Kingdoms Of Gold, Kingdoms Of Jade: The Americas Before Columbus

by Brian M. Fagan

In this compelling account of pre-Columbian America, the author weaves together history and mythology, archaeology and ethnography to create a magnificent chronological narrative of the rise and fall of America's ancient civilizations. A close-up look at pre-Columbian America provides a chronological history of ancient American civilizations, detailing the artistic, scientific, and cultural accomplishments of the Inca, Aztec, Maya, Olmec, Chavin, Zapotec, and other ancient peoples.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Prehistory, American History, Archaeology

240 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1991

About the author

Brian Murray Fagan was a British author of popular archaeology books and a professor emeritus of Anthropology at the University of California, Santa Barbara.

Reviews

[Timothy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent and informative. After reading "Cannablism, Headhunting, and Human-Sacrifice..." I couldn't help but find this book somewhat apologetic, excusing or glossing over bad behavior on the part of Indians. I don't think that's the actual case here, it just felt that way because of the order that I read these two histories.

This book serves as a good overview of the variety of pre-Columbian civilizations that existed in North, Meso, and South America focusing on archeology (buildings and ancient city sites, surviving statuary and human made implements and art), but I wouldn't say it's a must have/must read book.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

A true historian, Fagan doesn't try to justify or condemn the natives, simply explain them. His goal is not to make you feel sorry for them, but to see them with respect. He acknowledges the evil done on both sides, the unpretty aspects that one or the other wants to forget, but he focuses on history based off of archeology or documents, not supposition and baseless theorizing, as many do. Occassionally dry or not as much information as wanted, but a definite keeper. Historians dont have to like history, just remember it and accurately tell about it to the best of their abilities, never intentionally allowing bias or presuppositions to alter it.

[David R. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A respectable treatment of a variety of Native American civilizations up to the 16th Century conquests of Mexico and Peru. Fagan is in his element and skillfully weaves together compelling narrative, vivid imagry, and archaeological detail.

[Christina]

Facinating!