First Peoples: A Documentary Survey of American Indian History

I took a Native American history class last year and we used this book. I sold it back after the class, but never forgave myself and am buying another copy because there have been several times I have wanted to reference it. This is an excellent, well-organized and I daresay complete historical account of our own indigenous people who are so easily pushed aside and forgotten. Also included are documents, treaties and several illustrations to complete the picture. I have not found another book like this.

I just finished a class on Native American history. The use of the text "First Peoples: A Documentary Survey of American Indian History," by Calloway was very informative. I found that the book expressed the true history of the Native American people. As I read the different chapters, I found my self able to clearly picture the different events that took place. This is coming from a person who purposely saved my history requirement until my second to last class to graduate from college. I have never enjoyed history. This book really changed my views on history!

A very effective survey of the Native tribes in America from before the whites until present times. The book provided a lot of information regarding the legal fights of the tribes over times, which I found to be very interesting. This includes governmental policies, including the gaming issues. Also, how the tribes have hung onto their culture and identity, which was equally interesting. It was interesting to read of hte mascot issue at the end of the book as well, due to the current issues dealing with them. Calloway also includes many legal documents which give a greater insight to the happenings of the time. These documents also help to see the issues from both points of view, native and white.

This was the textbook in my Native American History Class this summer at the University where I am persuing a History Degree with a minor in Teacher Certification. I must say that this is one of the best textbooks that I have used since I began college. The author has taken a wide and complex field of Native American (Indian) History and has effectively narrowed it to interesting and important events. This is a textbook that reads very well. The tragic story of the Native American is told with sensitivity and accuracy. From the beginning of recorded American Indian History to the tragic consequences of dealing with European Invaders-Explorers and its aftermath. The accounts of the Colonial Indians, 5 Civilized Tribes, Indian Wars to present day wounded knee, and so much more are given excellent focus to the student/reader. I highly recommend this book to any Professor who will teach Native American History.