Geri Schrab

If I could keep just the photographs, and eliminate the text and the foreword, I'd give this book four stars. The photographs are excellent. Unfortunately, the religious aspects of what should be strictly an historical (even if somewhat speculative) narrative are very off-putting. I understand that Native Americans were (and, in many cases, are) spiritual, and that that should be an aspect of any discussion of their artwork, but to attempt to SELL that belief system was irritating enough that the rock art itself lost all focus.… (mais)

I should start by noting that I know the artist and lead author for the book. That said, I have never visited the rock art in this area of the country. I am familiar with Geri's watercolors, but I have never fully understood or appreciated them. Then I read Hidden Thunder and Geri's essays moved me and I now understand her art and appreciate it with fresh eyes enlightened by her words. I related at once with the archaeological essays as I am an archaeologist myself with an expertise in rock art. I highly recommend Hidden Thunder for the general public as well as a more technical audience. Both audiences have something to learn from their work and the Native American perspective is like a fine icing on a great cake.… (mais)

This is a very well-researched and well-written account of the centuries-old Native American rock art found in Wisconsin. Each chapter focuses on a different rock art site, and includes many pictures of the art found there, and its interpretations. Written from multiple points of view, each rock art site is talked about by an archeologist, a watercolor artist, and a Native American, each sharing their own unique thoughts and feelings. Each also shares their religious standpoints connected to the ancient pictures, one of the authors being an evolutionist and the other appearing to be a pantheist.

I felt that the pictures and paintings were wonderful, and the information was very interesting. It was definitely worth the read, and I would highly recommend it to anybody with an interest in the subject. It would be especially good for somebody who lived in or around Wisconsin, as all of the chapters but one are about sites found in that state, and the book will make you want to see the rock art for yourself.… (mais)