A Population History of North America (review)

A Population History of North America, edited by M. R. Haines and R. H. Steckel, Cambridge, England: Cambridge University Press, 2000. 736 pp. $75.00.

This compilation of 13 review articles and case histories addresses the often revisited subject of New World population origins and demographic transitions. Early migrations and key historical events affecting population size, structure, and dynamics are traced for Canada, the United States, Mexico, and the Caribbean. The chapters are presented in chronological order.

The book features 9 maps, 41 figures (graphs and charts), 107 tables, substantial bibliographies, and a helpful index. The 19-page appendix provides extensive statistical data on population size estimates and demographic characteristics for North America from 1650 through the early 1990s. Fertility and mortality have both declined and lifespan has increased during this period.

Several of the chapters would be of interest to biological anthropologists. "Patterns of Disease in Early North American Populations," by D. H. Ubelaker, establishes a solid foundation for the analysis of New World paleopathology. In addition to historical background and a bibliographic review, there is in-depth coverage of the skeletal evidence for the emergence and prehistoric presence of tuberculosis, syphilis, dental diseases, porotic hyperostosis, intestinal infections, and kidney/gallbladder stones.

In "Population History of Native North Americans," R. Thornton evaluates 23 separate published estimates of population size of aboriginal native Americans at the time of initial European contact. Although there is a wide range in the estimates (from 500,000 to 12,250,000), all the cited authors agree that dramatic decimations occurred during the period 1500-1900, due mainly to epidemic diseases and war casualties. Population replenishment has progressed at an accelerating pace since 1900. Unfortunately, the controversial topic of New World population origins is brushed aside without reference to recent works such as The Origins of Native Americans, by M. H. Crawford.

"Population History of the Caribbean," by S. L. Engerman, is an outstanding paper that contains a variety of novel demographic interpretations. Although the bibliography has 117 references, the pioneering work of archaeologist Irving Rouse is not cited. Caribbean History in Maps, by Peter Ashdown, is likewise conspicuously absent. While a new article by noted authority Michael Craton is included, his famous volume History of the Bahamas was not consulted.

The initial peopling and subsequent urbanization of Canada and Mexico, as well as the timing of US African American immigrations since 1600, are outlined from census data and published reports in six chapters. A final selection deals with demographic changes in the United States during the 20th century, including modifications in age-sex composition, occupations, family size, residential relocation, and mortality.

Clearly intended as a literature review and reference resource rather than a classroom text, this welcome volume integrates ample information with new perspectives. Among the 15 contributors are professional anthropologists, historians, demographers, and economists from the United States and Canada. This book could serve as a useful starting point for researchers interested in the demographic history of North America.