Descriptions of what life was like in eight Native American tribes before their land was invaded by Europeans. Readers will learn about life in such places as a Cherokee village, a Chumash thatched house, an Iroquois longhouse, and an Inuit ice igloo. Also included are essays by Native Americans which focus on contemporary Native American life in the United States. Color illustrations accompany the text.

As in his National Book Award-winning EUROPE CENTRAL, William T. Vollman uses dozens of vignettes to create a sweeping portrait of humanity across large swaths of time and space. Though Vollman's artistic sense of texture and drama are in fine form, POOR PEOPLE is a work of nonfiction, a collection of anecdotes about people from around the planet who struggle against the oppression of poverty. At times the stories have a clear political or social context, but at others they are mysterious, rhapsodic, or controversial. In the end, Vollman's rich sense of people, history, and culture grows into a grand and moving symphony.

Master chef and restaurant marvel Jean-Georges Vongerichten shares his inventive fare with fans. Recipes include Black Pepper Shrimp with "Sun-Dried" Pineapple, Steamed Spicy Eggplant, Grilled Chicken with Kumquat Lemongrass Dressing, and Chocolate and Vietnamese Coffee Tart. With photographs.