You know the iconic images — now read the story behind them
Edward S. Curtis spent over 30 years documenting the lives of more than 80 Native American tribes. His mission became The North American Indian, a monumental work of photography and ethnography that remains one of the most important records of Indigenous cultures in the early 20th century.
Curtis traveled thousands of miles, living among the people he photographed and wrote about. His work preserves languages, traditions, ceremonies, and personal stories that might have otherwise been lost. Today, his legacy offers a rare and powerful glimpse into a world on the edge of transformation.
Explore the dynamic cultures and traditions of the southwestern desert tribes, known for their intricate crafts and spiritual practices. Discover how these communities adapted to the harsh desert environment.
$16.99
Discover the resilience and adaptability of the desert-dwelling peoples, whose way of life has thrived for centuries. Learn about their unique agricultural techniques and vibrant community rituals.
$16.99
Delve into the rich history and social structures of the Great Plains tribes, famed for their horsemanship and warrior societies. Understand their complex alliances and seasonal migrations.
$16.99
Experience the unique customs and lifeways of these Northern Plains communities, characterized by their buffalo hunting and teepee living. Explore their storytelling traditions and ceremonial practices.
$16.99
Learn about the spiritual practices and daily lives of these river valley tribes, who have a deep connection to the Missouri River. Their intricate beadwork and agricultural methods reveal a rich cultural heritage.
$16.99
Understand the nomadic traditions and warrior culture of the Plains tribes, whose lives revolved around the buffalo hunt. Discover their complex social hierarchies and vibrant oral histories.
$16.99
Uncover the vibrant traditions and seasonal practices of these Pacific Northwest tribes, known for their fishing and canoe-building skills. Their potlatch ceremonies and totem poles are key cultural markers.
$16.99
Explore the diverse cultures and histories of these inland Northwest tribes, who navigated and thrived in riverine environments. Their trade networks and unique spiritual beliefs are deeply fascinating.
$16.99
Appreciate the coastal lifestyles and maritime traditions of these Pacific tribes, adept at fishing and seafaring. Their art, including intricate carvings and masks, tells powerful stories.
$16.99
Witness the intricate artistry and ceremonial life of the Northwest Coastal tribes, whose elaborate ceremonies are legendary. Their sophisticated clan systems and feast traditions are a testament to their cultural depth.
$19.99
Discover the seafaring traditions and rich oral histories of these coastal communities, who have a profound relationship with the sea. Their whaling and fishing practices are central to their way of life.
$16.99
Immerse yourself in the spiritual and agricultural practices of this southwestern tribe, known for their intricate kachina dolls and pueblo architecture. Their unique worldview and ceremonial dances offer deep cultural insights.
$17.99
Examine the varied cultures and histories of these California and Pacific Northwest tribes, who lived in harmony with their diverse environments. Their basketry and riverine lifestyles are particularly noteworthy.
$19.99
Explore the artistic traditions and communal life of these Northern California tribes, renowned for their basketry and complex social systems. Their seasonal festivals and ceremonies highlight their rich cultural tapestries.
$19.99
Learn about the diverse customs and survival strategies of these Great Basin and California tribes, who adapted to harsh climates. Their spiritual practices and community life reflect a deep connection to the land.
$16.99
Understand the community structures and spiritual beliefs of these Puebloan tribes, known for their adobe dwellings and intricate pottery. Their religious ceremonies and communal activities are central to their cultural identity.
$19.99
Discover the unique practices and cultural heritage of these Puebloan people, whose history is etched into the landscape. Their architecture and agricultural techniques are marvels of adaptation and ingenuity.
$16.99
Explore the traditions and lifeways of these northern tribes, who thrived in harsh environments through resourcefulness and resilience. Their hunting practices and storytelling traditions are rich with cultural significance.
$16.99
Learn about the diverse and resilient communities of Oklahoma and the southern plains, who have a rich history of adaptation and cultural blending. Their ceremonies and social structures reveal a complex and enduring heritage.
$16.99
Delve into the unique lifestyles and survival strategies of the Arctic and sub-Arctic tribes, whose lives are deeply intertwined with the harsh natural world. Their innovative hunting techniques and vibrant cultural expressions stand out.
$19.99
These aren't photo books. Dozens of collections reprint Curtis's iconic photographs, but until now, no one has published the actual text of The North American Indian in an affordable, readable format. These twenty volumes contain Curtis's complete field notes, tribal histories, ethnographic observations, and firsthand accounts, faithfully reproduced in high-quality paperback.
Every word Curtis wrote across three decades of work is here: the languages he recorded, the ceremonies he witnessed, the stories people shared with him. The photographs are included, but the real treasure is what Curtis put into words, and this is the only place you'll find it all in print.
