The essayists in the present book give no support whatever to Martin's condescending revival of the irrational savage, and it should be said plainly that this book stands head and shoulders above Martin's Keepers in reliable, documented information, in logic, and in candor. These are carefully considered inquiries far removed from polemics. Much more than Martin's work, they deserve historians' attention as models of how anthropologists can use empirical methods and data in approaching issues of historical as well as ethnological importance.

—Journal of American History

An outstanding exploration of the ethnohistorical issues with far wider implications. Highly recommended for programs in anthropology, economic history, and comparative religion.

—Choice