Native American Weapons
In this taut and generously illustrated overview, Taylor  (Buckskin and Buffalo: The Artistry of the Plains Indians)  zeroes in on North American Indian arms and armor from  prehistoric times to the late 19th century, dividing his subject  into five efficient categories. The chapter on striking weapons  covers war clubs and tomahawks, cutting weapons include knives  from Folsom stone to Bowie, piercing weapons comprise spears and  bows and arrows, and defensive weapons feature the  seldom-emphasized armor both men and horses wore in battle. Most  interesting, however, is the chapter on symbolic weapons, which  describes how powerful icons on dress or ornament were used to  ward off blows. The illustrations mostly color photos of  objects help the reader see distinctions between, for example, a  regular tomahawk and a spontoon or French one. Old paintings and  photographs show the weapons held by their owners, giving both a  time frame and a sense of their importance. The text is packed  and yet very readable, and the amount of history, tribal  distinction, and construction detail given in such a short book  is astounding. This excellent introduction is a bargain for any  library. Gay Neale, Meredithville, VACopyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.