The near disappearance of the American bison in the 19th century, is commonly understood to be the result of over-hunting, capitalist greed, and all but genocidal military policy. This interpretation remains seductive because of its simplicity; there are villains and victims in this familiar cautionary tale of the American frontier. But as this volume of groundbreaking scholarship shows, the story of the bison's demise is actually quite nuanced.

Bison and People on the North American Great Plains, brings together voices from several disciplines, to offer new insights on the relationship between humans and animals that approached extinction. Contributors include historians, archaeologists, anthropologists, paleontologists, and Native American perspectives.

This audiobook explores the deep past and examines the latest knowledge on bison anatomy and physiology, how bison responded to climate change (especially drought), and early bison hunters and pre-contact trade. It also focuses on the era of European contact, in particular the arrival of the horse, and some of the first known instances of over-hunting. By the 19th century, bison reached a "tipping point" as a result of new tanning practices, an early attempt at protective legislation, and ventures to introducing cattle as a replacement stock. Bison and People on the North American Great Plains, is a major contribution to environmental history, western history, and the growing field of transnational history.

The audiobook is published by Texas A&M University Press.

"Full of wonderful insights, thoughtful ideas, and fresh concepts." (Paul H. Carlson, author of Deep Time and the Texas High Plains and The Plains Indians).

"The fascinating essays reveal new and reinterpreted evidence, to help readers unravel America's greatest mystery." (Rosalyn LaPier, Author of Invisible Reality).