Guatemala: A Journey Through the Land of the Maya invites you to jump on one of the country s brightly painted chicken buses and visit its bustling marketplaces, Mayan monuments, colonial town squares, and whitewashed churches, where baroque Catholic rituals meld with ancient Mayan beliefs to create a unique style of worship. From the incense-shrouded devotional processions of Antigua to raucous festivals in remote highland villages, Guatemala: A Journey Through the Land of the Maya takes you on a illuminating ride through the world of an exuberant people and their country. With images by acclaimed Lonely Planet photographer Kraig Lieb and essays by award-winning author Michael Shapiro, this book celebrates the spirited Mayan people of Guatemala, their brilliantly colored textiles and their reverence for tradition. Guatemala: A Journey Through the Land of the Maya brings to life the land of this Central American country with captivating photos of Lake Atitlán, riveting images of smoldering volcanoes, and soul-stirring pictures of the towering Tikal ruins in the Petén jungle where Mayan civilization reached its height more than a millennium ago. Lieb and Shapiro, who have returned time and again to Guatemala over the past two decades, display a deep respect for the Mayan people. Their appreciation of Guatemala and its resilient inhabitants enlivens every chapter. Guatemala: A Journey Through the Land of the Maya evokes the country so compellingly that it will carry you back to this remarkable place for many years to come.
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Michael Shapiro's lyrical text paints a vivid picture of Guatemala and when combined with Kraig Lieb's evocative photography the result is a stunning portrait of this Central American country. This book makes me want to jump on the next plane to Antigua. --Robert Holmes, National Geographic Photographer and two-time Travel Photographer of the Year.<br /><br />The Maya of Guatemala have preserved the colorful tapestry of their culture against all odds, and their wondrous country is fittingly celebrated with the publication of this beautiful book. --Bill Newlin, publisher, Moon Handbooks<br /><br />This hauntingly beautiful book has brilliantly captured the current-day life and culture of the Maya in Guatemala. Michael Shapiro's text and Kraig Lieb's photos will cement their reputations as among our leading travel writers and photographers. --Arthur Frommer, founder, Frommer's Guides
This hauntingly beautiful book has brilliantly captured the current-day life and culture of the Maya in Guatemala. Michael Shapiro's text and Kraig Lieb's photos will cement their reputations as among our leading travel writers and photographers. --Arthur Frommer, founder, Frommer's Guides
The Maya of Guatemala have preserved the colorful tapestry of their culture against all odds, and their wondrous country is fittingly celebrated with the publication of this beautiful book. --Bill Newlin, publisher, Moon Handbooks
This hauntingly beautiful book has brilliantly captured the current-day life and culture of the Maya in Guatemala. Michael Shapiro's text and Kraig Lieb's photos will cement their reputations as among our leading travel writers and photographers. --Arthur Frommer, founder, Frommer's Guides
The Maya of Guatemala have preserved the colorful tapestry of their culture against all odds, and their wondrous country is fittingly celebrated with the publication of this beautiful book. --Bill Newlin, publisher, Moon Handbooks
About the Author
Kraig Lieb, a photographer for Lonely Planet Publications, first travelled to Guatemala in 1990 and was captivated by its vibrant people, Mayan culture, monumental history, and architecture from the pyramids of Tikal to the colonial treasures of the highlands. His Guatemala photos have appeared in numerous Lonely Planet books, including the cover of Lonely Planet's Central America on a Shoestring. Lieb's photos appear in more than 50 Lonely Planet travel guides, and his images have been featured on Lonely Planet covers including Southeast Asia on a Shoestring,Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks and Bangkok. His photographs have been published by the New York Times, San Francisco Chronicle, TIME Magazine, Amnesty International, Oxford University, The Sydney Morning Herald, The Brisbane Times, Amazon.com, Art.com, and Yahoo, and used in advertising by Marriott, Hilton, Kodak, and Vietnam Airlines. Since graduating from Penn State University in 1984, Lieb has worked, lived and travelled extensively throughout Southeast Asia, North America, and Central America. For 4 years in the mid-1990s, Lieb was based in Vietnam, working with Image Design / Visionary Vietnam, a leading postcard and book publishing company. From 2002 - 2006 he was based in Antigua, Guatemala. Lieb's work can be found on art prints, postcards, greeting cards, calendars, magazines and books throughout Asia, North America, Central America and Europe. Lieb runs Purple Moon Publications which publishes postcards, books and art prints in Guatemala, Cambodia, and Northern California. You can visit his web site: www.kraiglieb.com. Michael Shapiro, a writer whose work has appeared in National Geographic Traveler, first visited Guatemala in 1989. During six journeys to Guatemala over the past two decades, Shapiro has developed a deep affection for the land and its effervescent Mayan people. Shapiro's 2004 book, A Sense of Place: Great Travel Writers Talk About Their Craft, lives, and Inspiration includes interviews with Bill Bryson, Frances Mayes, Paul Theroux, and Pico lyer. His essay,,The Longest Day, was selected for The Best Travel Writing 2005. Shapiro has bicycled through Cuba for the Washington Post, celebrated Holy Week in Guatemala for the Dallas Morning News, and floated down the Mekong River on a Laotian cargo barge for an online travel magazine. His stories and photographs also appear in the San Francisco Chronicle, Los Angeles Times and New York Times. In 2006, Shapiro won the Bedford Pace award for his National Geographic Traveler cover story on author Jan Morris's corner of Wales. The Society of American Travel Writers recognized Shapiro with a 1998 Lowell Thomas award. Shapiro has appeared on U.S. national television networks including CNN and PBS. You can visit his web site: www.michaelshapiro.net
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
By ashna 26
Format:Paperback
never was there a book more colorful and insightful than this journey through the land of the maya!! i've never been to guatemala, but with the amazing photos by kraig lieb each time i open the book, i feel as though i am standing next to the camera, amongst this amazing culture with inspiration to witness and learn more! there is a very compelling harmony between shapiro's vibrant writing and lieb's breath-taking photos! i am grateful to be a proud owner of this beautiful portrait of guatemala, and give the highest recommendation! the only thing missing is the plane ticket you'll wish you had after you've bought the book!!
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
By Wesley Bower
Format:Hardcover
It is obvious that that Michael Shapiro and Kraig Lieb have a deep respect and affection for the people, land, and customs of Guatemala. The photographs provide a personal and intimate view of life in Guatemala. Great photography does not occur without an intimate knowledge of the subject matter, and the pictures in this fine book are as breathtaking as they are revealing. Mr. Lieb's work is a joy to behold.
The book takes the reader across Guatemala, and Mr. Shapiro's writing is well informed and fascinating. Both men are veterans of travel books and guides, and this fine entry in their respective catalogs is a great primer for a trip to the land of the Maya, or at least the next best thing to being there.
The book takes the reader across Guatemala, and Mr. Shapiro's writing is well informed and fascinating. Both men are veterans of travel books and guides, and this fine entry in their respective catalogs is a great primer for a trip to the land of the Maya, or at least the next best thing to being there.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
By Albert Wen
Format:Hardcover
Kraig Lieb is a very well traveled photographer. If you have traveled in Asia, you would have seen Kraig's work. Kraig has been a Lonely Planet photographer for 10 years and I have seen his photos in many Lonely Planet guides for Asia.
Guatemala showcases his most recent work, stunning photographs of the people, land, traditions and celebrations of the land of the Maya. His photographs capture the colors, mysticism and vibrancy that only Guatemala can provide.
If you have been to Guatemala, Kraig's photographs will bring back memories. Preparing for your first trip, or looking for a gift for a first time visitor? This book is for you.
Guatemala showcases his most recent work, stunning photographs of the people, land, traditions and celebrations of the land of the Maya. His photographs capture the colors, mysticism and vibrancy that only Guatemala can provide.
If you have been to Guatemala, Kraig's photographs will bring back memories. Preparing for your first trip, or looking for a gift for a first time visitor? This book is for you.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By Rob de Jonge
Format:Hardcover
The cover of this book is an incredible photo that in a single image captures the historical and modern-day essence of Guatemala. It is a book to be amazed by, a book that will remind you of or compel you to visit this beautiful country with its wonderful people. And it is not just the cover! Each and every image in this book is absolutely stunning. Each and every page tells a tale, highlights details or looks from afar. And all combined it is a gorgeous book that you will never regret buying. I've given mine a prominent place on my book-shelf, showing the full front cover instead of just sliding it in with the masses. And I've ordered another one for a friend. Do it right, and get the hardcover.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By Laura Read
Format:Paperback
It is a lovely book written by an acclaimed writer and seasoned visitor to Guatemala. The photography rejects tourism cliches and instead captures unusual moments that convey the authentic spirit of this special country.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
i have been an avid fan of kraig Lieb's photography for many years, this book is a work of art, every photo tells an amazing story. i highly recommend this book to everyone.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By D. Russell
Format:Paperback
It's no surprise that the photos in this book are amazing with Kraig Lieb as the photographer. And with Michael's knowledge of Guatemala this book is a must have for anyone with any interest in Guatemala
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By Rudy Girón
Format:Paperback
This is a wonderful book that must be sitting at your coffee table if you have the minimum interest in Guatemala. The quality of the photographs and descriptions are amazing. Breathtaking!
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
1.0 out of 5 stars
Disappointing...
That a book subtitled "A Journey Through the Land of the Maya" lacks even the most rudimentary map to orient the reader geographically dooms the book from the outset. Read more
Published 17 months ago by JIM
5.0 out of 5 stars
Beautiful Book!
This book has some of the most beautiful photos of Guatemala I have ever seen!I first became familiar with Kraig Liebs work through his other publications and postcards. Read more
Published on December 1, 2008 by Barry Krall
5.0 out of 5 stars
Beautiful Book!
This book has some of the most beautiful photos of Guatemala I have ever seen!I first became familiar with Kraig Liebs work through his other publications and postcards. Read more
Published on November 25, 2008 by Barry Krall
5.0 out of 5 stars
guatemala: a journey through the land of the maya
beautiful, the colors are amazing, it will make you want to go traveling or at least make you feel like you have just taken a journey.
Published on November 24, 2008 by ktg
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Most Amazingly Colorful Journey.
When I first received the book, I was taken back by the incredible color of the culture. I had been intrigued by Guatemala for years and had always hoped of going there but after... Read more
Published on November 24, 2008 by Chris Calise
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