This volume serves as a comprehensive regional reference guide designed to catalog the cultural, demographic, and historical characteristics of 400 distinct Native American tribes. Author Michael C. Johnson draws upon over three decades of specialized research into material culture and linguistic relationships to provide a structured overview of indigenous peoples across North America. The text integrates 1990 census data with historical context to offer a snapshot of tribal affiliations and geographic locations at the close of the twentieth century.

The subject matter points to a dense, specialist-oriented reference work intended for students and researchers seeking a broad, geographically organized survey of indigenous North American cultures. The inclusion of professional illustrations and specific census data suggests a focus on providing a foundational, data-driven resource for anthropological study.