Tikal: The Center of the Maya World (Wonders of the World Book) (Hardcover)

by Elizabeth Mann (Author), Tom McNeely (Illustrator) "The only sounds were the splash of paddles dipping into the water and the trickle as they were lifted forward, the droplets leaving brief wing..." (more)
Key Phrases: Great Plaza, Dos Pilas, Hero Twins (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal
Grade 4-8-This lavishly illustrated volume presents information on this Mesoamerican city, which flourished from 800 B.C.E. to around A.D. 900. Beginning with a discussion of the city's location on the Yucatan Peninsula, the informative text delves into the economic implications of its site on the Holmul River. The history that follows covers pyramid and home construction in general, the role of religion in the life of both the metropolis and its inhabitants, and the position of the city as either a conquering or a conquered city-state. A discussion of the disappearance of the Mayan civilization, including Tikal, wraps up the volume. Full- and double-page illustrations, executed in watercolor, are detailed and provide a fascinating reconstruction of life more than 1000 years ago. Reproductions of both artifacts and stelae also serve to extend the text. A clearly labeled foldout of Tikal in its heyday can be compared to a double-page photograph of the site as it looks today, giving not only pictorial evidence of the passage of time, but also an idea of how reconstructions are done. This is a fascinating look at a civilization that disappeared both mysteriously and abruptly.
Ann Welton, Grant Elementary School, Tacoma, WA
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist
Gr. 4-8. This latest addition to the Wonders of the World series conveys the current understanding of the history of Tikal, a major city in the Mayan Empire between 800 B.C.E and 900 C.E. The author explains why the settlers chose the place; how the location (along the most passable trade route through Mesoamerica) factored into its success; and what is known about the people who lived there. Mann's narrative flows smoothly, and frequent, full-color illustrations, some of them double-page spreads, help to clarify the details mentioned in the text. The author does not sugarcoat discussion of Tikalian customs such as bloodletting, deadly sporting events, and human sacrifice, but she also talks about the people's impressive accomplishments, including the pyramids, the fine pottery, and the system of written expression. A glossary and a time line are appended, but there is, unfortunately, no list of sources. Even so, this will be welcomed by report writers. Kay Weisman
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Hardcover: 48 pages
• Publisher: Mikaya Press; illustrated edition edition (November 2, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 193141405X
• ISBN-13: 978-1931414050
• Product Dimensions: 10.6 x 9.8 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #775,129 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars A Combination of History and Architecture, May 28, 2009

By	Marco Antonio Abarca (Colorado) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

Elizabeth Mann's "Wonders of the World" series examine buildings and other structures that range in time from Ancient Egypt to the Great Depression. Typically, her books begin by placing the featured building in their proper historical context. Once this context is established, Mann delves into the construction details of the buildigns. Each book is accompanied with detailed illustrations.

It has been only in the last fifty years that the history of Tikal has been slowly unraveled with the decyphering of Mayan glyphs. Mann uses the latest archaeological findings to take young readers back to the 800's when Tikal reached its full glory. Mann writes well and both children and adults will enjoy reading the book. Of special note are the carefully rendered illustrations of Tom McNeely. His water color paintings remind me of the beautiful illustrations that graced John L Stephen's classic "Incidents of Travel in the Yucatan". Tikal is a great purchase for all those who love that heady mix of history and architecture. Highly recommended.

0 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The splendors of Tikal, January 3, 2007

By	fredmoh (Indiana) - See all my reviews

This is a very good book to get the attention of youth about the Maya. It is enjoyable for us oldsters too.

1 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Tikal, November 13, 2007

By	Jeanne A. Osborne - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book is for children, not for adults that are planning a visit to Tikal.
It was disappointing for that reason.