  • Release Date: 2005-08-09
  • Genre: History of the Americas
Score: 4
4
From 300 Ratings

Description

NATIONAL BESTSELLER • A groundbreaking work of science, history, and archaeology that radically alters our understanding of the Americas before the arrival of Columbus in 1492—from “a remarkably engaging writer” (The New York Times Book Review).
 
Contrary to what so many Americans learn in school, the pre-Columbian Indians were not sparsely settled in a pristine wilderness; rather, there were huge numbers of Indians who actively molded and influenced the land around them. The astonishing Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan had running water and immaculately clean streets, and was larger than any contemporary European city. Mexican cultures created corn in a specialized breeding process that it has been called man’s first feat of genetic engineering. Indeed, Indians were not living lightly on the land but were landscaping and manipulating their world in ways that we are only now beginning to understand. Challenging and surprising, this a transformative new look at a rich and fascinating world we only thought we knew.

Reviews

  • Great book

    4
    By Linda E - Louisiana
    I enjoyed this book very much. The historical information and detail are impressive and it was written with respect for the cultures described. However, it is fairly technical, and I spent a good bit of time looking up terms with which I’m unfamiliar. That said, I’ve gained a huge appreciation and respect for the peoples who lived in pre-Colombian Americas.
  • We need this history in school!

    5
    By Compugeek123455K
    English major here: Mann writes in an easy to read form highlighting and summarizing in an engaging way research that is digestible. I don’t even read historical books, but this is truly one of my most interesting reads of all time. Learned so much and needed this knowledge to know what the US, all the Americas, Asia Pacific and Europe is all about - context to our modern day society. Explains a lot!!!
  • Essential

    5
    By sandwichcake
    Provides a sweeping outline of all the history we are never taught. Absolutely essential for anyone who wants a complete education of the Americas.
  • Trash

    1
    By Alex Thiessen
    I like picture books better.
  • Awesome

    5
    By Electric El
    Best read I've had in a few years. Fascinating, contained at least 5 ideas I'd never thought about before, which hardly ever happens anymore. One reviewer complained of 'excessive trivia' but this is not the case at all. Each historical example supports a larger point, and the result is cohesive and highly readable.
  • Burdened by Excessive Trivia and Poor Editing

    2
    By One Suitcase
    A noble effort that is burdened by excessive tangential trivia and poor editing.
  • Great Info

    5
    By davidreview
    I read this years ago and really enjoyed it. If this topic interests you it is a great book.

Comments