Lost Cities of the Mayas (New Horizons) /anglais

by BAUDEZ - PICASSO

From the NEW HORIZONS series of pocket-sized information books, a look at the ancient Mayan cities, their civilisation and the lives of their inhabitants. With foldouts and double-page spreads.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Archaeology, Anthropology

175 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1987

Reviews

[Lorna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lost Cities of the Maya by Sydney Claude is an interesting introduction to the European discovery of the Maya and the slow evolution of how others came to understanding more about the Mayan civilization. While it is a compilation from a variety of resources, the rare photographs, paintings and drawings all play in the history of the Mayan people and the mysterious history of the building of pyramids by the Mayans. It begins in 1502 and highlights the discovery of Indian population by the conquistadors and missionaries over the centuries. In the mid-eighteenth century, Father Antonio de Solis arrived in Santo Domingo de Palenque with his brothers and their wives and children, they stumbled across ruined “stone houses.” They were the first from the Old World to set foot in one of the most impressive Mayan sites. One of the most exciting chapters is the one of the artists and adventurers with the beautiful and haunting artwork and drawings. By the mid-nineteenth century there are the explorations of the photographers and explorers, again stunning photographs. There is a wonderful section that features on the many symbols in stone in the hieroglyphic-covered panels in the Temple of Inscriptions at Palenque. The glossy pictures throughout were beautiful. Planning on an extensive trip soon around Central America, the Caribbean and the Yucatán Peninsula, this was an informative read.

“Buried deep in the Central American jungle, the mysterious ruined cities of the Maya were a source of wonder to the early explorers who stumbled across them. Were there extraordinary pyramids and palaces the work of gods or humans? For three long centuries the mystery only deepened, but in the nineteenth century, as artists, photographers and archaeologists began to piece the whole picture together, romantic conjecture gave way to scientific fact, and the truth about the Mayan civilization and how these elaborate sites were built was finally revealed.”

[Jailene · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think this book is pretty interesting but it definitely was more about the conquistadors and Spaniards than anything. It was a chronological account of their journeys discovering ancient Mayan cities, but when I picked up this book I thought it would be strictly about that.

The end of the book in the documents section holds more about the Mayans than most of the book and I think the book ending on a funeral ritual was very intriguing and engaging. I just wish the rest of the stuff was too.

Honestly I’m just tired of the colonizer/conquistador narrative and would’ve like to know more about the natives. Also, not to mention a lot of the accounts talk poorly about the natives, like how they’re not as smart as Europeans, they have odd rituals, they couldn’t have been more advanced than other societies, etc. It’s a tired narrative 👎🏼

[Kristen Giessler · Rating 1 out of 5]

If you want a chronological synopsis on those conquistadors and archaeologists who discovered Mayan ruins, this book is for you. It talks more about the process of discovering the ruins and the challenges encountered, instead of discussing the actual Mayans and the ruins themselves. It's small and can be easily carried on the go, but just make sure if the topic is of interest to you.

[Jeffrey]

A 'must read' for anyone interested in Mayan archaeology. rites, culture, etc.. The format of the book is well done and the pages are glossy. Plus the illustrations, drawings and so forth are superb. I highly recommend this book Lost Cities Of The Maya.

[Ahdom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Years ago, I was leaving a garage sale and this book was set out at one of the tables at the end of the drive. I picked it up, wondering if it was any good. I knew that I would one day want to do a deep dive on the Maya. I began my journey of discovery with the Maya at the end of July 2021, starting with The Maya: A Very Short Introduction, then following with Maya to Aztec: Ancient Mesoamerica Revealed and Jungle of Stone: The True Story of Two Men, Their Extraordinary Journey, and the Discovery of the Lost Civilization of the Maya. These were all fantastic to read if you are interested in learning about the subject. This book too served as a nice follow up to these reads. There were some great images that showed much of the artwork that came out of the expeditions and I was surprised to find the Popol Vuh was also included.

[Michael P. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A superb and readable introduction not to the Maya and the their civilization, but to European discovery of the Maya and the slow evolution of how outsiders came to understand them. An understanding of Mayan civilization comes during the telling of that story. The material is deftly organized and expressed. The book is richly illustrated.

[Kevin · Rating 4 out of 5]

a lot of information in such a little book. and nice pictures!

[Artracer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating account of the discovery and early explorers of the Maya cities.

[Izabella]

Fizic