The highly readable chapters of each volume are divided into four categories:
-- Roots: provides an overview of each region with maps, tribal family trees, descriptions of terrain and climate, and an examination of various tribal languages
-- Way of life: takes a look at different forms of clothing, shelter, and tools, as well as methods of gathering, growing, hunting, and cooking food
-- Rituals: explores folklore, myths, religions, and religious ceremonies
-- Change: documents the history of Native American relations with early white settlers and modern Americans in an objective manner.

Among the tribes covered are: Cahuilla
-- Chumash
-- Hupa
-- Miwok
-- Pomo
-- Yurok.