A History and Ethnography of the Beothuk

by Ingeborg Marshall

Following their extinction, the Beothuk came to be viewed as a people whose origins, history, and fate were shrouded in mystery. On a quest to sort fact from fiction, Ingeborg Marshall, a leading expert on the Beothuk, has produced an elegant, comprehensive, and scholarly review of the history and culture of the Beothuk that incorporates an unmatched amount of new archival material with up-to-date archaeological data. The book is beautifully and extensively illustrated with maps, portraits, photographs of Beothuk artifacts, burial sites, and camps, and a set of drawings by Shanawdithit. A History and Ethnography of the Beothuk is a compelling story and an indispensable reference tool for anyone interested in the Beothuk or Native peoples of North America.

Genres: History

664 pages, Paperback

First published August 20, 1996

Reviews

[Harlan Hague · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a valuable reference volume for anyone interested in the native Americans of Canada and the Beothuk people in general.

[Grant Fawcett · Rating 4 out of 5]

I originally began this book with a group of others. We read through the history together but was set aside before we could read the ethnography. I recently picked it up and completed reading the ethnography.

The book is well researched, and is generally presented clearly. Information is limited, but the author does a good job of presenting what exists in an organized fashion.

As can be expected, assumptions must be extrapolated from the limited information. Often the author presents reasonable assumptions, but throughout there were occasions that seemed exceptional. However, the material is presented such that you can draw your own conclusions.

The Beothuk are a fascinating people and this extensive examination provides a comprehensive glimpse into a people group that vanished 200 years ago.

[Susan Khaladkar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, I guess you have to be interested in the topic. It's a good book, well worth reading. I wish we knew more.

[Jbondandrews · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ingeborg Marshall's book was wonderfully written! Such a tragic end to a people. I highly recommend this book to anyone.
Have had a change of opinion since I started reading Tracing Ochre (Nov. 11 2018) The Beothuk have not disappeared but intermarried with other First Nations and the Mi'kmaq keep their memory safe.

[Yasmin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing for the amount of information in this book, whether it is completely accurate or not at least it gives an account of the extinct Beothuk people.