Ancient Mexico: The History and Culture of the Maya, Aztects and Other Pre-Columbian Peoples [Hardcover]

Maria Longhena (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 10, 1998

"Ancient Mexico" traces the development of the Olmecs, Zapotecs, Mayas, and Aztecs who left testimony to their remarkable cultures in the form of great architectural complexes, sculptures, ceramics, and jewelry, as well as complex written records that have only recently begun to reveal their secrets. 415 color illustrations. 2 gatefolds. 14 color archaeological reconstructions.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

First-rate color photography makes this look at the cultures of pre-Columbian Mesoamerica a valuable addition to any art lover's library collection. Among the civilizations represented in nearly 450 illustrations are the Maya, the Aztecs, and the Toltecs. Readers will learn not only about the mighty pyramids of Tenochtitlan and Cacaxtla, the Temple of the Paintings at Bonampak, and the ball courts of El Tajin, but about smaller ceramic vessels, jade figurines, and other ceremonial objects. Although the text does acknowledge the near-complete destruction of these vibrant cultures by Spanish conquistadors, the majority of its contents are devoted to celebrating what the Mesoamericans did accomplish--and what has been preserved for us to remember those accomplishments.

From Booklist

It is all but impossible to discuss ancient cultures without focusing on religion, and ancient Mexico is no exception. Nearly every extant structure and artifact created by the Maya, Aztecs, Olmecs, and other peoples of the pre-Columbian era--works of surpassing and timeless magnificence--have some spiritual, religious, or ritualistic significance, and the role of religion in every aspect of life is historian and archaeologist Longhena's underlying theme. Myriad books have been produced about Mexico's glorious past, but new discoveries are being made each day, and no volume has color photographs superior to the 445 offered here in this scientifically current, generously proportioned, and finely produced treasury. Longhena conveys the complexities and sophistications of each era and each people in engaging and detailed accounts, reflections of how deeply immersed she is in the spirit of their times via the powerful media of sculpture and architecture. Maps, diagrams, and close-up photographs provide perspectives both panoramic and intimate, a visualization of the way Longhena's histories of individual cultures coalesce into the big picture. Donna Seaman

Product Details

• Hardcover: 292 pages
• Publisher: Stewart, Tabori and Chang; First edition. edition (August 10, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1556708262
• ISBN-13: 978-1556708268
• Product Dimensions: 14 x 10.2 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,134,203 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Not for archaeology buffs only!, May 22, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Ancient Mexico: The History and Culture of the Maya, Aztects and Other Pre-Columbian Peoples (Hardcover)

This book takes the reader thorough the history of pre-columbian mesoamerica, the daily life of the people and then tours a number of important archaeological sites in Mexico and nearby countries. It includes wonderful photos of amazing artifacts decorative pieces, ceramics and jeewlry and the archaeological sites. It is a stunning book and serves to emphasize the colossal loss the Americas sustained with the conquest. If you've been to Mexico and love it, this book is a nice memento. If you havn't, this will make you want to go.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A gorgeous book of ancient cultures, January 19, 2002

By 

Debbie Lee Wesselmann (the Lehigh Valley, PA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 50 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (2008 HOLIDAY TEAM)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Ancient Mexico: The History and Culture of the Maya, Aztects and Other Pre-Columbian Peoples (Hardcover)

This book is packed with information and color photographs of the ancient cultures of Mexico, from the Olmecs to the Zapotecs to the Mayas to the Aztecs. The author even includes sections on the lesser known and understood cultures of Western Mexico. With a fold-out time line and detailed maps of the most famous archaeological sites, this book gives a good overview of the history of these cultures - and then hones in on specifics such as dress, burial customs, religion, war, and games. Extensive attention is also given to the major cities representing these peoples. With color photographs on nearly every page, this is a gorgeous addition to any library. As a reference book, or even as a coffee table book to browse through occasionally, ANCIENT MEXICO can't be beat.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An exhaustive pictoral tour of the areas mesoamerican ruins, April 12, 2003

By 

"chelita101" (Olympia, WA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Ancient Mexico: The History and Culture of the Maya, Aztects and Other Pre-Columbian Peoples (Hardcover)

BEAUTIFUL enormous glossy full-color photos that do more justice to the Mexican ruins than any other book I have EVER SEEN!! I love this book SO MUCH that, since I couldn't afford to BUY it, I went in to the bookstore about once every month or 2 for a YEAR AND A HALF to visit it, pore over it and covet it until a friend took pity on me and bought it for me as a gift! I have BEEN to several of the ruins pictured here, and they are MASTERFULLY captured in the photographs. The author even includes some of the little, lesser-known sites, such as Dzibilchaltun, especially dear to me as my Mexican host family took me there on a family day outing!! This book is just AWESOME!!!