The Columbia guide to American Indians of the Southwest /

The fourth volume in this handbook series focuses on the native peoples of Arizona and New Mexico, as well as surrounding areas as appropriate. See also the guides to American Indians of the Great Plains by L. Fowler (CH, Apr'04, 41-4398); the Northeast, by K. J. Bragdon (CH, Sep'02, 40-0036); and the Southeast, by T. Perdue and M. D. Green (CH, Apr'02, 39-4344). The late Griffin-Pierce (formerly, Univ. of Arizona) devotes four narrative chapters to a historical overview of the region, beginning with environment and prehistory, then proceeding to Spanish/Mexican conquest and control, expansion of the territorial US, and events and processes in the 20th century. These chapters are succinct but very well written, and the author gives impressive coverage to Yuman-speaking peoples, the O'odham, and groups in northern Mexico. Boldfaced terms in these chapters have their own alphabetical section for expanded treatment, including discussion of people, laws, rituals, and concepts requiring amplification. A chronology is followed by a selective but useful bibliography divided into somewhat overlapping sections, including tribal studies and primary sources. Griffin-Pierce indicates in the introduction that her narrative history is written within a white/academic framework, but makes no serious attempt to present Native alternatives that could be eye-opening for students. Nevertheless, this is a very good resource, given limitations of space and format. Summing Up: Recommended. Lower-level undergraduates through graduate students; general readers. J. C. Wanser Hiram College