Dazzling overview of tribal language groups, geographic migration and inter-tribal and European encounters from the great drought in the Plains of 1100 to 1250 AD, to the first European contacts. The quality and sweep of Mails work is tempered by its 30,000 feet view but that should not diminish its significance. It fills a valuable wide scope perspective on environment, ecosystem and their effect on people and culture. It was so important to me that I found a way to replace my copy after its loss 20 years before. Among my favorites!