Ancient People of the Arctic traces the lives of the Palaeo-Eskimos, the bold first explorers of the Arctic. Four thousand years ago, these people entered the far northern extremes of the North American continent, carving a living out of their bleak new homeland. From the hints they left behind, accessible only through the fragmented archaeological record, Robert McGhee ingeniously reconstructs a picture of this life at the margins. He discusses how the Palaeo-Eskimos spread across the entire Arctic, explains how they dealt with sharp climate changes that drastically altered their environment, offers glimpses into their spiritual practices and world view, and speculates about their eventual demise.

John Ralston Saul is an essayist and novelist. Winner of the Governor General’s Award for The Unconscious Civilization, he has published more than twelve books. He lives in Toronto, Ontario.

Robert McGhee's profile page

Ancient People of the Arctic is the most comprehensive book on the prehistory of the Paleo-Eskimos to date. It’s food for thought that could give us the sense of history and place we so badly need.

Vancouver Sun

Reconstructing their migration and their daily lives from perfectly preserved and house remains and artifacts, McGhee paints a fascinating portrait, enhancing it with dozens of maps, drawings, and photographs of Paleo-Eskimo sites, tools, and decorative art.

Coast Independent

A vibrant celebration of the artistic and cultural vision of the early peoples.

Canadian Geographic