What do you think?
Rate this book
They Had Names: Tracing the History of the North American Indigenous People
Before the Pilgrims landed at Cape Cod, what was happening in North America? Who was there? What civilizations rose and fell? For years, the answers to these questions have been shrouded in mystery.
At the time of European contact, a diverse world of Native peoples thrived across the continent. What was their backstory? Who were the ancestors of the Sioux? Where did the Navajo come from? What about the Apache, the Comanche, the Cherokee?
They Had Names is the result of a multi-year deep dive into genetics, indigenous histories, archaeology, and linguistics—an ambitious quest to uncover answers to these questions.
In this book, you will explore pre-Columbian links between civilizations of the Old World and civilizations of the New. You’ll read about unexpected connections between Mexico and tribes north of the Rio Grande. You’ll also discover that ancient ruins from North American civilizations still exist, that these ruins tell dramatic stories, and that they can still be visited today.
On this continent, peoples and kingdoms rose and fell, great battles were fought, heroes were enshrined—heroes whose names have been preserved.
At the time of European contact, a diverse world of Native peoples thrived across the continent. What was their backstory? Who were the ancestors of the Sioux? Where did the Navajo come from? What about the Apache, the Comanche, the Cherokee?
They Had Names is the result of a multi-year deep dive into genetics, indigenous histories, archaeology, and linguistics—an ambitious quest to uncover answers to these questions.
In this book, you will explore pre-Columbian links between civilizations of the Old World and civilizations of the New. You’ll read about unexpected connections between Mexico and tribes north of the Rio Grande. You’ll also discover that ancient ruins from North American civilizations still exist, that these ruins tell dramatic stories, and that they can still be visited today.
On this continent, peoples and kingdoms rose and fell, great battles were fought, heroes were enshrined—heroes whose names have been preserved.
343 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 29, 2025
68 people are currently reading
337 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
September 19, 2025
A ‘YOUNG EARTH’ CREATIONIST SUGGESTS A ‘REPLACEMENT’ OF MAINSTREAM VIEWPOINTS
Nathaniel Jeanson has a Ph.D. in Cell and Developmental Biology from Harvard. He is working at Answers in Genesis, one of the most prominent ‘young earth’ creationist organizations.
He wrote in the first chapter of this 2025 book, “I’ve always known there was something ‘off’ about the history of North America… for years, I had wondered: In North America, where were the ruins of civilizations gone by, the evidence of millennia of history? Why was north American history so late, so short? What was I missing?” (Pg. 13-14)
He continues, “a glimmer of light began to creep through the opaque window to pre-Contact North America… Charles Mann’s book ‘1491: New Revelations of the Americas Before Columbus’… showed data that suggested that the Americas were brimming with people. And then, 80% to 90% of the indigenous populations present in A.D. 1491 disappeared in the centuries following… At the time, I was working on the genetics of human origins. From DNA comparisons, I could reconstruct a putative family tree for global humanity---a tree that included branches connected to Native Americans… the population collapse is unmistakable---IF you adopt a non-standard root for the tree and a non-standard timescale…
“The genetic research … suggested that the Americas had been settled from Asia, not once but several times. It also planted at least two of the migrations squarely within the known history of civilization… Time and time again, the Native histories and the DNA histories agreed… This process has been so productive that, now, when I encounter an unfamiliar Native American history, my default position is to assume that it’s true… I don’t assume that every single recorded account of Native American history is accurate. My Native friends… have cautioned me … telling me which 1800s ethnologists were diligent in transcribing Native accounts and which ones lacked discernment.” (Pg. 16-19)
He goes on, “You won’t find the complete history of pre-Columbian North America within these pages. We have the most historical information for the millennium prior to European Contact, especially the latter half of that millennium, but for the thousands of years prior, our information is still fragmentary… You might be wondering why I would even write a book, given the incompleteness of our understanding of the ancient past. Why not wait until … more results are gathered? For one, I think that the information we currently possess is revolutionary and worth sharing. For another, I hope that … this book will inspire others to pick up the baton and run with it.” (Pg. 20)
In a sidebar, ‘A word to my Native American friends,’ he explains, “if you’re wondering why a European-American would try to tell the story of Native American history… I don’t pretend to have any Native American ancestry… In fact, I’ve spent nearly all my life swimming in a thoroughly Caucasian world. So why write on Native American history? Because I don’t want my fellow Caucasians to live … ignorant of those who came before and unaware of those who remain. How can someone esteem the indigenous heroes of North America if the pre-European history of North America is never taught?” (Pg. 21)
But in the Afterword, he also reveals, “I want to see Native Americans become Christians. Granted, as a Christian, I want to see people of every ethnicity be saved. But in a book like this, I feel my desires renewed specifically for the Native American community. Perhaps this offends you. Yes, I’ve made a rather blunt statement… if you’re Native American, my statement might even leave a bitter taste in your mouth… I’d like to justify my bluntness. It flows from my core convictions. I believe that Christianity is true. I believe God created a perfect world about 6,000 years ago… I believe Adam and Eve… [brought] judgment on themselves… I also believe that God made a way of escape. He sent His Son, Jesus, to take the punishment for us… Those who repent of their sins, and believe that He died on the cross and rose again… will one day enjoy Paradise… Therefore, I want to see Native Americans … become Christians.” (Pg. 173-174)
Earlier in the book, he also included ‘A word to my young-earth creationist friends'; “You might be wondering: ‘Why should this book matter to me?’ … This book pushes back against one of the longest-standing objections to young-earth creation science… For years, evolutionists have insisted that creationists should publish---and … test---scientific predictions… This book represents a monumental reversal in the history of the creation-evolution debate… my book is not primarily a refutation of evolutionary claims about pre-Columbian North American history. Instead, this book represents a replacement of those claims with a superior paradigm.” (Pg. 23)
In an Appendix, he clarifies, “This book… and the slew of papers and books that precede it… are based on the EXCLUSION of ancient DNA from the analyses. For example, I don’t include Neanderthal DNA… This differs from the mainstream scientific practice. It also differs from the practice of some creationists… My reasons for rejecting the use of ancient DNA are two-fold. First, I’ve long been suspicious that the DNA is too degraded to be useful. The mainstream community acknowledges the process of degradation… My second reason … is that I’ve done an independent test on my own…I’ve made and tested predictions, and these predictions have worked well. The introduction of ancient DNA into these analyses would dissolve this series of successes. In other words, if ancient DNA is valid, why can I make so much scientific sense of the world without it?” (Pg. 187-188)
Potential readers should be warned that a significant portion of this book consists in Jeanson telling us (in detail) about his various travels in the Americas (which details I found rather tedious)...”
Nathaniel Jeanson has a Ph.D. in Cell and Developmental Biology from Harvard. He is working at Answers in Genesis, one of the most prominent ‘young earth’ creationist organizations.
He wrote in the first chapter of this 2025 book, “I’ve always known there was something ‘off’ about the history of North America… for years, I had wondered: In North America, where were the ruins of civilizations gone by, the evidence of millennia of history? Why was north American history so late, so short? What was I missing?” (Pg. 13-14)
He continues, “a glimmer of light began to creep through the opaque window to pre-Contact North America… Charles Mann’s book ‘1491: New Revelations of the Americas Before Columbus’… showed data that suggested that the Americas were brimming with people. And then, 80% to 90% of the indigenous populations present in A.D. 1491 disappeared in the centuries following… At the time, I was working on the genetics of human origins. From DNA comparisons, I could reconstruct a putative family tree for global humanity---a tree that included branches connected to Native Americans… the population collapse is unmistakable---IF you adopt a non-standard root for the tree and a non-standard timescale…
“The genetic research … suggested that the Americas had been settled from Asia, not once but several times. It also planted at least two of the migrations squarely within the known history of civilization… Time and time again, the Native histories and the DNA histories agreed… This process has been so productive that, now, when I encounter an unfamiliar Native American history, my default position is to assume that it’s true… I don’t assume that every single recorded account of Native American history is accurate. My Native friends… have cautioned me … telling me which 1800s ethnologists were diligent in transcribing Native accounts and which ones lacked discernment.” (Pg. 16-19)
He goes on, “You won’t find the complete history of pre-Columbian North America within these pages. We have the most historical information for the millennium prior to European Contact, especially the latter half of that millennium, but for the thousands of years prior, our information is still fragmentary… You might be wondering why I would even write a book, given the incompleteness of our understanding of the ancient past. Why not wait until … more results are gathered? For one, I think that the information we currently possess is revolutionary and worth sharing. For another, I hope that … this book will inspire others to pick up the baton and run with it.” (Pg. 20)
In a sidebar, ‘A word to my Native American friends,’ he explains, “if you’re wondering why a European-American would try to tell the story of Native American history… I don’t pretend to have any Native American ancestry… In fact, I’ve spent nearly all my life swimming in a thoroughly Caucasian world. So why write on Native American history? Because I don’t want my fellow Caucasians to live … ignorant of those who came before and unaware of those who remain. How can someone esteem the indigenous heroes of North America if the pre-European history of North America is never taught?” (Pg. 21)
But in the Afterword, he also reveals, “I want to see Native Americans become Christians. Granted, as a Christian, I want to see people of every ethnicity be saved. But in a book like this, I feel my desires renewed specifically for the Native American community. Perhaps this offends you. Yes, I’ve made a rather blunt statement… if you’re Native American, my statement might even leave a bitter taste in your mouth… I’d like to justify my bluntness. It flows from my core convictions. I believe that Christianity is true. I believe God created a perfect world about 6,000 years ago… I believe Adam and Eve… [brought] judgment on themselves… I also believe that God made a way of escape. He sent His Son, Jesus, to take the punishment for us… Those who repent of their sins, and believe that He died on the cross and rose again… will one day enjoy Paradise… Therefore, I want to see Native Americans … become Christians.” (Pg. 173-174)
Earlier in the book, he also included ‘A word to my young-earth creationist friends'; “You might be wondering: ‘Why should this book matter to me?’ … This book pushes back against one of the longest-standing objections to young-earth creation science… For years, evolutionists have insisted that creationists should publish---and … test---scientific predictions… This book represents a monumental reversal in the history of the creation-evolution debate… my book is not primarily a refutation of evolutionary claims about pre-Columbian North American history. Instead, this book represents a replacement of those claims with a superior paradigm.” (Pg. 23)
In an Appendix, he clarifies, “This book… and the slew of papers and books that precede it… are based on the EXCLUSION of ancient DNA from the analyses. For example, I don’t include Neanderthal DNA… This differs from the mainstream scientific practice. It also differs from the practice of some creationists… My reasons for rejecting the use of ancient DNA are two-fold. First, I’ve long been suspicious that the DNA is too degraded to be useful. The mainstream community acknowledges the process of degradation… My second reason … is that I’ve done an independent test on my own…I’ve made and tested predictions, and these predictions have worked well. The introduction of ancient DNA into these analyses would dissolve this series of successes. In other words, if ancient DNA is valid, why can I make so much scientific sense of the world without it?” (Pg. 187-188)
Potential readers should be warned that a significant portion of this book consists in Jeanson telling us (in detail) about his various travels in the Americas (which details I found rather tedious)...”
November 3, 2025
Yikes. DNF.
The first thing that put me off of this one was the title: "They Had Names." A giant problem in social studies education in the US is that we tend to cover Native folks as having existed, but tend to exclude them from history curriculum after we finish covering the 1890s or so. The title seemed to reinforce to me that Native people HAD names, but that they do not currently. This is kind of implication is directly harmful to indigenous communities. I decided I would still give it a chance because maybe the name is explained.
Upon opening the book, I was greeted by a blurb with Ken Ham and a section on how this book is a "monumental reversal in the history of the creation-evolution debate." I just don't see how a book that explicitly says that everyone in the world is descended from Noah's family around 4,500 years ago is going to give an accurate picture of archaeology when the vast sum of archaeological evidence refutes that again and again. Current evidence suggests there have been people in what is now the Americas for over 10,000 years (so over twice as long as the author believes humans have existed). I skipped around to different parts of the book to see how this might manifest in the book and what evidence is presented, but I decided to give up because I find myself unable accept that original premise. I am a Christian and do not believe that my religious views and belief in what is commonly accepted in science are in conflict. My belief that Genesis is more metaphorical than literal does not throw my belief in God into question. I believe both in Christ and in currently-accepted science, and I reserve my right to alter my beliefs if I have been presented with evidence. In what I have read, I do not believe this book presents such evidence to change those beliefs and instead bases the foundation of the science presented on an inaccurate foundation (creationism).
One positive I can say for this book is that this author uses a lot of Native sources. While I somewhat disagree with his stance on using only published accounts (I think this somewhat discounts the legacy of oral traditions), I can also appreciate that he say he does this to keep the confidence of his Native sources.
The first thing that put me off of this one was the title: "They Had Names." A giant problem in social studies education in the US is that we tend to cover Native folks as having existed, but tend to exclude them from history curriculum after we finish covering the 1890s or so. The title seemed to reinforce to me that Native people HAD names, but that they do not currently. This is kind of implication is directly harmful to indigenous communities. I decided I would still give it a chance because maybe the name is explained.
Upon opening the book, I was greeted by a blurb with Ken Ham and a section on how this book is a "monumental reversal in the history of the creation-evolution debate." I just don't see how a book that explicitly says that everyone in the world is descended from Noah's family around 4,500 years ago is going to give an accurate picture of archaeology when the vast sum of archaeological evidence refutes that again and again. Current evidence suggests there have been people in what is now the Americas for over 10,000 years (so over twice as long as the author believes humans have existed). I skipped around to different parts of the book to see how this might manifest in the book and what evidence is presented, but I decided to give up because I find myself unable accept that original premise. I am a Christian and do not believe that my religious views and belief in what is commonly accepted in science are in conflict. My belief that Genesis is more metaphorical than literal does not throw my belief in God into question. I believe both in Christ and in currently-accepted science, and I reserve my right to alter my beliefs if I have been presented with evidence. In what I have read, I do not believe this book presents such evidence to change those beliefs and instead bases the foundation of the science presented on an inaccurate foundation (creationism).
One positive I can say for this book is that this author uses a lot of Native sources. While I somewhat disagree with his stance on using only published accounts (I think this somewhat discounts the legacy of oral traditions), I can also appreciate that he say he does this to keep the confidence of his Native sources.
May 31, 2025
This book really excited me as something I haven’t encountered before: a historical accounting of Native American people groups through scientific findings. Honestly, it was so, so much more than that. Nathaniel Jeanson presents a compelling narrative of his own discoveries with no lack of scientific, genetic, geographical, archaeological, mathematical, or native heritage evidence. I joined right along as he sought answers to questions using all of the evidence above as well ask speculation and alternative viewpoints where concrete evidence didn’t give an answer. It is a travel novel exploring a variety of native ruins and heritage sites; it is a scientific paper, citing findings of researchers relevant and intriguing to back up the points made; it is a methodical walk through a Native American history I never received in my formal education.
My only difficulty is that I wish the Figures Section with graphics and photos were spread throughout the book where noted, rather than sandwiched between ch. 8 & 9. It is a bit more difficult to find them in the ebook. I did find them very helpful to exhibit concepts I wouldn’t have grasped without visual assistance, like mound formations and genetic trees.
This is definitely more of a high school or adult read, but is an excellent example of using a variety of sources and quoting them to encourage your point.
My only difficulty is that I wish the Figures Section with graphics and photos were spread throughout the book where noted, rather than sandwiched between ch. 8 & 9. It is a bit more difficult to find them in the ebook. I did find them very helpful to exhibit concepts I wouldn’t have grasped without visual assistance, like mound formations and genetic trees.
This is definitely more of a high school or adult read, but is an excellent example of using a variety of sources and quoting them to encourage your point.
May 20, 2025
Well, I think a book like this should’ve been written a long time ago! I appreciate all the effort and hard work the author went to to gather the information, as well as then doing a great job at relaying it to the reader.
I would think this is a must have resource for every Homeschool family, especially those who live in/ come from North America. I do believe that international families could also benefit from reading about this time in history because it reveals not just the history of a specific nation but the tendencies of the human heart. I appreciate how the author brought in Biblical insights. Because without the Word of God as a lens through which we view everything, I believe we will only see in part.
I would think this is a must have resource for every Homeschool family, especially those who live in/ come from North America. I do believe that international families could also benefit from reading about this time in history because it reveals not just the history of a specific nation but the tendencies of the human heart. I appreciate how the author brought in Biblical insights. Because without the Word of God as a lens through which we view everything, I believe we will only see in part.
August 28, 2025
A fascinating read on tracing the history of the North American indigenous people through DNA, archaeology, linguistics and historical records.
December 18, 2025
The They Had Names audiobook is a meaningful addition to our history studies. The narration is clear, well-paced, and easy to follow, which made it accessible for both parent and child listening.
What stood out most was how the book humanizes history. Instead of focusing only on events and dates, it highlights real people and their stories, helping children understand that history is about individuals created in God’s image. This approach encouraged empathy and deeper conversations in our home.
The audio format worked especially well during car rides and quieter parts of the day, allowing us to stay engaged with learning even when we couldn’t sit down with a physical book. It also benefited auditory learners and children who struggle with long reading assignments.
Overall, They Had Names (audio version) is a thoughtful, Christ-centered resource that brings history to life. I would recommend it to families looking for a gentle yet impactful way to help children connect emotionally and spiritually with historical events.
What stood out most was how the book humanizes history. Instead of focusing only on events and dates, it highlights real people and their stories, helping children understand that history is about individuals created in God’s image. This approach encouraged empathy and deeper conversations in our home.
The audio format worked especially well during car rides and quieter parts of the day, allowing us to stay engaged with learning even when we couldn’t sit down with a physical book. It also benefited auditory learners and children who struggle with long reading assignments.
Overall, They Had Names (audio version) is a thoughtful, Christ-centered resource that brings history to life. I would recommend it to families looking for a gentle yet impactful way to help children connect emotionally and spiritually with historical events.
December 9, 2025
I listened to the audio version. They Had Names is narrated by the author as he shares his personal curiosity and quest to discover missing history of Native Americans in North America. Since this is a more technical work referring to maps and images within the hard copy, this is a book that I would recommend getting physically. The main map can be found online following the link he references at the beginning. High schoolers and those with extreme curiosity regarding the history of Native Americans will appreciate the detailed research of this book, especially regarding the genetic background. For others with no background of the Native American heritage the book may be harder to understand and follow, especially without the visual references before them. Background information regarding the author and the book can be found at the Answers in Genesis website and may be helpful in giving some background framework of the author’s perspective prior to reading or listening to the book.
July 20, 2025
I read the following review on Amazon, and it completely describes how I feel about this book:
"If you are into genetics and fairly well-versed in this field, this book is for you. I was looking for a clear history of the Native Peoples in a story context, this isn't simple enough for me. This is not a negative opinion of the book because I am not qualified to evaluate it."
Yep, that's where I stand. I was thinking that this book would be a clear narrative of the author's discoveries, but it's not. It's not a layperson's book, which is unfortunate since it seems to be described that way, and certainly marketed that way by Answers in Genesis.
You need to have a fairly academic historical/scientific mind and a love of deep-diving into genetics.
I'm no dummy, but I had to skim it, and really don't have an idea of its main point. Sorry I spent the money on it
"If you are into genetics and fairly well-versed in this field, this book is for you. I was looking for a clear history of the Native Peoples in a story context, this isn't simple enough for me. This is not a negative opinion of the book because I am not qualified to evaluate it."
Yep, that's where I stand. I was thinking that this book would be a clear narrative of the author's discoveries, but it's not. It's not a layperson's book, which is unfortunate since it seems to be described that way, and certainly marketed that way by Answers in Genesis.
You need to have a fairly academic historical/scientific mind and a love of deep-diving into genetics.
I'm no dummy, but I had to skim it, and really don't have an idea of its main point. Sorry I spent the money on it
May 30, 2025
As I have been going through the history cycles with my kids, I have found that I have a love for history that I previously did not have. I picked this book up because it very much intrigued me and it has left me wanting to learn more of this topic after finishing it!
Jeanson does an excellent job at tackling a subject that still has a lot to be learned. He simplifies deep topics in a way that the every day person can comprehend. I found the DNA-based family trees, topography, and language connections to be fascinating.
This book addresses things about our history that I never was taught in school and I can’t wait to share this with my kids as they grow up. I would probably introduce this book at the high school level.
Jeanson does an excellent job at tackling a subject that still has a lot to be learned. He simplifies deep topics in a way that the every day person can comprehend. I found the DNA-based family trees, topography, and language connections to be fascinating.
This book addresses things about our history that I never was taught in school and I can’t wait to share this with my kids as they grow up. I would probably introduce this book at the high school level.
October 16, 2025
There is so much more to learn about Native American peoples, so this book wasn't quite as exciting and revolutionary seeming as Jeanson's 2022 "Traced." However, it does make me interested in visiting the ruins across the United States, and learning more about the First Nations/ Indigenous peoples of the Americas, especially of North America.
I'm glad that I've been to Cahokia multiple times. And I wish that my family could have visited Mesa Verde as planned when we went through the Southwest in 2002, but it was closed that day. Hopefully I can visit more sites in the future. I'll have to look into what North Dakota has to offer, since that's where I live now.
I'm glad that I've been to Cahokia multiple times. And I wish that my family could have visited Mesa Verde as planned when we went through the Southwest in 2002, but it was closed that day. Hopefully I can visit more sites in the future. I'll have to look into what North Dakota has to offer, since that's where I live now.
June 30, 2025
This the first time I have read a book attempting to trace the back history for many U.S. Native American tribes. This is a readable book and Jeanson sets forth his arguments well. The big wigs of academic experts who are blinded from seeing outside their preconceptions and narrow field will want to hang Jeanson. Before they rush to judgement they ought to actually seriously consider his arguments and timeline of movements, genetics and language change. He does explain things I have wondered about and he makes sense. I recommend this book.
July 3, 2025
It was good! Not often do you get watch break throughs in science in real time. I've been following his updates on YouTube the last couple years and enjoyed reading where his research is now.
This book builds off his last one and combines y chromosome DNA with Native History, Linguistics and archeology to figure out Native American history. He also gives some testable theories and asks for help from Native Americans. And all this only works with a young earth timescale.
Somewhat technical, but more conversational and personal than his other books.
Im excited to see where this goes!
This book builds off his last one and combines y chromosome DNA with Native History, Linguistics and archeology to figure out Native American history. He also gives some testable theories and asks for help from Native Americans. And all this only works with a young earth timescale.
Somewhat technical, but more conversational and personal than his other books.
Im excited to see where this goes!
July 27, 2025
What a wonderful book! Exceptional because it was written by a man of faith. The Afterward is the most important part of the book because it shares the Gospel in clear and specific and accurate detail. I loved the use of the Red Record. I had never been exposed to it before, and I loved the author's explanation of how various world peoples would have narratives similar but different from the Biblical account of creation and the flood. Very thorough and non dogmatic. A must-read for all interested in Native American culture and history.
August 12, 2025
This book is very intriguing and easy to read. The author is very good at explaining his objective and how he gets there. The topic of Native American history is a rare find. Especially from a conservative Christian point of view. He is very honest with his research and his conclusions. Very fascinating to think there might have been a Roman Empire of sorts in the US. Well worth the read.
May 20, 2025
I was surprised at how much I enjoyed reading this book. Getting the big picture of the pre-contact indigenous Americans has given me a fresh perspective on history. I love how Jeanson interweaves into one story ancient records, new scientific findings, and the unsolved mysteries for future study.
Although Jeanson is discussing some pretty advanced ideas, he has simplified his studies into laymen's terms while still going deep. This is definitely a book I hope to have my children read in the upper levels of highschool once they have a foundation laid from their other courses to get the most out of this book.
There are many figures and maps to make sense of the places and movements of people groups referenced in the book. Although they are included in the physical book, I highly recommend going to the interactive map on AIGs site as referenced in the footnotes to follow along for the best experience. You can also download the files to reference on the go.
Although Jeanson is discussing some pretty advanced ideas, he has simplified his studies into laymen's terms while still going deep. This is definitely a book I hope to have my children read in the upper levels of highschool once they have a foundation laid from their other courses to get the most out of this book.
There are many figures and maps to make sense of the places and movements of people groups referenced in the book. Although they are included in the physical book, I highly recommend going to the interactive map on AIGs site as referenced in the footnotes to follow along for the best experience. You can also download the files to reference on the go.
July 8, 2025
This book by Dr. Jeanson is such a revelation! As a duly enrolled member of the Coharie tribe, I found answers in this book that have escaped me my entire adult life. This easy-to-read book explains the migration patterns of Native Americans going back to the very beginning. The color maps are really helpful and add greatly to the narrative Dr. Jeanson so expertly laid out. This is a MUST READ for students of Native American Studies.
October 18, 2025
Fascinating!!
November 30, 2025
Fascinating book. Had a hard time following everything.
September 2, 2025
First the things I liked: the modern approach in describing indigenous peoples' history, i.e., DNA and linguistic analyses were good. The descriptions of the cliff dwellings, mounds, etc. were also very interesting.
BUT: the author peppers the book with his Christian beliefs, especially in the preface and Afterword. Fortunately for him, his research supports his Christian beliefs. My problem is: how can I trust a scientist/historian who believes he already knows this history back to Noah? How can I be sure that he didn't cherry-pick data to support his Christian beliefs, and ignore contradictory evidence. The answer is that "I cannot". I don't care that he is a Christian and wants "to see Native Americans become Christians". Such beliefs undermine my confidence in his research.
I would not recommend this book for anyone looking for a scientific analysis of the subject.
[Edit] If you want to go back and check something you read in this book, be prepared to hunt. There is no [expletive deleted] index! Minus one star!
BUT: the author peppers the book with his Christian beliefs, especially in the preface and Afterword. Fortunately for him, his research supports his Christian beliefs. My problem is: how can I trust a scientist/historian who believes he already knows this history back to Noah? How can I be sure that he didn't cherry-pick data to support his Christian beliefs, and ignore contradictory evidence. The answer is that "I cannot". I don't care that he is a Christian and wants "to see Native Americans become Christians". Such beliefs undermine my confidence in his research.
I would not recommend this book for anyone looking for a scientific analysis of the subject.
[Edit] If you want to go back and check something you read in this book, be prepared to hunt. There is no [expletive deleted] index! Minus one star!
May 31, 2025
This book really excited me as something I haven’t encountered before: a historical accounting of Native American people groups through scientific findings. Honestly, it was so, so much more than that. Nathaniel Jeanson presents a compelling narrative of his own discoveries with no lack of scientific, genetic, geographical, archaeological, mathematical, or native heritage evidence. I joined right along as he sought answers to questions using all of the evidence above as well ask speculation and alternative viewpoints where concrete evidence didn’t give an answer. It is a travel novel exploring a variety of native ruins and heritage sites; it is a scientific paper, citing findings of researchers relevant and intriguing to back up the points made; it is a methodical walk through a Native American history I never received in my formal education.
My only difficulty is that I wish the Figures Section with graphics and photos were spread throughout the book where noted, rather than sandwiched between ch. 8 & 9. It is a bit more difficult to find them in the ebook. I did find them very helpful to exhibit concepts I wouldn’t have grasped without visual assistance, like mound formations and genetic trees.
This is definitely more of a high school or adult read, but is an excellent example of using a variety of sources and quoting them to encourage your point.
My only difficulty is that I wish the Figures Section with graphics and photos were spread throughout the book where noted, rather than sandwiched between ch. 8 & 9. It is a bit more difficult to find them in the ebook. I did find them very helpful to exhibit concepts I wouldn’t have grasped without visual assistance, like mound formations and genetic trees.
This is definitely more of a high school or adult read, but is an excellent example of using a variety of sources and quoting them to encourage your point.
May 31, 2025
I loved being able to start reading a book about the history of our country before the settlers from Europe crossed the Atlantic. The author traveled to many sites, interviewed many tribes, and did a lot of research including DNA and linguistics. Seeing how people traveled across the Bering Straight and down through North America to Central America and on, as well as the eastward travel through linguistics, DNA, and archeology was very interesting.
I need to say, the physical book is better than the e-book. In the back of the book are many pictures and maps that are frequently referenced in the text.
I do recommend this book. Keep in mind, it is not a quick or light read. It is very informative. While informative from a historical standpoint, to include it in a students education would be best in 11th or 12th grade.
I need to say, the physical book is better than the e-book. In the back of the book are many pictures and maps that are frequently referenced in the text.
I do recommend this book. Keep in mind, it is not a quick or light read. It is very informative. While informative from a historical standpoint, to include it in a students education would be best in 11th or 12th grade.
May 20, 2025
I was surprised at how much I enjoyed reading this book. Getting the big picture of the pre-contact indigenous Americans has given me a fresh perspective on history. I love how Jeanson interweaves into one story ancient records, new scientific findings, and the unsolved mysteries for future study.
Although Jeanson is discussing some pretty advanced ideas, he has simplified his studies into laymen's terms while still going deep. This is definitely a book I hope to have my children read in the upper levels of highschool once they have a foundation laid from their other courses to get the most out of this book.
There are many figures and maps to make sense of the places and movements of people groups referenced in the book. Although they are included in the physical book, I highly recommend going to the interactive map on AIGs site as referenced in the footnotes to follow along for the best experience. You can also download the files to reference on the go.
Although Jeanson is discussing some pretty advanced ideas, he has simplified his studies into laymen's terms while still going deep. This is definitely a book I hope to have my children read in the upper levels of highschool once they have a foundation laid from their other courses to get the most out of this book.
There are many figures and maps to make sense of the places and movements of people groups referenced in the book. Although they are included in the physical book, I highly recommend going to the interactive map on AIGs site as referenced in the footnotes to follow along for the best experience. You can also download the files to reference on the go.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews