Subject of this review is the book 'Kulturwandel bei den nordamerikanischen Plainsindianern', written by Jürgen Döring and published in 1984 in Berlin. First a short summary of the contents of the book will be given. Afterwards the structure of contents, the author′s qualification and competence, formal aspects, the bibliographical background and the style of writing (and in this context also the target group of readers) will be evaluated.
I have chosen this specific book, because it deals with the aspect of horses in the Indian culture. As hippology and horse riding are hobbies of mine, I have a special interest in this specific aspect of Indian and North American culture from a horseman′s / horsewoman′s point of view. As I possess a solid particular knowledge in the field of horsemanship I am able to critically judge and evaluate literature which deals with the topic of horses.

Excerpt

Assessment of the book
Structure
Contents
Cultural changes
Horse
Layout
Style
Tables/Illustrations
Bibliography
Final Evaluation / Target Group of Readers

Objectives and Key Themes

The objective of this essay is to review Jürgen Döring's book, "Kulturwandel bei den nordamerikanischen Plainsindianern," focusing on its treatment of the impact of the horse on the Cheyenne and Comanche cultures. The review assesses the book's structure, content, and style, offering critical commentary on the author's methodology and conclusions.

The impact of the horse on Plains Indian culture.
Analysis of cultural change in the context of the introduction of new technology.
Critical evaluation of historical sources and their reliability.
Comparison of Cheyenne and Comanche cultural adaptations.
The author's methodology and use of sources.

Chapter Summaries

Assessment of the book: This section provides an overview of the book's structure and content. It praises the logical organization and comprehensive coverage of the horse's influence on various aspects of Cheyenne and Comanche life. The detailed table of contents and appendix are highlighted as strengths. However, a lack of primary sources from the studied tribes is noted and discussed.

Structure: The essay commends the book's clear and logical structure, emphasizing the detailed table of contents that facilitates easy navigation. The introduction effectively sets the stage for the subsequent discussion, providing necessary definitions and background information. The thorough examination of the topic and the inclusion of comparative analysis between the Cheyenne and Comanche are praised.

Contents: This section delves into the content of the book, analyzing the depth and accuracy of the information presented. While acknowledging the comprehensive coverage of the horse's influence on various aspects of daily life, the essay notes the limited use of primary Indian sources, an issue the author acknowledges within the text. The overall impression is one of well-researched information.

Cultural changes: This section focuses on the book's analysis of cultural changes brought about by the introduction of the horse. The essay evaluates the author's definition of "culture," pointing out a potential flaw in the portrayal of culture as homogenous and resistant to change. Counter-examples from contemporary society are used to challenge this assertion. The concept of needs being created rather than merely being satisfied is also discussed.

Horse: This section centers on the book's treatment of the horse itself, criticizing the author's limited use of specialized hippological literature. Specific inaccuracies concerning riding equipment and saddle design are pointed out, highlighting the author's apparent lack of expertise in this area. The discussion includes a comparison of Indian saddle designs with those of the Spanish, emphasizing the author's misconceptions.

Keywords

Plains Indians, Cheyenne, Comanche, horse, cultural change, technology adoption, historical sources, ethnography, cultural adaptation, sociological perspectives, hippological literature.

Frequently Asked Questions: Review of Jürgen Döring's "Kulturwandel bei den nordamerikanischen Plainsindianern"

What is the main focus of this book review?

This review critically analyzes Jürgen Döring's book, "Kulturwandel bei den nordamerikanischen Plainsindianern," focusing on its examination of the horse's impact on Cheyenne and Comanche cultures. The review assesses the book's structure, content, style, methodology, and conclusions.

What aspects of the book are assessed in the review?

The review covers various aspects, including the book's structure and organization, the depth and accuracy of its content, the author's writing style, the methodology employed, the reliability of sources used, and the overall conclusions drawn. Specific attention is paid to the book's treatment of cultural change, the role of the horse, and the comparison between Cheyenne and Comanche adaptations.

What are the key themes explored in the book and the review?

Key themes include the impact of the horse on Plains Indian culture, the analysis of cultural change in the context of technological innovation, the critical evaluation of historical sources, the comparison of Cheyenne and Comanche cultural adaptations, and the author's methodology and use of sources.

What are the strengths of the book according to the review?

The review praises the book's clear and logical structure, its comprehensive coverage of the horse's influence on various aspects of Cheyenne and Comanche life, and its detailed table of contents and appendix. The thorough examination of the topic and the inclusion of comparative analysis are also highlighted as strengths.

What are the weaknesses of the book according to the review?

The review points out a lack of primary sources from the studied tribes, a limited use of specialized hippological literature leading to inaccuracies regarding riding equipment and saddle design, and a potential flaw in the author's portrayal of culture as homogenous and resistant to change. The author's apparent lack of expertise in hippological matters is also criticized.

What is the reviewer's overall assessment of the book?

While acknowledging the book's comprehensive coverage and well-researched information, the review offers critical commentary on the limitations in the use of primary sources and the author's understanding of hippological details. The overall assessment balances the strengths and weaknesses of the book's approach.

What is the target audience of this review?

The review is intended for an academic audience interested in Plains Indian studies, cultural anthropology, the history of technology, and the impact of the horse on indigenous cultures. It would be of particular interest to those studying the Cheyenne and Comanche peoples and the processes of cultural change.

What keywords are associated with this book and review?