This book is the very best kind of popular anthropology. Alfred Metraux has summed up the main features of a huge literature and has given careful accounts of views differing from his own. He integrates into a very readable narrative descriptions of the major aspects of history, society, religion and art. His reports on the manners of peopkle are written with a wry honesty, yet he communicates movingly with a compassion for these survivors of a great civilization. It’s an admirable blend of literary sensitivity and scientific thoroughness.