Aztec, Inca & Maya Empires: The Illustrated History of the Ancient Peoples of Mesoamerica & South America

by Martin J. Dougherty

We know that Aztec and Inca power collapsed when faced with the Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century, but how did civilizations emerge in Mesoamerica and the Andes in the first place? Why were temple sites such as Machu Picchu and Tikal constructed? How did the Aztecs, Inca, and Maya manage to organize such sophisticated societies? And why did the Mayan civilization ultimately disintegrate? Ranging from art and architecture to war, religion, and mythology, The Aztec, Inca & Maya Empires examines, in 180 striking photographs, artworks, and maps, more than 1,000 years in the history of Mesoamerica and South America. Also featuring the Olmecs, Zapotecs, and Moches, the book expertly explores the mysteries of the Nazca lines, the Inca counting system, and just how many ancient cities might still be hidden in the jungles of Mesoamerica.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

224 pages, Hardcover

Published December 31, 2018

About the author

Hailing from northeast England, Martin J Dougherty is a professional writer specialising in military history. He has been at times a games designer, an engineer, a self-protection instructor, a teacher and a defence analyst. Martin has published a range of books covering topics as diverse as self-protection, medieval warfare and space flight, and has addressed international conferences on anti-shipping missiles and homeland security issues.

Martin's interests include martial arts and fencing. He has coached Fencing, Ju-Jitsu, Self-Defence and Kickboxing for many years at the University of Sunderland, and has competed to national level as a fencer. As a martial artist he holds black belts in Combat Ju-Jitsu, Nihon Tai-Jitsu and Self-Defence. Martin is a Senior Assessor with the Self-Defence Federation and an IL1 instructor/assessor with the Britsh Federation for Historical Swordplay, specialising in the Military Sabre and the Smallsword.

Reviews

[8stitches 9lives · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am eager to learn more about these ancient empires as a polymath, but unfortunately when I was looking up further information on parts I wanted to know more about, I found that quite a few dates, names, places and basic facts and figures were completely incorrect which means it is pretty useless to those wishing to know more about the topic. I mean, no one wants to waste their precious time on an inaccurate nonfiction book. The aspects I thought were decent enough to award it two stars: the subtle humour throughout, the easy, conversational style of writing and the stunning photography. Sadly, I would recommend you opt for a book in which the author has a background in the area explored and leave this one well alone.

[Michael · Rating 1 out of 5]

I can't believe this was published. Obviously the author was looking to throw something together fast and make a quick buck. Whole sections were taken from online articles and just slightly tweaked to avoid plagiarism. The sections on Peru are full of wrong dates and information. Tiwanaku was not conquered by the Inca in 1200 ( they weren't even an empire yet!). Huayna Capac did not die in 1529. It's horrible.

[Haas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Picked it up at Barnes & Noble on clearance. Was a little textbook-y, but enjoyed overall…

[Theediscerning · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think many prior books from this publisher kind of helped give this volume a slightly disappointing flavour, initially. You see I regularly flick through, and rate highly, their photographic volumes, with picture captions the only text, but I still get to learn a fair bit of the relevant subject. This however is certainly all about the text, however pictorial the pages get. What I think I need to say is that this is no coffee table book, and not for the casual browse – this being one full-on narrative essay means this is purely for the interested and not for those with mild curiosity.

And the narrative of the essay feels the need to start a lot before we get to the Incans. Here is a discussion even of who the first inhabitants of South America were, and the geology that allowed them to arrive and meant they hadn't got there beforehand. We build up through a lot of failed, worn-down or militarily defeated civilisations, and by the time page 44 turns up you think you're finally ready to start with one of the title subjects, the Mayans. You haven't reckoned on the Olmecs. Or the rest.

That said, this can be a really interesting history. I cannot remember talk of the socialist collectivisation and coops of the Inca empire from my visit to Peru (but then, that was two decades ago). What we have here, even thought it might have been based on centuries worth of oral recollection, edited by the Aztecs, translated, misused by the Spanish and translated again, can be very good, covering the myths, the lifestyle, the weapons and all we might hope to glean from that patchy record.

So yes, this book will certainly serve a purpose for many readers. Reviewing it as regards my concerns and purposes, I did think it a lot heavier than I expected. Conversely, though, I can see many people wanting a full-on academic volume, well-illustrated as this is or not, will see it as too slight. Text justified to only one margin? Copious pull-quotes to make the pages pass quicker? One page in ten white text on black and not the usual? No, this isn't the photo book I might have thought I was clicking on, but it could also be said to have the design aesthetic of a magazine at times. So both the boffin and the loo-book browser may dislike this; I do hope there is a centre ground for it to be a success in.

[Kaye · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is suppose to be about the ancient people of Central and South America. I was happy to learn some basic information and timeframes for the different cultures as it is area I am where I'm woefully ignorant. Visiting some of the major ruins is definitely on my bucket list. Unfortunately the author is a professional writer, someone who writes up other peoples information and other another reviewer on Goodreads has pointed out inaccuracies in the text. I recently read a book on Van Gogh and it was written by a recognized Van Gogh historian and curator. I trusted his information. This author doesn't have the same type of credentials and I don't have the knowledge to judge his writing accuracies. The book itself is informative. I wish there were maps showing some of the locations referenced. And I wish the photos were in color instead of black and white. Thank you NetGalley and Amber Books for a temporary ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed "The Aztec, Inca and Maya". What could have been a dull and lecture-like book is actually very entertaining and easy to read (of course, the photos help!). Martin J Dougherty goes beyond the basics, but not so far that I feel like I know everything. This is perfect for anyone who has vague knowledge of the Aztec, Inca, and Maya and wants to go a bit further. A really fascinating read.

My thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley. This review was written voluntarily and is entirely my own, unbiased, opinion.

[Kathryn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm very concerned by the fact that the author of this book is not an ancient history scholar let alone one that specializes pre-columbian cultures. I did skim the whole thing and while the information was well presented I don't know that I can trust any of it as another reviewer on goodreads has pointed out several factual errors. I enjoyed the pictures and illustrations but I really wished they had been in color.

Thank you to Amber Books and NetGalley for the digital book.

[Tissie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dougherty compiled an informative, well-rounded book about the three main pre-Columbian civilizations: Maya, Inca, and Aztec. The first two chapters are dedicated to the Mesoamerican populations that preceded them instead, offering the reader a broad insight into those cultures too.

[Keep reading @ Bookshelves & Teacups]

[Amanda]

DNF. I found the layout & formatting annoying - some boxes of text would appear in a way that totally cut up the narrative, so I either had to flip back and forth constantly or read this in a disjointed way. Read about a third. After reading the reviews, I see the information is of questionable trustworthyness, so given that it is physically annoying to read, I decided to stop.

[Wesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

All the great ancient civilizations of South America explained. The book gives you a lot of information and with a bit of interest in this subject it is a great book for you. Can be a bit dry sometimes, because it is very informative and not storylike told.

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting summary of the Mesoamerican civilizations. No information on the author's training or background. Nice illustrations.