The Indians of Texas: From Prehistoric to Modern Times

by William W. Newcomb

A classic work on the indigenous peoples of Texas.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Native American

440 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1972

Reviews

[Geoff Sebesta]

This book does a great job of gathering general histories of the various tribes of Texas and presenting it in a reasonably interesting way. For a book from the 1970s it's charmingly unracist. His preoccupations are odd but intriguing -- a lot of time is spent describing what various tribes called the father's brother as opposed to the mother's sister.

Other than the sources he used for his information, there are practically no specific events or specific people described in this whole book. That's a major difference between now and today, but it's also a function of the subject matter. Practically everything we know about the 16th century Coahuiltecan and Karankawa Indians comes from one man, a Spanish fella named Cabeza de Vaca, and until that changes I don't see any other way to write it.

The similarities between this book and the way that RPG sourebooks are written can sometimes be amusing. All he needs is character sheets next to the line art.

Also, this book could seriously use a glossary. But the maps are exactly what you think of when you think of a book like this, and that's just great.

I gave this book five stars because it was an exemplar of its day and still one of the best examples of this kind of writing. However, this book is only a great place to start, and absolutely should be supplemented with modern information. It's the sort of book you should own, keep around the house, and refer to as necessary.

[Michael]

A fascinating read about the Indians of Texas. However, despite amazing research, it is sad there isn’t more to this book due to the gruesome extermination of the Indians by Texans. It’s a testament to the quality of this book the author makes note of this tragedy.

[Craig]

Quite good descriptions. More of a reference.

[Brendan Steinhauser]

This book does a great job describing the various types of Indians that lived in Texas from ancient to modern times. If you are looking to better understand the Apaches, Comanches, Tonkawas, Karankawas, and other Texas Indians, this is the book to read. The author details their cultures, including everything from their food sources and attire, to their religious beliefs and their languages. He also describes their interactions - both peaceful and martial - with Spanish, Mexican, French and American explorers and settlers.

[Matthew]

After a lot of time down in the brush country I wanted to learn more about the Coahuiltecans - the uncivilized people who lived in that thorny, dry land for thousands of years.

And for a novice like myself this book was perfect. It's all very general, but hopefully it will lead me to more thorough and specific books on different 'Texas' indians.

[Clint Flatt]

The definative book on Native Americans in Texas. Concetrates mostly on the pre-historic bands but also shows there importance to the other nations because of their arrow points and shells from the coast.

[Fredrick Danysh]

Newcomb has written an interesting history of Native Americans from ancient to more modern times. I have recommended this book to students interested in the Native Americans.

[AustinT]

2016