Customer Reviews

Chronicle of the Maya Kings and Queens: Deciphering The Dynasties of the Ancient Maya

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The First Edition Chronicle has become the standard reference text for students, professionals and enthusiasts of Maya history and epigraphy. Of course I immediately ordered the revised edition since the authors are eteemed contributors to the rapidly evolving field of Maya studies. In reading the revised edition I am re-discovering the exceptional readibility of what could be a dry, historical account.

It's really extraordinary how epigraphers have been able to read the Maya names of the rulers (male and female) in the Maya area over the last several decades. This is a terrific summation of much of what has been done with the inscriptions over the last fifty years starting with the work of Tatiana Proskouriakoff in the early 1960s and Heinrich Berlin just before that when the first breakthroughs were made in glyphic decipherment. Others who followed are David Kelley, George Kubler, Linda Schele, and many others. Martin and Grube are the best of the younger generation in the field along with the work of their colleague David Stuart This is a wonderful presentation of the material. Too often texts are aimed at specialists and students. This book reaches them as well as a general audience. A must read for all those interested in the Maya and other groups in Mesoamerica.

I have been studying the Maya for over 30 years and it is such a delight to find a book that puts together so much information, is well-written and has so many valuable illustrations. There's a lot to absorb here and it is not light reading, but for anyone interested in the dynastic and political history of the Classic Maya, this is a treasure trove. Not to be missed.

This book is excellent! You are learning and at the same time enjoying a good book. It teaches you about the Classic Maya heirachy in a completely understanding way and is not dry or boring. I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in the wonderful, alive, vibrant Maya culture.

It took a bit long but within the given time frame and being that I was aware of it prior to the purchase I can't really complain. Other than that, the book is absolutely fantastic!

A very good updated version for the maya enthusiast,you'll enjoy it page after page,Martin and Grobe has done it again!!!

Excellent book for anyone interested in the Mayans. It
includes the most recent archaeolical findings.

In addition to the wealth of illustrations of relevant Mayan artifacts, many in color, the text is perfectly balanced and guaranteed to suck you into the world of the maya kings and queens. Too bad about waxak lahun uba kawiil.