Book excerpt: This book provides a detailed and richly illustrated overview of the lives of the first Americans from their earliest migrations over the Bering land bridge to their initial encounters with European explorers. It traces the settlement of these early nomadic peoples across North America—the evolution of tools, the establishment of agriculture, and the rise of elaborate regional cultures. Styles of shelter, modes of travel and transport, and the prevalence of art and ornamentation suggest remarkable creativity and human ingenuity. Tribal beliefs, habits, practices, and unique structures of various tribal societies are discussed. The last third of the book documents European "discovery" of the New World, the often brutal rivalries among European colonizers, and the savage treatment of native peoples. Challenging review questions encourage meaningful reflection and historical analysis. Maps, tests, answer key, extensive bibliography, and bonus timeline are included.