1491 Book Review 1491 – New Revelations of the Americas Before Columbus1491 book review 1491: New Revelations of the Americas before ColumbusBy: Charles C. MannAbout the Author:Charles C. Mann is an American journalist and author who along with being a three-time finalist for the National Magazine Award, has also received many writing awards from organizations such as the American Bar Association, the American Institute of Physics, the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, and the Lannan Foundation. He is also the author of the national bestseller 1491: New Revelations of the Americas Before Columbus, which won the National Academies Communication Award for “Best Book of the Year.” Manns purpose for writing this book is to educate and inform people about the real situation of people before and after Columbus.
For many years, schools have taught us that the Indians were small, uncivilized groups that had little effect on the world before Columbus. Due to unexpected discoveries and evidence that say otherwise, many scholars now question and argue about their time in the Americas before Columbus. In 1491: New Revelations of the Americas Before Columbus, Mann uses the latest research, along with his own results from his travels, to provide eye-opening information on the Indians and what they were really like before the Europeans. We learn that they were more culturally advanced and had more of an influence on our world than what is thought.
1491: New Revelations of the Americas Before Columbus is a non-fiction book written by author Charles C. Mann that speaks about the pre-Columbian Americas. Mann provides evidence that shows that the human population was higher, they were more evolved and advanced, and their effect on the land was greater than what most people believed. Mann also spoke of the many tribes before the Europeans and the cultures that were demolished. When the Columbus came, he brought over many diseases that the Indians had never been exposed to. Over 90% of the people in the Americas died within 130 years, causing villages to become depopulated and cultures to die with them.
1491 is filled with scholars debating and disagreeing on certain topics. I agree with most of what Mann says, because along with his opinion he also provides facts. Mann said “It is always easy for those living in the present to feel superior to those who lived in the past.” (p. 16). I slightly disagree with this statement due to the fact that he said always. There were many people in the past who made great discoveries today and did amazing things. It would be hard for me to feel superior to those who shaped our world today. Mann also raises the possibility of us trying methods used by the Indians to preserve and control the land. He gives information on methods such as the slash and burn methods, but he leaves out what may happen to our environment
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[1] I am a believer in the power of scientific thinking by using empirical research to push the limits of human power. (p. 14). It is an effort I believe I was attempting to accomplish at a time when most people had no other means for exercising their power than to use mathematical methods. (p. 15). I did not attempt to create and develop this scientific methodology in time for the time when we could have done so with the help of humans (I tried as well).
[2] Mann is often credited as an influential and charismatic person for most scientists in the world. (p. 17). He is often credited with advancing science by using his scientific expertise to advance the careers of scientists.
[3] I did not seek the advice of any of the people interviewed. However, I want to give a strong personal defense against being asked about Mann’s activities (p. 1, 2).
‟> I do not try to get answers out. I only make requests when I feel necessary. I have no desire to provide any personal attack or reply. I don’t feel I’m entitled to say “I was wrong about the amount of time you gave me [sic] but I could have done differently”. [4] I am quite clear about the reasons why I wish to provide this information. I may seek to be part of an important group of scientific leaders who are making an important contribution to the scientific advancement of the world.[5]
[6] I do not engage in what might be called a “discussion” about the issue I am seeking to address. I also do not attempt to persuade those who disagree or object to the information on this website. I seek to provide a discussion about the issues I raise. I cannot speak for every person or group in the world, even those who disagree with me. It is often difficult for me to engage with as many as I wish and I will try to help everyone I meet find a way. The information on these pages can be used by anyone in my position to advance the careers of anyone involved in scientific advancement. Any disagreements on any of my issues could lead to an issue that my opponents may not be able to consider of their own (I try to take all the necessary steps to change the discussion I address).
‟> I do not intend to take legal action against anyone for any comments that I may have made. I believe there are many who would be offended if I were in any way disagreeing with the article or article’s content but I do not take legal action for comments. I believe I need to clarify my position when I receive comments or questions that are made elsewhere on this website as I would not seek to draw negative attention to myself.[6]
[7] Mann did not deny his influence in the past. I am grateful that I may have seen things differently. Nevertheless, he does not deny that his influence