Book Log 2006 #26: 1491: New Revelations of the Americas Before Columbus by Charles Mann

I'd long since given up the idea that the Americas "discovered" by Columbus were some sort of pristine wilderness, but I was still somewhat unprepared for the information Mann presents to show that the pre-Columbian Americas were highly populated and pretty sophisticated. There's a lot of information here, and for a commuting read it can require a little time to get back up to speed.

Mann does spend some time in the post-Columbian Americas, both to demonstrate the impact of "discovery" and to use contemporary accounts to work back towards what areas would have been like prior to 1492. It's useful, but at times felt like it was going on too long.

While I wouldn't call the thesis of the book controversial, there are controversies in some theories and interpretations put forward by archeologists and other academics, and good time is given to those on the opposing side. This not only provides balance, but at times helps to underscore why the opposing side may be waning.

Overall, it's a very interesting book, but it was certainly more work that the usual fare I have on the train.