OUT OF PRINT The Tlingit by Raymond Bial is part of the Lifeways series published by Benchmark Books. This title discusses the culture and history of the Tlingit Nation. This Pacific Northwest cultural group lived along the coast of southeastern Alaska. The author begins the book with a brief version of the Tlingit creation story about Raven bringing light to the world. The text goes on to explain the standard anthropological theory about the origins of North American Indians. First contact for the Tlingit occurred in 1741 when Russians came to their territory. From that time Tlingit society has fascinated anthropologists with its rich and complex culture that featured elaborate art forms and ceremonies. Tlingit territory extended along the Alaska panhandle with its rich forests and where the Pacific Ocean abounded with an abundance of sea mammals and fish. Chapter two explains how the Tlingit utilized this wealth of natural resources and how they created a complex society made up of clan families. Chapter three describes Tlingit cultural traditions including the cycle of life, hunting, fishing, gathering, food preparation, clothing, jewelry, the artistic traditions, trading, and travel. The author includes a recipe for fish pie based on a Tlingit traditional recipe that has been adapted for modern kitchens. Tlingit religious and spiritual ceremonies are described in the next chapter. The importance of the potlatch is covered as well as the vital method of knowledge transmission through storytelling. A traditional legend, Man and Monster" is retold. Cultural change is explained in the next chapter that covers the impact of European traders, missionaries, and government officials on Tlingit culture. The book includes a short list of Tlingit terms and their English meanings. The final chapter describes some of the modern day lifestyles of Tlingit people and their efforts to maintain their cultural traditions in an American culture. Each title in the Lifeways series includes a time line, notable people, a glossary, web sites, suggestions for further reading, and an index. In the notable people section the author stresses the contributions of the following Tlingit individuals: Rosita Worl, Shakes, Elizabeth W. Peratrovich, Katlian, and William G. Demmert Jr. Throughout the book, there are numerous colour and archival photographs that enhance this resource for grade 6 to high school students.