FireFly

Foreword
by James A. Clifton, PhD

Introduction

Classification of Indian Languages

Distribution of Cultures

The Tribes

Northeastern Woodlands

Southeastern Woodlands

Plains and Prairie

Plateau

Great Basin

California

Southwest

Northwest Coast

Subarctic

Arctic

The Indian Today

Glossary
Select Bibliography
Museums
Native Populations
Index

Excerpted from the
Introduction

In 1993 the first edition of this book was published; it was very different to this version in presentation and content. To begin with, economic exigencies meant the book was produced in black and white and the excellent color illustrations, so meticulously prepared by Richard Hook, were reproduced in a short central section, divorced from their captions. A new edition allowed the publisher to separate these paintings, integrate them with the text, and -- where possible -- increase their size. Richard Hook has touched-up and added to most of them to ensure that this separation is effected well and a selection of new paintings has been included.

Second, the photographs -- again produced in black and white and in sections in the first book -- have been integrated with the text and much additional material has been added. Where possible it has been added in color, although the age of many of the original photographs precludes this. The photographs show a broader range of time than in the first edition, with many more recent images: the story of the Native Americans, so long considered effectively to have ended following their displacement by settlers, is in fact a continuing reality: census figures show that numbers of enrolled Indians are increasing, although these increases may not be purely for natural reasons. The discovery of mineral resources, the erection of casinos and the benefits of tourism have all contributed to increasing wealth for some Native American populations; this increase in wealth has seen an increase of per capita enrollment leading to the questionable rise in populations.

The third form of illustration, the maps, has altered most in this edition -- they are now fully colored, a few minor errors have been corrected and new maps have been added.

So, the presentation and design of the book have changed considerably; additionally, the body text has been corrected and updated: a few typographical errors have been corrected and there has been updating of current information and population figures particularly in the light of Census 2000, and close work with the Canadian authorities. The short section "The Indian Today" has been substantially altered. The reference section at the end of the book has also seen significant changes. The bibliography has been expanded, as has the glossary, illustrated with specially commissioned artifact photography by Simon Clay. There are brief sections on museums and websites that concentrate on, or have major exhibits concerning Indians and the history of North America.

Finally, census figures are provided at the end of the book to give an indication of population levels in the United States and Canada, and a detailed index replaces the functional list of tribes from the first edition.

 

Newly expanded by more than 70 pages from the original 1994 publication, this substantial reference remains one of the most elaborately illustrated books on Native Americans now in print... Highly recommended for North American historical and ethnographical collections.
- Savannah Schroll  Library Journal  2008 01

A delight to both eye and pocketbook... The indexing, greatly improved over that of the 1999 edition, includes tribe names, illustrations, and maps; and the cross-referencing between entries is also greatly improved... The expanded glossary is greatly enhanced by having the photographic examplees in place with the alphabetic entry. The quality of illustrations and photographs is excellent and is indeed the most improved part of the book.... The fact that Firefly Books could do this exquisite volume for such a small price is to be commended. Recommended for most types of libraries.
- Diana Shonrock  Booklist (advance review from uncorrected proof)  2008 05 01

Provides concise information about Native peoples north of the Rio Grande, including Canada... Although similar to other one-volume encyclopedias, the rich illustration and supplemental sections make this volume worthwhile. Summing Up: Recommended. All levels.
- M. Cedar Face, Southern Oregon University  Choice  2008 04 01

Excellent color photographs, maps, and a well-illustrated glossary....School librarians will appreciate this book, especially the colorful maps, charts, and photographs. It is quite easy to be dazzled by the photography.
- Karen D. Harvey  American Reference Books Annual 2008  2008

The richly illustrated, large format volume includes new maps, additional and better presented historical and contemporary photographs, art by renowned illustrator Richard Hook, and summer tables (e.g., of Indian languages), essays on "The Indian Today" and museums with Indian art and material, 2000 Census and other data on the North American Indian population, and a glossary.
-   Book News Inc.  2009 02

Revised and expanded, Johnson's Encyclopedia of Native Tribes of North America is a delight both to the eye and the pocketbook.... The fact that Firefly Books could do this exquisite volume for such a small price is to be commended. Recommended.
- Diana Shonrock  Booklist  2008 05 01

Although similar to other one-volume encyclopedias, the rich illustrations and supplemental sections make this volume worthwhile. Recommended. All levels.
- M. Cedar Face, Southern Oregon University  Choice Vol. 45 No 8  2008 04

Newly expanded by more than 70 pages from the original 1994 publication, this substantial reference remains one of the most elaborately illustrated books on Native Americans now in print. Divided into ten region-categorized chapters, it offers a one- to two-paragraph description of the many tribes living within recognized regional boundaries. The color plates, previously located in a separate section, now appear beside relevant textural passages. Period and cultural artifact photographs have been added. Highly recommended for North American historical and ethnographic collections.
-   Library Journal  2008 01