Tow #8- IRB/ "1491: New Revelations of the Americas Before Columbus"/ Charles C. Mann

Keeping up with his purpose, Mann continues to provide examples against stereotypes throughout the rest of the book. However, as the real facts of Native American life come out, "1491" becomes a bit more theoretical. Through the continued use of quotes, Mann employs his authority as a historian to his argument and analysis. He includes the theories and beliefs of others, on both sides of his argument, but rarely shows any opinion or bias indicating what he thinks really happened to the natives before Columbus. The book turns much more serious and evidence-based as it moves into the 2nd and 3rd parts, away from the earlier introduction/background-information chapters. Mann also applies many visual texts to his analysis. "1491" blends maps, graphs, charts, and historical photographs with its story seemingly as a way to provide evidence and examples, or just to reinforce ideas in an interesting way. For information he deems as extra or especially controversial, Mann uses footnotes. He relies on footnotes from the beginning to the end of the book, making “1491” seem somewhat disorganized, as if he forgot to mention many things. On a more positive note, though, it makes the tone more relaxed, even more unprofessional (but in a good way), so they book does not suddenly transform into a textbook on Native Americans. Another thing Mann is very skilled at rhetorically is continuing to reference his rhetorical questions and the myths/stereotypes that are his counterargument. This questioning and counterargument maintain the book’s awareness of other theories, keeping “1491” credible, and more importantly quotable. The purpose, to educate readers about true Native American history, seems to have a further purpose besides refuting myths and stereotypes: it analyzes arguments that are becoming more popular among historians, and could be taught in school in the future. Overall, as a non-fiction piece of literature, however, it continues to be factual and present Mann’s argument in the best, most believable light.  

Mann, Charles C. 1491: New Revelations of the Americas before Columbus. 2nd ed. New York: Knopf, 2005. Print.