Wonderful Power: The Story of Ancient Copper Working in the Lake Superior Basin (Great Lakes Books)

If you're intrigued by Native American history, before Columbus arrived, in Northern Michigan then this book is for you. A comprehensive book asking questions like; has the pure copper of Lake Superior been discovered in prehistoric cultures throughout North and South America? Some say yes, but the mystery of the origin remains unsolved. Popular literature contributes to the persistence and controversey of these "urban legends" surrounding ancient copper mining in Michigan. This scholarly book presents the evidence and myth revealed in current popular literature and discusses the pros and cons of the subject. Michigan's prehistoric mines are unique in the world and their discovery, description and explanation make for an exciting story. Having taken several family vacations the "Copper Country" in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, this information was a helpful resource for our "up north adventure". I would have liked more photographs and illustrations to keep me visually engaged.

I really wanted to read more detailed facts with more images from the ancient copper pits of the Lake Superior Basin. I am 3/4 of the way through the book and I am still waiting for the reason this "project" was titled 'Wonderful Power'. It is a technical read. I am an artist and I was expecting more written imergery. I love the book's cover, metallic copper, so cleaver! I hope it has a surprised ending!

A fascinating review of ancient miners in Upper Michigan and a good introduction to archeology.

I like the book but it could use more pictures...

I have never studied much Archaeology in North America, so when I found this book while on holiday, I thought it would be an excellent way to learn a bit more about a side of archaeology I don’t usually study. I was right. This book is filled with fascinating information about the Great Lakes region prior to the arrival of Europeans. It also addresses some of the issues archaeologists face no matter where they work in the world. The only drawback is that I suspect this book will be a bit dry to a reader who does not have a serious interest in the subject.