Top critical review
3.0 out of 5 starsPerhaps a little too much time
Reviewed in the United States on August 9, 2013
I purchased this book to learn a bit more about the Maya before I take a trip to visit ancient Maya sites this fall. The book does present some interesting information on the ancient Maya, particularly, their calendar and system of time. It spends more time discussing the problems faced by the Maya of today, which is enlightening, but I feel it spends too much time discussing politics and what is wrong with the governments in Maya lands today than what I need to prepare for my trip. I do feel that an understanding of the situation is important to have before visiting a third world country; I just find this a bit overburdening in light of what I need and want to know, especially since it reflects the situation in 1985. It does not tell me what to expect TODAY.