1491
Charles C. Mann
12 people recommended it in 8 threads, 2011–2025.
What people on Hacker News said
It challenges common misunderstandings of pre-columbian society without being anti-Columbus.
It's mindblowing just as a work of history (prehistory really) but it also entirely changed how I viewed environmentalism. It made me realize that untouched wildernesses don't exist.
excellent book about the Americas before Columbus and how much of what we have been taught is either incorrect or misinformed.
These books completely changed my worldview about the scale and complexity of human development in the Americas before European contact.
Surprising how innovative and densely populated the people of ancient americas were back then.
I have a soft spot for food so especially loved the caloric analysis (the sweet potato was a game changer, IIRC).
Where it comes up
- Ask HN: What books changed the way you think about almost everything? 2019 · 2 recommendations
- Ask HN: Books you read in 2016? 2016 · 2 recommendations
- Ask HN: What book did you read in 2016 that was so good you gifted it to others? 2016 · 2 recommendations
- Ask HN: Best book you read in 2011 2011 · 2 recommendations
- Books I Loved Reading in 2024 2025 · 1 recommendation
- Ask HN: What's the best book you read in 2021? 2021 · 1 recommendation
- Ask HN: Books you read in 2018? 2018 · 1 recommendation
- Ask HN: What are your favorite books? I'm bored 2014 · 1 recommendation