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Charles C. Mann's breakthrough work of science, history, and archaeology shows the Americas like you've never seen them before. Contrary to what you used to think, the pre-Columbian Indians did not live in a pristine wilderness; there were huge numbers of them who actively molded and influenced their world. The astonishing Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan had running water and immaculately clean streets and was larger than any contemporary European city. Mexican cultures created corn in a specialized breeding process that some say is an early example of genetic engineering. Challenging and surprising, this entire new look at a rich and fascinating world will change your mind about what we thought we knew.