Bold, inventive and highly graphic, the indigenous art of the Northwest Coast is distinguished by its sophistication and complexity. It is also composed of basically simple elements, which, guided by a rich mythology, create images of striking power. This indispensable and beautifully illustrated book is the first to introduce everyone, from the casual observer to the serious collector of Northwest Coast prints, to the forms, cultural background and structures of this highly imaginative art. The elements of style are introduced; the myths and legends which shape the motifs are interpreted; the stylistic differences between the major cultural groupings are defined and illustrated. Raven, Thunderbird, Killer Whale, Bear: all the traditional forms are here, deftly analyzed by a professional writer and artist who has a deep understanding of this powerful culture. "Art of the Northwest Coast provides a much-needed compendium on the Native art traditions of this area and fills a long-standing lacuna in the literature. I recommend this book for successfully accomplishing what it sets out to achieve."― Museum Anthropology Review "A highly accessible survey of the indigenous art of Cascadia, a panoramic view that stands on the shoulders of pioneering scholars Bill Holm, Robin Wright, and Steve Brown. Jonaitis attempts to answer the question of how so much art, so finely made, developed here, in this strip of land from Puget Sound to Yakutat in Alaska, and she does so with an engaging storyteller's voice and a sumptuous wealth of illustrations."― Cascadia Weekly