The ancient Maya were the only fully literate pre-Colombian people in the Americas. Superb scientists, they developed highly sophisticated mathematics and an intricate and accurate calendar system. Theirs was one of the few complex societies to emerge in and to adapt successfully to a tropical forest environment. Their architecture, sculpture, and painting were sophisticated and compellingly beautiful.
In this comprehensive survey, updated for this new edition, Henderson explores the entire Maya cultural tradition, from the earliest traces of settlement through the period of the Spanish conquest in the sixteenth century. His wide-ranging account treats diverse aspects of the Maya world, from religion and philosophy to the environments of the various Maya peoples, using deciphered Maya texts to reconstruct the ancient societies.
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“A superb panoramic view of the entire history and extent of Maya culture…This book…could be taken as a model of its kind.” — Art Book Review
“A superb panoramic view of the entire history and extent of Maya culture…This book…could be taken as a model of its kind.”
“The best full-length, up-to-date overview of Maya archaeology available today.”
" I found this discussion less stimulating than many others (Coe, Sharer). "
" Too dry, not enough of the culture and society. Mostly dry facts about settlements. "
" This textbook is rather dry but extremely informative. "
" It's a bit dated, but otherwise informative. "
John S. Henderson received his PhD from Yale University and is now a professor of anthropology at Cornell University, where he teaches both anthropology and archaeology. He has had many years of experience in Mexico and the rest of Central America and has also conducted field work in the United States, Peru, Cyprus, and Turkey.
Wanda McCaddon (d. 2023) narrated well over six hundred titles for major audiobook publishers, sometimes with the pseudonym Nadia May or Donada Peters. She earned the prestigious Audio Award for best narration and numerous Earphones Awards. She was named a Golden Voice by AudioFile magazine.
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