The Iroquois (The Peoples of America Series)

Rating:
Summary: A great introduction
Review: This book is a great introduction to the history and ethnography of the Iroquois. It starts with a summary of the archaeology of the various Iroquois speaking groups in the north east U.S. and southern Canada (not all Iroquois speakers were Iroquois Indians!)and moves forward in time. Its main focus is on the 5 groups who eventually formed the League of the 5 Nations. The origins of the league are explored as well as the precontact culture of the people.

The history of the Iroquois is well covered in summary form from their first contacts with the French and the Dutch through to recent confrontations on reserves and reservations in Quebec and New York.

A fine book as an introduction to the Iroquois people which has served to whet my appetite for more info. Fortunately Snow has included a suggested list for further reading!