About the Author

Michael G. Johnson was a scholar of Native American studies. He researched the history and culture of diverse indigenous cultures of North America for more than 50 years during which he visited more than 30 Indian communities and reservations. He set new standards of scholarship and wrote for both academics and non-specialist readers. Johnson was associate editor of American Indian Crafts & Culture magazine, a contributing writer to Whispering Wind magazine, and the author of more than 15 books still in print. In July 2000, he received The Denali Press Award from the American Library Association. Johnson died in August 2019 at the age of 82.

Reviews

[Review of hardcover edition: ] This new edition features 16 additional pages, new maps on the Arctic and the Subarctic, a section on the Metis, an expanded glossary, and updated census data. Like earlier editions, it is organized by culture area ("Northwestern Woodlands," "Southeastern Woodlands," "Plains and Prairie," "Plateau," "Great Basin," "California," "Southwest," "Northwest Coast," "Subarctic," and "Arctic"). Each culture area is introduced with a linguistic chart, an ethnohistorical essay, and a map; these help readers understand relationships between nations in the specific areas. . . The volume is enhanced with an informative introduction, an explanation of linguistic classification (language families), extensive and detailed maps, a section on native people today, detailed demographic statistics for the US and Canada, and an illustrated glossary. Though not in academia, Johnson has published about native peoples for more than 30 years. . . The maps, photographs, and beautiful illustrations by Hook, combined with concise, accurate entries, make this volume a good purchase, especially for libraries that lack the 2007 edition. Summing up: Recommended. Lower-division undergraduates and above; general readers.--M. Cedar Face "Choice" (3/1/2015 12:00:00 AM)

[Review of previously published edition: ] The richly illustrated, large format volume includes new maps, additional and better presented historical and contemporary photographs, art by renowned illustrator Richard Hook, and summer tables (e.g., of Indian languages), essays on "The Indian Today" and museums with Indian art and material, 2000 Census and other data on the North American Indian population, and a glossary.-- "Book News Inc." (2/1/2009 12:00:00 AM)

[Review of hardcover edition: ] Johnson, author of several books on Native Americans, expanded and richly illustrated this second edition, which focuses on tribes living north of the Rio Grande, including Alaska and Canada. In addition to the color plates by Richard Hook, there are numerous maps, illustrations, and black-and-white photos throughout. An overview of the classification of Indian languages serves as the basis for the organization of the subsequent sections of the encyclopedia. Each chapter concentrates on a geographic region with tribal information arranged by language. The content is concise, gathering facts on ethnology, demographics, and culture. A glossary, census data, and a bibliography are also included. Anyone interested in Native American history and culture will find this book a valuable resource. VERDICT A worthwhile addition to the reference collection at school, college, and public libraries.--Diane Fulkerson, University of South Florida "Library Journal" (11/1/2014 12:00:00 AM)

[Review of previously published edition: ] Excellent color photographs, maps, and a well-illustrated glossary....School librarians will appreciate this book, especially the colorful maps, charts, and photographs. It is quite easy to be dazzled by the photography.--Karen D. Harvey "American Reference Books Annual 2008" (1/1/2008 12:00:00 AM)

[Review of previously published edition: ] Newly expanded by more than 70 pages from the original 1994 publication, this substantial reference remains one of the most elaborately illustrated books on Native Americans now in print. Divided into ten region-categorized chapters, it offers a one- to two-paragraph description of the many tribes living within recognized regional boundaries. The color plates, previously located in a separate section, now appear beside relevant textural passages. Period and cultural artifact photographs have been added. Highly recommended for North American historical and ethnographic collections.-- "Library Journal" (1/1/2008 12:00:00 AM)

[Review of previously published edition: ] Provides concise information about Native peoples north of the Rio Grande, including Canada... Although similar to other one-volume encyclopedias, the rich illustration and supplemental sections make this volume worthwhile. Summing Up: Recommended. All levels.--M. Cedar Face, Southern Oregon University "Choice" (4/1/2008 12:00:00 AM)

[Review of previously published edition: ] Revised and expanded, Johnson's Encyclopedia of Native Tribes of North America is a delight both to the eye and the pocketbook.... The fact that Firefly Books could do this exquisite volume for such a small price is to be commended. Recommended.--Diana Shonrock "Booklist" (5/1/2008 12:00:00 AM)