The Iowa

A carefully assembled portrait of the Iowa people unfolds through a blend of historic documents, vivid illustrations, and detailed maps. Drawing from Thomas Foster’s early “Indian Record” and enriched with excerpts from Schoolcraft, the Minnesota Historical Society, and other 19th‑century sources, the work offers readers insight into tribal origins, customs, and language. The inclusion of a facsimile grammar and rare engravings—originally commissioned by George Catlin—brings the tribe’s voice and visual culture to life.

Beyond the scholarly text, the volume presents a range of supplemental material that makes it valuable for anyone interested in Native American history. Footnotes guide the curious reader to original sources, while the careful editing highlights both the strengths and the occasional inaccuracies of early ethnographic attempts. Listeners will come away with a clearer picture of the Iowa’s place among the Great Plains peoples and an appreciation for the painstaking effort required to preserve such cultural records.