David J Meltzer Books

Over 15,000 years ago, a band of hunter-gatherers became the first people to set foot in the Americas. They soon found themselves in a world rich in plants and animals, but also a world still shivering itself out of the coldest depths of the Ice Age. The movement of those first Americans was one of the greatest journeys undertaken by ancient peoples. In this book, David Meltzer explores the world of Ice Age Americans, highlighting genetic, archaeological, and geological evidence that has revolutionized our understanding of their origins, antiquity, and adaptation to climate and environmental change. This fully updated edition integrates the most recent scientific discoveries, including the ancient genome revolution and human evolutionary and population history. Written for a broad audience, the book can serve as the primary text in courses on North American Archaeology, Ice Age Environments, and Human evolution and prehistory.

Exploring the contentious debates surrounding the origins of the first Americans, Meltzer provides a detailed examination of the data that has influenced scientific discourse. The narrative delves into the arguments and controversies that have shaped our understanding of early human migration to the Americas, offering readers an insightful behind-the-scenes look at the evolving theories and research in this fascinating field.

This book introduces the general reader to the archaeology of the peoples who inhabited North America during the prehistoric period.