Sierra Nevada Before History: Ancient Landscapes, Early Peoples

by Louise A. Jackson

The early story of California's glorious Sierra Nevada is unlike any other. From its formation by deep convection currents, moving curstal plates, and upwelling magmas, to the survival strategies of native Californians before Europeans came, the Sierra's beginnings were dramatic. Using nontechnical language, author Louise Jackson describes the geology, natural history, and early anthropology of this major mountain range, where unique plants and animals have evolved and humans have lived for thousands of years.
"Part 1" explains the range's geologic origins and the changes in its climate and ecosystems, while "Part 2" examines six of the region's first human communities. Each of these chapters begins with a native legend, followed by a description of that group's migration to California, its social subdivisions, and its neighbors. The author also discusses each community's customs, beliefs, and ways of life. Numerous historical photos and explanatory illustrations enhance the narrative. This engrossing and enlightening book is sure to enthrall residents and visitors to the amazing Sierra Nevada.

218 pages, Paperback

First published May 15, 2010

Reviews

[Tim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sierra Nevada Before History: Ancient Landscapes, Early Peoples by Louise A. Jackson offers a well-rounded look at the Sierra Nevada’s natural and human past, blending geology, ecology, and early Indigenous life. I especially enjoyed the sections on Native American tribes, where Jackson details their daily routines, rituals, and deep connection to the land. The book also explores how different tribes traded, intermixed, and adapted to the region’s varied environments, including their diverse food-gathering and preparation practices. While not an academic deep dive, it’s a comprehensive and accessible overview that ties together the evolution of the landscape with the cultures that flourished there. Reading it greatly enriched my recent trip to the Sierra Nevada and Yosemite, it gave me a deeper appreciation for the region’s layered history, helped me recognize the significance of the landscapes I was seeing, and made me more aware of how Indigenous communities once lived and thrived in those same valleys and mountains.

[Daniel Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fascinating book about the natural history and indigenous cultures of Sierra. I really enjoy all of the information of this provides, which can be very detailed and engaging. the author goes into great depth about the different life zones along the mountains, and how plant and animal life as well as the indigenous cultures.

however, I must get this book for stars for two reasons. First, there is often a disconnect between the language of the text and the language of images, diagrams, and other graphics. This made it somewhat confusing for me to link the visuals to the text. Second, the sections on indigenous groups, while interesting, generally lacked a coherent narrative. The information was presented as an excited ramble, which made it difficult find me to organize the information.

however, this was still an enjoyable and informative book, and I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in the natural and human history of the Sierra region.

[Phillip · Rating 1 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book. It was really interesting to see how early Native Americans lived, not just in the Sierras, but it also talked about tribes that lived in my neck of the woods. A very interesting and quick read.