Any recommendations for a good book or articles on Mayan history/civilization? Preferably a enjoyable, more exciting read...
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Posted on Jan 07, 2011
8 Answers
David Friedel & Linda Schele, both Maya archeologist, have written A Forest of Kings: The Untold Story of the Ancient Maya and Maya Cosmos. They are a bit on the scholarly side, presenting a wealth of information, but still accessible to the Maya newcomer.
If you are looking for a great intro to the Maya, then I recommend Knopf Guides: Route of the Mayas. This is a great regional specific guide book, with excellent maps, descriptive illustrations which will give you a great introductory of the Mayan civilization- past and present. This guide is just cool to look at and browse through with illustrations on every page.
Good Luck.
Posted Jan 07, 2011
Add a commentWow, Chris or Christopher... Great recs! I will definitely get the Guide Book right away and I will look into the other one. This is exactly what I was looking for! Thank you!
Posted on Jan 07, 2011
Although this is not a history book, you may enjoy it. "Where the Sky is Born" by Jeanie Lee Kitchel is about her love affair with the Yucatan and the Maya and her journey as she left everything and established the first real bookstore in the Yucatan (I been there yey!) Alma Libre www.Almalibrebooks.com (She no longer owns the store)
In the book she chronicles a huge list of books she read as she learned about the Maya and you may find it a fun read AND a treasure trove.
By the way...why are you interested in the Maya? I too am trying to learn about them/
Posted Jan 08, 2011
Add a commentHi Laura! This book sounds very interesting. I will look into getting it right away.
We are traveling to Central America soon. I want to have an overview of the Mayan Culture.
What about you?
Posted on Jan 10, 2011
I spent some time on the Yucatan Peninsula and fell in love with the area and the people. I plan to return this spring if possible. There is just something magical about the place.
Where in Central America are you headed?
Posted on Jan 11, 2011
This may sound weird, but I've traveled a fair amount in the Maya world, and I really liked the movie Apolcalypto. It's a way to see the ruins come to life, in color, a bit. When I traveled there, I had a guidebook called "La Ruta Maya" but I'm sure there are more recent ones that are more up to date.
Posted Jan 10, 2011
Add a commentNot weird at all! I think we'll watch it!
Posted on Jan 10, 2011
Check out "The Maya" by Michael D Coe, "The Ancient Maya: New Perspectives" by Heather Irene McKillop or "A Forest of Kings" by Linda Schele and David Friedle.
Posted Jan 11, 2011
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I really enjoyed THE ANCIENT SPIRITUALITY OF THE MODERN MAYA, a book that focuses on the fact that these people and their traditions are alive and ever evolving. It's a bit dense, but packed with pictures too.
Posted Jan 13, 2011
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Long ago I read Azteca, and it still sticks in my mind as a great Mexican history book.
Posted Jan 16, 2011
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Check this out: http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2007/08/maya-rise-fall/map-interactive
Craig
Posted Jan 22, 2011
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