The Desert Southwest (Nonfiction)

Our Western prehistory is so full of mystery that any clues we can find are welcome.

By looking to the pots left behind by prehistoric peoples in the Southwest, authors Allan and Carol Hayes tell the story of the Hohokam, Salado, Anasazi, Mogollon and Zuni. The stories aren’t always cut and dry—“Even the pots argue about who made what,” the authors admit. But the Hayes have taken a creative approach to figuring out where some of these tribes may have gone, instead of simply writing them off as “vanished.” Not only are the stories compelling enough for the average joe, but collectors of pottery will appreciate this book as well. Almost every other page features examples of the pottery made by each tribe, as well as vivid descriptions explaining the different brownware, redware and black-and-white pieces. This is one book that you won’t be able to put down until you reach the end.