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Rating: 
Summary: Wonderful overview
Review: I love my copy of this book and read it often. It is very informative, sensitive, and beautifully illustrated. You know: this book would make a perfect college graduation or birthday present, because the recipient will dip into it every now and again, enjoyably, for ever.
Rating:
Summary: Great overview of the nations that were here first!
Review: I loved the book. It gave me insight into some of the nations that I wasn't aware of. As a native/indigenous person, I learned a lot about my people. I hope that others will read this book and know that they are the squatters and that their ancestors annihilated my people nearly to the point of extinction. Live with that and learn from it!
Rating: 
Summary: ok, but...
Review: Reading this book, I felt like I was back in social studies class, fighting to stay awake. Much of the information is interesting but it's about as excitingly presented as an educational movie, or a taped guide to a museum exhibit. It has that same dumbed-down, patient, worthy feeling.The P.C.-ness of the book can induce its own kind of snooziness. Despite all the evidence he gives to the contrary, Josephy can't keep himself from portraying the Americas before the Europeans invaded as an Eden and the Europeans as devils. An Indian slaughters or conquers another Indian, and that's fine. A European slaughters or conquers an Indian, and that's evil. Zzzzzzz. Does anyone out there know of a steelier-eyed and less sugar-coated history of native America?
Rating: 
Summary: Nice Introduction to Native American History
Review: This is a wonderfully illustrated history of the Indian nations of North and Central America, From pre-Columbian times to the present. The text is straight forward and easy to read. The entire book is illustrated with rare and enticing paintings, photos, and drawings which help to recreate a powerful history of an ancient people. 500 Nations covers the history of the prehistoric peoples, the arrival of Columbus and the conquest of the New World. It shows how the world of the North American Indians was changed by growing contact with white traders and how, in the end, their world was entirely overwhelmed by the powerful drive of Manifest Destiny. This is definately meant as an introduction to the subject and thus does not delve deeply into the the meat of the matter, but it is still well worth the price for anyone interested in the history of our land and its original inhabitants.
Rating:
Summary: Nice Introduction to Native American History
Review: This is a wonderfully illustrated history of the Indian nations of North and Central America, From pre-Columbian times to the present. The text is straight forward and easy to read. The entire book is illustrated with rare and enticing paintings, photos, and drawings which help to recreate a powerful history of an ancient people. 500 Nations covers the history of the prehistoric peoples, the arrival of Columbus and the conquest of the New World. It shows how the world of the North American Indians was changed by growing contact with white traders and how, in the end, their world was entirely overwhelmed by the powerful drive of Manifest Destiny. This is definately meant as an introduction to the subject and thus does not delve deeply into the the meat of the matter, but it is still well worth the price for anyone interested in the history of our land and its original inhabitants.
Rating:
Summary: The Truth Hurts
Review: Throughout my days in school, prior to college, the history classes taught me a sugar coated version of what happened in our history. Obviously, history is indeed written by the victors, and most likely, the version will be slanted towards making the ones in charge look good. This book did not focus on an anthropological study, but rather the effects of the Europeans upon the many tribes. In almost all cases, the effect was horrific for the native tribes. If you want to know what injustices were done to the Native Americans by historical figures such as Columbus, for example, read this book. It is not easy to read, but it does open your eyes to how this country came to be.
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