1491: New Revelations of the Americas Before Columbus

• Genre: Nonfiction; history; anthropology
• Originally Published: 2005
• Reading Level/Interest: Lexile 1210L; college/adult
• Structure/Length: 11 chapters; approximately 541 pages; approximately 16 hours, 17 minutes on audio
• Central Concern: 1491 challenges and expands upon traditional views of the pre-Columbian Americas, presenting a compelling narrative that combines scientific research, archaeology, and anthropology. Charles C. Mann synthesizes recent scholarship and discoveries to portray a hemisphere teeming with complex cultures, large cities, and populations much greater than previously thought. The book argues against the idea of the Americas as a sparsely populated wilderness, instead painting a picture of vibrant civilizations with sophisticated agricultural practices, societies, and environmental impact.
• Potential Sensitivity Issues: Discussions of the decimation of Indigenous populations due to disease and conquest; challenges to long-standing historical narratives; references to conflicts between civilizations and the impact of European colonization; use of dated language now considered insensitive

Charles C. Mann, Author

• Bio: Born 1955; American journalist and author specializing in scientific topics; represented in a variety of publications, including Wired, The Atlantic Monthly, and Science
• Other Works: The Wizard and the Prophet: Two Remarkable Scientists and Their Dueling Visions to Shape Tomorrow’s World (2018); 1493: Uncovering the New World Columbus Created (a companion to 1491; 2011)
• Awards: National Academies Communication Award (for best creative work that helps the public understanding of topics in science, engineering, or medicine; 2006)