Roads to center place : a cultural atlas of Chaco Canyon and the Anasazi /

Perhaps one of the least known, yet most magnificent, building ventures in prehistory exists in the southwestern US. Centered at Chaco Canyon in northwestern New Mexico is a system of roads extending in all directions. These wide avenues run straight as an arrow, regardless of terrain, connecting outlying villages to those monumental structures at Chaco. And this was accomplished more than a thousand years ago by a culture using virtually no technology: no wheels, levers, explosives, or power other than their own human backs. This accomplishment is discussed keenly in this excellent volume that combines archaeological research, information from Native Americans, and legends to bring to light this elaborate system of roads. The writing is vivid, but always leavened with accurate background material. Not a dry thesis style, but, instead, a fascinating amalgam of historic travelog and documentary research. An unfortunate drawback is the quality of the photographic illustrations; the high-level photograpic technique used seldom displays the intricate network of roads. Although not necessarily a sourcebook for archaeologists, it is recommended for all levels of readers.-F. G. Bock, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo