Rio del Norte: People of Upper Rio Grande from Earliest Times to Pueblo Revolt

I agree with the other reviewers...This book covers The Pueblo Indians from the caveman era to The Pueblo Revolt...A lot of interesting archaeological sketches and maps too...

A must read for the Pueblophile.

I bought this book while vacationing in New Mexico and found it an excellent companion to my visits to archaeological sites such as Quarai, Abo, and Gran Quivara. These former Pueblo Indian farming communities are located in the middle of nowhere and the fact they were able to exist -- and apparently thrive -- in a hostile, desert environment adds to their appeal and mystery. Riley has turned out a competent, readable survey of the Indians of the Rio Grande in pre- and early-historical times. In the first half of the book he gives a thorough account of all aspects of Pueblo Indian culture: history, language, agriculture, religion, technology, trade, etc. The second half is devoted to their contacts with Coronado and the other early Spanish explorers and settlers. He presents in brief form a lot of information, but most of what he says is jargon-free and comprehensible to non-archaeologists and non-specialists. I liked the book and it will stay on my shelves as a ready reference to the Pueblo Indians.

Very good history of the Pre-Columbian and early Spanish Southwest. Covers from the first entry of Native Americans into the region up to the quelling of the Pueblo revolt in the early Seventeenth Century. This is a good solid history of the establishment of civilization in the area (Part 1 of the book) and entry of European explorers and settlement (Part 2 of the book)There are other works which treat specific elements of this history in more depth, but as solid and meaty overview this book succeeds very well. As an Australian I found this book taught me a lot about a significant part of American history that does not usually get a high profile here.