Customer Reviews

Prehistoric Mesoamerica

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Although it is argued (and mentioned on the cover) that this overview is revised, it seems to me a lot of 'ancient data' has escaped the attention of the compiler. Several regional and/or chronological sections contain information based on research now considered outdated. In fact, not just 'now' but even back in the early nineties when this revised edition was published. It is a pity that because of that many regional developments remain untouched: Where is central Mexico in this book? How about the Valley of Oaxaca (is 15 pages for Classic Oaxaca sufficient on any standard)? Etc etc. Only to those those who still consider Mesoamerica to be 'Maya and their neighbors' this overview will prove satisfactory. All others interested in an introduction to Mesoamerica should instead consider Smith and Masson's edited volume or Susan Toby Evans' recent compilation.

Poorly edited (multiple mistakes regarding very specific names and places), bad use of poorly focused black and white snapshots, not written well. Simply a bad summary of better books. I wish I would have read the books the author of this text summarized. And then wrote this book, b/c I couldn't have done any worse!

This revised edition is indeed a great book. Well written. Loaded with facts and interpretations but not overloaded. It reads really nicely, and furthermore, it can be read by sections if one wishes so, though it would be a pity. Some minor editing problems (e.g. some numbers seem unbelievable and are likely typos). Enough illustrations to rest the eyes of the reader, and adequate maps. But for this reviewer the best feature of this book is that the author tries to integrate the history of successive cultures of Mesoamerica. For example, if you want to know what happened to the post classic Mayas you will need to go to another chapter than the main one on Mayas. This way the mutual influences of cultures can be better understood, at least when those influences did take place. Very likely the best all around book on Mesoamerica that one could have on the bookshelves. My only grip is the title, slightly misleading since it suggests prehistory. If history is defined as from the time when a cultures can write its history, then what about the Mayas who had a complete writing system? Not very "politically correct" if you ask this reviewer.