Native American Research Guide: Books

A wide-ranging portrait of America's indigenous peoples, with information on their history, traditions, and contemporary issues. From the upheaval of first contacts to the policies of removal to modern self-determination, this useful source book provides information on all aspects of Native American life. Topics of interest include the history of Native-white relations, the location and status of Native American tribes, religious traditions and ceremonies, Native American language and literature, contemporary performers and artists, and more.

Provides an overview of literary-cultural studies, and literature of various genres in English by American Indians from the 1770s to the present day. It also includes bio-bibliographies of forty authors, maps, suggestions for further reading, and a timeline which details major works of Native American and mainstream American literature, as well as significant social, cultural and historical events.

Describes the medicinal use of more than 2700 plants by 218 Native American tribes. Adapted from the same research used to create the monumental Native American Ethnobotany, it includes 82 categories of medicinal uses, ranging from analgesics, contraceptives, gastrointestinal aids, hypotensive medicines, sedatives, and toothache remedies. It also includes extensive indexes arranged by tribe, usage, and common name, making it easy to access the wealth of information in the detailed catalog of plants.

This comprehensive alphabetic reference of over 1,200 entries reveals the rich spiritual legacy of the native American nations, covering sacred sites, burial practices, spiritual leaders, traditional ceremonies, concepts of the afterlife, symbolism, dances and objects.

Providing essays on the history, culture and current status of approximately 400 Native American groups, this work is divided into four geographic volumes. An overview essay introduces each of the ten regions covered, giving a geographic perspective on the tribes covered, as well as insights on cultural and tribal communalities. Individual tribal entries follow alphabetically. Also featured are biographical profiles of prominent tribal leaders.

Includes over 1,000 entries on the meanings of hundreds of elements of lore from names, phrases, and symbols to images, motifs, and themes. Ten territory maps, which pinpoint exact locations of the tribes mentioned in the text, and a tribal index enhance this volume's usefulness. The bibliography is the most extensive ever compiled on the subject.

This A-Z reference contains 275 biographical entries on Native American women, past and present, from many different walks of life. Written by more than 70 contributors, most of whom are leading American Indian historians, the entries examine the complex and diverse roles of Native American women in contemporary and traditional cultures. Appendices list entries by area of woman's specialization, state of birth, and tribe; also includes photos and a comprehensive index.