1491

1491: New Revelations of the Americas Before Columbus

• Genre: Nonfiction; history; anthropology
• Originally Published: 2005
• Reading Level/Interest: Lexile 1210L; college/adult
• Structure/Length: 11 chapters; approximately 541 pages; approximately 16 hours, 17 minutes on audio
• Central Concern: 1491 challenges and expands upon traditional views of the pre-Columbian Americas, presenting a compelling narrative that combines scientific research, archaeology, and anthropology. Charles C. Mann synthesizes recent scholarship and discoveries to portray a hemisphere teeming with complex cultures, large cities, and populations much greater than previously thought. The book argues against the idea of the Americas as a sparsely populated wilderness, instead painting a picture of vibrant civilizations with sophisticated agricultural practices, societies, and environmental impact.
• Potential Sensitivity Issues: Discussions of the decimation of Indigenous populations due to disease and conquest; challenges to long-standing historical narratives; references to conflicts between civilizations and the impact of European colonization; use of dated language now considered insensitive

Charles C. Mann, Author

• Bio: Born 1955; American journalist and author specializing in scientific topics; represented in a variety of publications, including Wired, The Atlantic Monthly, and Science
• Other Works: The Wizard and the Prophet: Two Remarkable Scientists and Their Dueling Visions to Shape Tomorrow’s World (2018); 1493: Uncovering the New World Columbus Created (a companion to 1491; 2011)
• Awards: National Academies Communication Award (for best creative work that helps the public understanding of topics in science, engineering, or medicine; 2006)

CENTRAL THEMES connected and noted throughout this Teaching Guide:

• The Pristine Wilderness Myth
• The Myth of the “Noble Savage”
• Speculative Peril

STUDY OBJECTIVES: In accomplishing the components of this Teaching Guide, students will:

• Gain an understanding of the challenges of drawing accurate conclusions about pre-Columbian America and its Indigenous peoples.
• Study paired texts and other resources to make connections via the text’s themes of The Pristine Wilderness Myth and Speculative Peril.
• Research and present a detailed analysis of a pre-Columbian civilization’s unique cultural, societal, and technological aspects based on textual details.
• Analyze and evaluate the text to draw conclusions in structured essay responses regarding The Myth of the “Noble Savage,” interaction between pre-Columbian societies, and other topics.