Book Review: Stone Projectile Points of the Pacific Northwest

[PacificNorthWest-Relics]

I recently received a copy of “Stone Projectile Points of the Pacific Northwest - An Arrowhead Collector's Guide to Type Identification” by F. Scott Crawford.

The author of this book has photographed artifacts from his private collection and documented his approach in determining projectile point typology. He has outlined several defining characteristics in a checklist, marking those characteristics that apply to the point in question and deriving a type assignment.

This book provides quality, colored photos to the reader. In fact, the entire book is in color – a rare occurrence due to printing costs. The author touches on geographic regions and uses wonderful color photographs to give the reader a sense of the terrain and environmental conditions for each region. The author’s attention to detail is evident and the overall presentation is well executed.

Since the photographs are of artifacts from the author’s collection, the book is limited in the number of specific Pacific Northwest typologies discussed. The author tends to rely heavily on material from the desert regions of Southern Oregon, while other areas such as the Columbia River are represented only sparingly. In general, most of the artifacts used to illustrate a particular typology are mid grade or better and even features few exceptional examples. The author uses a page size photograph for each point. This method provides the reader with a close-up view of the artifact, but it limits the book in terms of the number of individual artifacts that can be shown.

Overall, it is clear the author took pride in this project. This book would offer the novice collector some vary basic information about typology. However, at a price point of $39.95, novice collectors might be money ahead to purchase the Overstreet Identification Guide. For moderate to advanced artifact collectors from the Pacific Northwest, this book will likely not offer them any new information. Some of the typologies shown in this book appear to have been sourced from the Overstreet Identification Guide - example: Rabbit Island Arrow, Spedis, Merrybell Series...

If you are a bookworm like me or if you like quality, color photographs of artifact with a coffee table book appearance, then you should add this book to your library. If you are looking for a solid typology identification guide, this book falls short of the mark. Overall book grade: “C+”

David

[Mojave]

Thanks David!
I was hoping someone would do this.
How many pages/pictures/artifacts are there depicted. I hadn't ordered one yet. I was afraid of getting a 10 page pamphlet or something.

[Trask]

Thanks David,

I too am a bookworm and the region in focus is also my choice area so I'm going to buy it..I'm a sucker for good color photographs and it sounds as though my son may also enjoy it. This review was helpful in determining how fast I pull the trigger on it..doesn't sound like a "must have" in terms of breaking new ground..but it looks to be very well done.

[PacificNorthWest-Relics]

John... The author indicates that 62 individual types are shown. I counted 91 individual artifact photos plus two group plates.

[Flyjunkie]

Thank You David... I, too, was hoping One of You fine Gents in the Northwest would post their opinion of that Book.. While it isn't in My area of Focus.. might be interesting to read nonetheless.....

After I pick up these 6 books on my "Gotta Have Artifacts/Archaeology Books List" I might have to purchase that one...

[DesertWalker]

Doesn't sound like the book description in the sales pitch matches your description, David. Thanks for the update.

[fscottcrawford]

Thanks for the review and feedback. The book was a personal effort, and is indeed focused on my personal collection, supplemented by some points from a few other collectors. It is not an archaeological type description document, never intended to be. And I too think that Overstreet is an excellent national reference, however, it does little to look at details or defining characteristics of the regional types. As for an emphasis on desert areas, that is just by chance. Most of my personal finds are either from Lake County in the eastern part of the state or from Linn County in the west. As I wrote in the index of types, 62 different types are shown and 90 or so examples are used. It is my hope to include as many of the remaining regional points styles as possible in a second edition in the reasonable future. In the meantime, I actually put together this book and haven't seen any other works for the region. If there are others, I would appreciate knowing about them, as there is plenty of history and human endeavor in this region to be learned about.
F. Scott Crawford
Carrollton, Texas
p.s. Being away from the Oregon area does have its drawbacks. I get back as often as I can.

[PacificNorthWest-Relics]

Scott,

First, let me welcome you to Arrowheadology. I would like to commend you on your publication. I have a little experience in this arena and understand the amount of time and effort that can go into these sorts of projects. I'd also like to acknowledge the work you have done with your monthly newsletter, "Arrowhead Collecting On The Web." Such efforts help to educate the artifact collecting community and promote the hobby in a positive light.

The next time you make a visit to Oregon, perhaps we could arrange a meeting and I could introduce myself and a few locals.

David Heath

[Trask]

Scott,

I too would like to extend a warm welcome..Your long overdue here I hope we see you on this board more often as your insight and knowledge of the Far West would be yet another contribution to an outstanding and growing collective of knowledge concerning this region. You might consider adding what you like to this group as well..I believe it will grow to be a nice reference for both new and seasoned folks looking for information on the area: http://arrowheadology.com/forums/gro...rrowheadz.html

I enjoy your online publication Welcome to Arrowhead Collecting On The Web
and seem to learn something new with every issue. I especially am grateful for your continued focus on the Great Basin and West, as this area is very special to me and my family...we have no doubt walked over the same ground.
I would further David's hospitable offer if your ever back in Oregon..I know there are a number of like minded folks that would enjoy getting together to share our common interest.
Looking forward to your reading your new book..and as always
Thank You for your time and efforts.

[Flyjunkie]

Welcome aboard Scott!!! as Trask and David have already eluded to, Your electric Magazine is always a welcomed find in my inbox... I love the considerable effort and quality You put into each & ever issue....

DEAN ~~~