Anasazi Ruins of the Southwest in Color

"The Anasazi Indians of the Southwest represent 2,500 years of cultural continuity, from the early Basket Makers of 700 B.C. to their modern descendants, the Pueblo Indians. The pueblos and cliff dwellings they built during their halcyon days between 1100 and 1500 are the most spectacular ruins north of Mexico. In this book, all of the significant and accessible Anasazi ruins are photographed and described in detail. Many of the photographs are aerial views showing the interrelationships of the structures and the intrinsic beauty of the settings. All extant Anasazi ruins are included here, but special attention is paid to the magnificent sites of Mesa Verde, Chaco Canyon, Canyon de Chelly, and Kaytena. Also included are illustrations of rock art and examples of the delicate jewelry and beautiful ceramics that have survived. Because the Anasazi left no written records, interpretations of their culture vary dramatically. The authors present the most current research and a balanced view of contradictory theories, making this book a readable, engaging, and authoritative study in an ancient people and the places they inhabited. Anyone interested in the prehistoric cultures of the Southwest will find this lavishly illustrated volume both informative and delightful to look at."--