Arts and Crafts of the Native American Tribes by Michael G Johnson

Arts and Crafts of the Native American Tribes by Michael G Johnson

Praise for the companion title Encyclopedia of Native Tribes of North America by Michael Johnson:
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.
-- Library Journal

Arts and Crafts of the Native American Tribes is an authoritative illustrated reference that has been carefully created to be a companion to Encyclopedia of Native Tribes of North America, not a competitive title. It examines in detail how Native American culture evolved and considers the regional similarities and differences of the arts and crafts created by tribes across the continent. Contemporary and modern photographs, fine line illustrations and step-by-step reconstructions (including a Plains Indian warrior dress with headdress, war bonnet, shirt and leggings) show the techniques of manufacture and display the skill and artistry of the crafters.

The book opens with concise coverage of the main cultural areas of North America and a survey of styles by region and over time. A major section on the living structures -- huts, tipis, igloos, etc. -- is followed by an analysis of individual crafts. These include:

• Baskets -- plaiting, twining, coiling
• Bone, antler and horn -- implements, tools, pins, fishhooks
• Decorative arts -- beadwork, porcupine quillwork
• Featherwork -- bonnets and headdresses
• Metalwork -- copper, silver, iron, gold
• Pottery
• Shellwork
• Skinwork -- rawhide, leather, furs
• Stonework -- arrowheads, pipes, art
• Textiles -- spinning, weaving
• Woodwork -- totems, figures, masks, utensils, working with bark.

Arts and Crafts of the Native American Tribes is destined to be a primary reference used by ethnographers, historians and collectors for years to come. It is essential for any library serving academic patrons.

Bill Yenne is the author of more than three dozen nonfiction books on historical topics. His books on aviation and military history have included Area 51 Black Jets--which T. D. Barmes, formerly with NASA High Range and Area 51 Special Projects, described as not a book that the reader will lay down and not finish. It holds one's interest from front to back. Yenne has also contributed to encyclopedias of World War I and World War II and has been featured in several documentaries that have aired on the History Channel, the National Geographic Channel, the Smithsonian Channel, and ARD German Television. The Wall Street Journal notes that Yenne writes with a cinematic vividness. Yenne has also authored ten novels and has penned several books on beer and brewing history.

Bill Yenne is the author of three dozen nonfiction books and several novels. His book Guinness: The 250-Year Quest for the Perfect Pint was ranked among the top business books of the year by Conde Nast Portfolio Magazine.

His other books on beer and brewing history include The American Brewery, Great American Beers: Twelve Brands That Became Icons, Beers of North America, Beers of the World, and Beer Labels of the World. He has also contributed articles to All About Beer Magazine and has discussed brewing history as a featured guest on television and radio. He has appeared in documentaries that have aired on the History Channel, National Geographic Channel, and ARD German Television.

Mr. Yenne lives in San Francisco and hosts numerous beer tastings throughout the United States. To learn more about him, visit his website at www.billyenne.com.