This book was written by Thomas McKenney, who was a U.S. government official involved in the Indian removal process, and James Hall, a writer and historian. McKenney’s firsthand experiences with Native tribes and his access to key figures in the government allowed him to give a unique perspective on the relationship between the U.S. government and Native tribes.

The book provides detailed accounts of the Native American tribes, their cultures, histories, and customs, as well as their interactions with European settlers and the U.S. government. It was published with stunning portraits and illustrations of the Native leaders and tribal figures, making it a significant resource for understanding early Native American history. The work features the histories and customs of over 130 tribes, from the Iroquois and Cherokee to the Sioux and Nez Perce. The descriptions are often centered around the leaders and prominent figures of each tribe.

One of the standout features of the book is the inclusion of beautifully detailed portraits by Charles Bird King of Native American chiefs and leaders, some of whom were involved in important events like the removal of tribes from their lands. These portraits were drawn from life and offer a rare visual record of Indigenous leaders during that period.

The prints offered for purchase here are from the sought after Octavo edition of 1855 which is prized for its fine hand coloring. Please note that all prints include the accompanying text at no extra charge.