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Charles C. Mann: 1491 (EBook, 2005, Knopf) 4 stars

A groundbreaking study that radically alters our understanding of the Americas before the arrival of …

The most recent chapter covers the Amazon basin. Similar to prior chapters, much of the evidence suggests that pre-contact America was much more populous than previously estimated. The people used fire in ways that supported both themselves and enhanced the environment. Charcoal may have even enhanced the Amazon soil semi-permanently!