Late Woodland Societies - by Thomas E Emerson & Dale L McElrath & Andrew C Fortier (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Archaeologists across the Midwest have pooled their data and perspectives to produce this indispensable volume on the Native cultures of the Late Woodland period (approximately A.D. 300-1000). Sandwiched between the well-known Hopewellian and Mississippian eras of monumental mound construction, the Late Woodland period has received insufficient attention from archaeologists, who have frequently characterized it as consisting of relatively drab artifact assemblages. The close connections between this period and subsequent Mississippian and Fort Ancient societies, however, make it especially valuable for cross-cultural researchers. Understanding the cultural processes at work during the Late Woodland period will yield important clues about the long-term forces that stimulate and enhance social inequality.

Late Woodland Societies is notable for its comprehensive geographic coverage; exhaustive presentation and discussion of sites, artifacts, and prehistoric cultural practices; and critical summaries of interpretive perspectives and trends in scholarship. The vast amount of information and theory brought together, examined, and synthesized by the contributors produces a detailed, coherent, and systematic picture of Late Woodland lifestyles across the Midwest. The Late Woodland can now be seen as a dynamic time in its own right and instrumental to the emergence of complex late prehistoric cultures across the Midwest and Southeast.

Review Quotes

"Late Woodland Societies is a long-needed and most welcome comprehensive compilation and is highly recommended reading."--Annals of Iowa-- (11/29/2001 12:00:00 AM)

"The authors and editors have done us a great favor in synthesizing so much information. There is much to be gained from a thorough reading and rereading of this volume."--Phillip Carr, Mississippi Archaeology-- (3/18/2004 12:00:00 AM)

"The editors and authors have created a work that will stand as a major contribution to midwestern archeology. This volume is for professional archeologists, in both academics and management, particularly in Illinois and adjoining states. It will be heavily used by archeologists engaged in the excavation and study of Late Woodland sites."--North Dakota History-- (3/11/2004 12:00:00 AM)

About the Author

Thomas E. Emerson is director of the Illinois Transportation Archaeological Research Program and an adjunct professor at the University of Illinois. He is the author or editor of several works, including Cahokia: Domination and Ideology in the Mississippian World. Dale L. McElrath is statewide survey coordinator and Andrew C. Fortier is special projects coordinator for the Illinois Transportation Archaeological Research Program at the University of Illinois.