"In this groundbreaking work of science, history, and archaeology, Charles C. Mann radically alters our understanding of the Americas before the arrival of Columbus in 1492."--Back Cover.

Previous ed.: New York : Knopf, 2005.

Introduction : Holmberg's mistake -- A view from above -- Why Billington survived -- In the land of four quarters -- Frequently asked questions -- Pleistocene wars -- Cotton (or anchovies) and maize (tales of two civilizations, part I) -- Writing, wheels, and bucket brigades (tales of two civilizations, part II) -- Made in America -- Amazonia -- The artificial wilderness -- The great law of peace.