Its a damn entertaining read so far, and no matter what I intend to finish it. However, I want to know what the community here thinks of it. Just so I can know how large of a grain of salt to take it with.
This book was first published in 2005 and a new edition was just published in 2014. Charles Mann falls into the group of anthropologists that count the population of the western hemisphere in 1491, on the high side. For much of the 20th century, they were derided by others, who estimated this population on the low side (circa 20 million people) However, since 1970, archaeological evidence and a reappraisal of the earliest European chronicles have swung the pendulum towards the high counters. The earliest Spanish chronicles all report seeing enormous populations in various parts of the Americas. Even in parts that are sparsely populated today, like the Amazon jungle. 1491 was well received in 2005 and the newest edition will provide even more evidence to support his theory. It is a very important book and it has shifted generally accepted opinion on how large the population of the western hemisphere was, in 1491.
As a follow on; It was pointed out here a few days ago that Mann's account of Squanto picking up the trick of using fish as fertilizer in Europe is incorrect. Or, at least, there is significant evidence to the contrary that he does not present.
Are there any other instances of specific claims made in the book, for which he does not present common, valid counterarguments?