Provides information on the Native American groups indigenous to the area that is now San Diego County. All aspects of history and culture are covered, including language and linguistics, arts, agriculture, hunting, religion, mythology, music, political and social structures, dwellings, clothing, and medicinal practices.

Transformation by Fire offers a current assessment of the archaeological research on the widespread social practice of cremation. Editors Ian Kuijt, Colin P. Quinn, and Gabriel Cooney chart a path for the development of interpretive archaeology surrounding this complex social process.

Includes the section "Book reviews."