Lummis was a real character with a 'perfect body and awakened mind' who walked from Cincinnati to his new job in Los Angeles in winter of 1884-1885. His adventures are terrific and his self-confidence supreme and enabling of his success. He was open and accepting of all people, flamboyent, bombastic and an asset to the development of Los Angeles, its library, the Southwest Museum and the peaceful relocation of the native Americans to reservations. (He had been appointed to that task by his Harvard classmate, Teddy Roosevelt. Clean, funny and very well written!

Bandelier first published this work in 1890, hoping to reach the general public with the facts he had uncovered (literally) about the Indians of the Four Corners area. As a scientist, he was thorough and certainly the authority on the ancient Pueblos. As a writer, he was more an historian than a story teller. Nevertheless, you will gain a lasting and factually accurate impression of "the way it really was" if you can overlook his stereotyped comments and presumptuous views. Considering the Mesa Verde fires of 2000 (which uncovered several hundred new Anasazi sites) this book rekindles interest in the ancient mysteries of the cliff dwellers. It is easy to see Bandelier's Queres Indians as the Anasazi, and derive a relationship between his Koshare (Delight Makers) and the ongoing affection that modern man holds for Kokopelli. As tedious as some of the reading may be, finishing the book will leave you with a feeling of accomplishment; and you may even retain some words from the language of the times.