Book Review: 1491: New Revelations of the Americas Before Columbus

Using a combination of history and archaeology Mann give new insight into what life was like in the Americas before Columbus "discovered" them in 1492. He incites the reader to question what they thought they knew, based on what they were taught in school. Based on Mann's investigations and travels, as well as the studies of several scientists and archaeologists, Mann's book has 541 pages (including back matter) and is illustrated with photographs, maps, and graphics. It is a fascinating study of this, sometimes mysterious, section of history.

Mann writes a convincing case for the idea that the continents were much more populated than previously thought, with many civilizations rising and falling. While diseases introduced by Europeans are sited as reasons for the depleted populations, Mann shows that war and climatic and environmental changes also had an impact.

A sense of foreboding shadows Mann's words as he gives evidence that shows some civilizations suffered starvation; possibly as a result of changes people made which impacted their environment. For example land cleared to make room for corn production ultimately led to wide spread drought. Corn was harvested and horded, an implement of prosperity.

Mann writes of one such society, "Drought indeed stressed the system, but the societal disintegration in the south was due not to surpassing inherent ecological limits but the political failure to find solutions." I found that statement as relevant to today's society and that of the pre-Columbian.

1491 is not light reading. It is rather academic in many places, then conversational in others. It is a must add to any library of American history and Indian culture and history. It will remain on my shelf for future reference.