Though they speak several different languages and organize themselves into many distinct tribes, the Native American peoples of the Southeast share a complex ancient culture and a tumultuous history. This volume examines and synthesizes their history through each of its integral phases: the complex and elaborate societies that emerged and flourished in the Pre-Columbian period; the triple curse of disease, economic dependency, and political instability brought by the European invasion; the role of Native Americans in the inter-colonial struggles for control of the region; the removal of the "Five Civilized Tribes" to Oklahoma; the challenges and adaptations of the post-removal period; and the creativity and persistence of those who remained in the Southeast. Renowned scholars on the ethnohistory of southeastern native peoples and coeditors of the University of Nebraska's "Indians of the Southeast" series, Perdue and Green have produced a long-needed handbook that fills a significant niche in the reference literature. The first half of the text focuses on the history and culture of the region's native groups. This includes not only the Mississippian Moundbuilder cultures that arose between 800 and 1000 C.E. but also well-known native groups such as the Cherokee and Creeks. One notable feature is that, unlike many titles on the same subject, this book does not conclude with the journey of the "five civilized tribes" on the Trail of Tears. Instead, it continues documenting the experiences of those natives forced onto reservations in Oklahoma and those who avoided removal and continue to live in the region today. Immediately following the survey are alphabetically arranged entries focusing on individuals, places, and events. The final two sections are a chronology and a listing of resources for further research, which include published primary sources, oral traditions, films, and Internet sites. Until the long-promised Southeast volume of the Smithsonian's "Handbook of the North American Indians" series is published, this will probably be the reference of choice on the topic and is an essential purchase for all libraries collecting books about Native Americans. John Burch, Campbellsville Univ., KY Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc. Like The Columbia Guide to America in the 1960s [RBB Ja 1 & 15 02], these handbooks are hybrids that combine narrative with reference content. Approximately half the text in each is devoted to in-depth discussions of history and important themes. The remainder provides an A-Z list of people, places, and events; a chronology; and an extensive list of resources. RBB Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved A long needed handbook that fills a significant niche in the reference literature.... The reference of choice on the topic and an essential purchase for all libraries collecting books about Native Americans. -- John Burch ― Library Journal Reads quickly and easily and is complemented by an attractive gallery of illustrations... quite useful. ― North Carolina Historical Review Theda Perdue and Michael Green, renowned experts on the history of the Cherokee and Creeks, respectively, have produced a wonderful guide to the Indians of the southeast. ― The Georgia Historical Quarterly The first of a projected seven-volume reference series on American Indian history and culture by Columbia University Press, Perdue and Green have set a high standard with this logically organized, well-written, and concisely comprehensive work. -- Kathryn E. Holland Braund ― The Journal of Southern History A volume whose strength is its comprehensiveness... a volume that scholars of all levels will want to consult. -- Melissa A. Stock ― H-Net Reviews Theda Perdue is professor of history at the University of North Carolina and author of Cherokee Women. Michael D. Green is professor of American studies at the University of North Carolina and author of The Creeks.