The author describes his archaeological expeditions in wilderness areas of the Andes and discusses the artifacts and other evidence of pre-Inca civilization he found there.

In the nineteenth century, it was a common belief that Native Americans were the descendants of the Ten Lost Tribes of Israel. Ethan Smith wrote on this topic, and in so doing, challenged the dismissal of the Indigenous Americans by European settlers. Smith used biblical scripture, similarities in the Hebrew and Native American languages and their name for God, and other points of evidence to prove the connection between Israel and the First Nations. From there he showed how the reunited Hebrew tribes would be restored to Zion before the end of the world. Perhaps the most fascinating aspect of Smith's book is that it is said to have influenced the Book of Mormon, which was published about seven years after later. As a child, Smith moved away from religion after his parents died but found his way back before he turned 20 and worked in the ministry until his death. Smith wrote several books while serving in the ministry in which he explored prophecies and baptism, among other subjects. But this book remains one of the most controversial of all his publications.

This book introduces the reader to the Book of Mormon's authoritative hierarchy of internal and external "witnesses," beginning with the 36 prophecies and promises that its ancient writers originally intended latter-day readers to use in identifying the promised land of their day and ours. Readers will discover how these prophecies and promises establish and reveal a specific latter-day nation as the Promised Land of the Book of Mormon.

The Book of Mormon was published in 1830. This book tells us that Lehi and his family sailed from the cost of Arabia after 600 BC. Supposedly, Lehi landed in Peru, and his descendants colonized Columbia and later moved northward through a narrow pass. The Isthmus of Panama has been assumed to be the narrow pass. The land to the north of Panama was supposed to be the land of Desolation. Warfare was common between two groupsNephites and Lamanites. Roughly AD 400, the Lamanites destroyed the Nephites at the Hill Cumorah, which is said to be in New York, USA. Historic church leaders are quoted to support the historic theories. However, the church today has no position on the location of the lands in question, so one may choose for himself where the lands were located. Quoting historic church leaders proves nothing. Scientists associated with the historic Archaeological Department of Brigham Young University have presented Mesoamerica as the lands of the book. Mormon told us that the river Sidon ran north to the sea (1981, B of M Index p. 730). The Mississippi runs south and is not the river Sidon. Mormon also told us that the people of Zarahemla (Mulekites) crossed a salt ocean landing at the land of Desolation. Hence, the land of Desolation bordered a salt ocean (Alma 22:30 and 63:5). These facts discount several theories, including the heartland theory and great lakes theories. However, historians quote early church leaders as prophets and continue to hold to traditional beliefs. The Book of Mormon is the position of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The lands in question must fit with this book regardless of traditions. The book fits in Mesoamerica. Because people in 1830 had little or no knowledge of the cultures of Mesoamerica, Joseph Smith could not have stolen the book from other authors and the early Mormons could not have written the book. Read Where in the Americas are the Lands of the Book of Mormon to find out what the Book of Mormon tells us about the lands in question.

"The Treaty is a fraud" used to be a catch-cry of Maori activists - now, perhaps it should be shouted by Pakeha, argues David Round in this controversial new book. Following on from his thought-provoking series of articles on the Treaty and environmental issues in The Press, he examines the present enthusiasm for the Treaty as part of a wider revival of indigenous and local interests, the fragmentation and decline of the nation state and the West's loss of confidence in itself. Chapters consider the law relating to the Treaty, the nature of justice and particular questions concerning the conservation estate. This is no reactionary right-wing rant against all that is new, but a sensible, refreshing and at times surprising book by an acute commentator on social and political issues.