A preface by Raymond J. DeMallie situates the book in the history of American anthropology and describes information and changes in interpretation that have emerged since Indians of the Plains first appeared.
Raymond J. DeMallie is a professor of anthropology and director of the American Indian Studies Research Institute at Indiana University. His many publications include The Sixth Grandfather: Black Elk's Teachings Given to John G. Neihardt, also available as a Bison Books edition.