AMERICAN INDIAN

Karl Bodmer, American Indian provides a rare and privileged look at NativeAmerican life and customs before the invention of photography. Extensivetravels, from 1832 to 1834, conducted by Maximilian Prince of Wied andSwiss painter Karl Bodmer through the inner Parts of North Americaresulted in the publication, in 1839, of the first book to presentpaintings and descriptions of Native American life in skilled, painstakingdetail. The sumptuous pictures reprinted here, depicting battle scenes,landscapes, portraits, and still lifes, are taken from an extremely rare,hand-colored copy of the original publication. Excerpts from Wied'sjournals serve as keys to the multitude of details contained within eachimage, giving historical information about the rituals, clothes, and toolsof the Native Americans, including well-known figures such as Mató-Tópe. Anintroduction by anthropologist Sonja Schierle brings the book into acontemporary perspective. Since most of us will never have the opportunity to see Wied and Bodmer'smarvelous original publication, TASCHEN brings you the next bestthing—a reproduction of impeccable quality and consideration, foranyone and everyone to study and enjoy.