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September 2015 Vol. 53 No. 1

Poverty Point was the largest city in North America from 1100–700 BCE.  The World Heritage site in northeastern Louisiana near the Mississippi River is the largest created by any hunter-gatherer society and was the nexus of a trade contact complex stretching southward to Florida and northward to central Missouri.  Archaeologist Greenlee (Univ. of Louisiana at Monroe) and photographer Ellerbe have designed a charming, informative narrative describing what is known about Poverty Point and offer musing impressions of the little-known site.  Although the book targets general readers, the archaeological content is exceptionally well presented.  Alternating chapters convey the sense of awe felt by an observer with the more prosaic narration of research results.  Topics include information about the physical artifacts of hunting and fishing, trade, tools, decorative objects, and Poverty Point's unique physical layout.  Photographs, a glossary, and references complete a well-conceived presentation in this gem.

--G. Gagnon, Loyola University of New Orleans

Summing Up: Highly recommended. All levels/libraries.