A Forest of Kings: The Untold Story of the Ancient Maya

Book Description

The recent interpretation of Maya hieroglyphs has given us the first written history of the New World as it existed before the European invasion. In this book, two of the first central figures in the massive effort to decode the glyphs, Linda Schele and David Freidel, make this history available in all its detail. A Forest of Kings is the story of Maya kingship, from the beginning of its institution and the first great pyramid builders two thousand years ago to the decline of Maya civilization and its destruction by the Spanish. Here the great historic rulers of pre-Columbian civilization come to life again with the decipherment of their writing. At its height, Maya civilization flourished under great kings like Shield-Jaguar, who ruled for more than sixty years, expanding his kingdom and building some of the most impressive works of architecture in the ancient world. Long placed on a mist-shrouded pedestal as austere, peaceful stargazers, the Maya elites are now known to have been the rulers of populous, aggressive city-states.

Hailed as "a Rosetta stone of Maya civilization" (Brian M. Fagan, author of People of the Earth), A Forest of Kings is "a must for interested readers," says Evon Vogt, professor of anthropology at Harvard University.

Customer Reviews:

A Very Useful Resource for Visiting Mayan Ruins.......2006-11-03

I bought this book prior to visiting the Mayan ruins at Copan, Honduras. I found it a very useful guide to the Mayan world. I have a purely amateur interest in the Mayas, with no academic background. I wish I had this book with me when I visited Tikal, Chichen Itza and other sites in Mexico. The book devotes a chapter each to the major Mayan sites such as the two I just mentioned, Palenque, Copan, and others. It provides basic cultural information about Mayan language and social structure, interspersed with interesting if unconventional narrative passages in which the writers imagine what a day in the life of a historical Mayan figure might have been like. Some might be put off by these passages, but I liked them well enough. You can read the book simply for general cultural background, or take it with you on a stela-by-stela tour of the ruins. At times, there was a bit too much detail for my purposes, but I would rather have too much information than too little, and mostly the amount of information was just right. The book also provides a few portraits of archaeologists who have devoted their lives to uncovering the history of the Mayas, including some discussion of the cracking of the Mayan Code. It was informative and a worthwhile read, particularly if you are planning a trip to see the ruins for yourself.

Dry But Worth It.......2004-04-04

Of the various books available on Mayan culture that a layman has any chance of engaging profitably, this is one of the best. Detailed and well-organized, it presents a wealth of material on the subject, with plenty of accompanying illustrations that are well linked to the text, unlike other books which drop in pictures seemingly at random or which fail to explain why they are placed as they are. (Or, my personal favorite, those that assume you know why the picture is there, and what it's of, and don't bother to provide captions.)

If you're not afraid of "tomes," this is an excellent book for you, though it's not an introductory text. I'd recommend starting with something a little more basic before you tackle this fellow. But once you've familiarized yourself with the lay of the land regarding the Mayas, you won't find many books that cover so many different aspects of their life and culture in such a deep, dense way. You can feel these authors' love for their subject.

However, that being said, I must warn you this is a fairly dry book, and I am a reasonably tolerant reader when it comes to subjects I enjoy such as this one. It's chock full of great stuff, but its tone and style are heavily scholastic, so be prepared. It's still worth it. I have read any number of books thicker than this in a few sittings, but I found I retained more of the material and stayed more engaged by taking small bites of it over a few weeks.

An eye opener.......2004-03-25

It was so surprising to me to find out how complex the Maya society was. To learn that about their wars, their kings, and their complex religion was fascinating. The illustrations were excellent.

Superlative book on Mayan culture - fascinating read.......2003-02-05

It is so sad that we have lost Linda Schele. But we can rejoice that we still have her wonderful books. This book is among her best. It is almost magical in the way she and David Freidel create the atmosphere of the Mayan culture. There are wonderful pictures and illustrations. She unfolds the stories of the archaeological discoveries and then helps us understand the real lives revealed in the evidence.

The book also shows how the Mayan glyphs and counting systems work. There are nowadays very good texts on the writing system itself, but this book shows us how the glyphs are woven into the culture and religion of these people. We learn how the lineage worked and how the monuments were used as what we would call propaganda to support one line over other possibilities. We learn about the role of magic and visions and the way the leaders were the empowered by those visions.

There is just so much here that any reader will be richly rewarded. The Mayan civilization is incredibly fascinating because it is so foreign to our own and yet it is a part of the heritage of the American continents.

This book isn't just a text, it is a work of art in itself. You will have a hard time putting it down.

Excellent Read with great info!.......2002-09-08

This has to be one of the best books written on the ancient Maya. You can really tell Linda not only has a great understanding of her subject, you can also tell she loves what she's doing.

The art work is great and ties to the text completely. Most books I buy now have Text text text with a few B&Ws in the middle, just so they can say they have pics, not this one. You'll find 100s of pics and believe it or not, their on the same page as the text that tells you about them.

The info contained in this book is up to date and pretty much uncontested. The book hits almost every subject possible with a few exceptions that only the very serious scholars would miss.

I really enjoyed the sections on temple design and how the Maya chose the locations for the temple sites. The section on the Mayan alphabet and it's symbology is very informative. Even though this book is quite long, it will keep you interested threw out.

If your a student in the history of the Americas or if your a casual reader with an interest in the ancient Maya, I think you'll find this book is for you.

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful Book.......2007-06-24

This book is a wonderful find and a great read for people of all ages. It's the kind of novel that really makes you think, makes you question your views on some of the things the main character Kino finds along her travels. This book disguises our own failings and shortcomings as those of people who inhabit different cities or towns. This book was interesting and wel lwritten, and worth it to sit down, relax and enjoy.

Better than the Anime.......2007-01-10

With its peaceful and tranquil look at the world, it makes you want to sit down and understand and look at life as it passes you by. The translation that tokyopop has done from Japanese to English is actually really good. "The world is not beautiful, therefore it is," is something that made me want to understand and that is why I read the book.

A beautiful and fairy tale-like adventure.......2007-01-06

Kino is a traveler. She rides on Hermes, an extremely impressive talking motorcycle. Together they explore strange and bizarre countries and lands, rarely staying more than three days at a time. Kino believes it only takes three days to get to know what you need to about a place. Then it's back onto Hermes and off to another adventure.

KINO NO TABI is, quite honestly, a beautiful and fairy tale-like adventure with some extremely magical moments. Opening the book reveals a simple sentence: "The world is not beautiful, therefore it is." This is a great conceptual anchor for the story as Kino often finds herself in what would be considered non-beautiful territory, such as the Land of Majority Rule, a ghost town of hollow halls and vast graves, where a horrific King killed those who disagreed with him.

Throughout KINO NO TABI, we see that our hero is no mere passerby taking in the sights. She becomes involved. She is a seeker of knowledge and yet she is also willing to stand strong should she need to. This is quite prevalent in the segment entitled "Coliseum," where those admitted into the city-state are automatically entered into a savage tournament whereby the victor gains citizenship. Though not her first choice, she is ultimately left no choice but to fight, as refusers become slaves. She must take on the incredible swordsman, Shizu.

The Beauty to be found in the Beautiful World is not necessarily pretty. It can be brutal. It can be tragic. The story itself, almost in a travelogue narrative, is incredibly reminiscent of GULLIVER'S TRAVELS, perhaps sprinkled with a liberal touch of "The Twilight Zone." KINO NO TABI, while entertaining and sometimes humorous, also provides moments of introspection and occasionally borders on the philosophical.

After enduring some white-knuckle moments, Hermes asks Kino near the novel's end why she travels, why she never settles and undertakes a normal life. Kino never answers him. From the stories contained here, one can plainly see that it is the journey that keeps Kino going, that keeps her satisfied with her life, no matter how difficult it may be. It is the adrenaline rush and the uncertainty of it all that is life for her, as it is in all great adventure tales.

--- Reviewed by Stephen Hubbard

Evocative but short.......2006-12-22

I was surprised to encounter an English edition of Kino No Tabi while browsing the "teen fiction" section at (major chain bookstore), so I picked it up. At 200 pages, it's a very quick read, and it has a "teen fiction" feel. Overall, Kino No Tabi contains some interesting and valuable stories about human morality and relationships, but if you're past your teenage years, you've probably encountered similar stories before. And at the list price of $8 for 200 pages, it's hard for me to justify the cost of continuing with this 8-volume series.

Now a word about Tokyopop's treatment. Kino no Tabi is what's known as a "light novel" series in Japan. They typically have full-color cover artwork, perhaps a color insert page, and full-page black-and-white illustrations every chapter or so. Tokyopop's release is highly stylized, with black pages separating chapters, and most illustrations in a sort of filmstrip size/effect (i.e. greatly reduced). The original cover art is nowhere to be found. These changes were probably made to fit Kino no Tabi into Tokyopop's "pop fiction" line, and I must admit that they are reasonable alterations, though the purist in me would rather see a format closer to the original. There are no translation notes (not even for the title) but there is little cultural context in this series.

The anime series that was made from this novel series is very good, and I would have to recommend it over the novels.

Courtesy of Teens Read Too.......2006-12-01

"The World is not beautiful, therefore it is."

The first line in this book, and a powerful one. How funny it is that the one thing everyone strives for is perfection, yet we all agree that a perfect world is impossible. Even if it was possible, would we really want it?

Kino doesn't remember what her original name was, only that it was the name of a flower. The first Kino came into the town she lived in when she was eleven, days before she was to have the operation to make her a grownup. The first Kino was a traveller, spending only three days in each new place.

While "curing" a junked and discarded motorcycle, the first Kino tells the young girl about other places and other lives. Places where you don't have to have an operation to be considered an adult. Places where you don't have to do a job that makes you unhappy, just because it's required. He sparks a light in this little girl, and inadvertently brings about his own death. A new Kino is born. She escapes on Hermes, the repaired and animated motorcycle.

Kino becomes a traveller, moving from place to place, staying only three days. Some places are nice, some strange, some scary, and some are downright dangerous. Kino and Hermes learn about life, themselves, and humanity as a whole.

This was not only a really great story, but a really interesting look at the nature of people and society. As well as an interesting take on the concept of "be careful what you wish for". It challenged my ideas of right and wrong, and what cost they come at. It's the first of a planned eight books, and I am extremely interested to see what Kino and Hermes get into next.

Reviewed by: Carrie Spellman

The Ancient Ones: Sacred Monuments of the Inka, Maya & Cliffdweller

Average customer rating:

Two Thumbs up for The Ancient Ones!

The Ancient Ones: Sacred Monuments of the Inka, Maya & Cliffdweller
Hans Li
Manufacturer: City of Light
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Criticism | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books

Mayan | Ancient | History | Subjects | Books

Mythology & Folklore | Encyclopedias | Reference | Subjects | Books

General | Reference | Subjects | Books

Native American | Earth-Based Religions | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Customer Reviews:

Two Thumbs up for The Ancient Ones!.......2006-06-22

This is a beautifully designed, well executed, and powerful publication that leaves the reader both informed and mystified by its contents. Hans Li successfully integrates stunning visual images of the architecture of the ancient Americas with verbal excerpts underlying the myths that surround the creation of such structures, thereby linking the notion of ancient ritual and spiritual ceremony with what is essentially one of the earliest formations of civilization. "The Ancient Ones" underlies a connection between the spiritual and the tangible, between legend and civilization, and between man nature with a kind of purpose and humility that is both poignant and alluring. I highly recomend a look through his website www.theancient1s.com which contains all the images from the book, plus a few bonuses on the author and his exhibitions.

Average customer rating:

beautiful photos !
Documentary photography
Stunning!
Pot of Gold
A pot of gold

Guatemala Rainbow

Manufacturer: Pomegranate Communications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | History & Criticism | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Instructional & How-To | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

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Mayan | Ancient | History | Subjects | Books

Look Inside History Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

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ASIN: 0876544448

Book Description

Guatemala is one of the few places on earth where traditional textile arts from ancient cultures survive: Mayan spinners and weavers still produce the traditional motifs developed by their ancestors, but modern dyes add brilliant, luminous color to their textiles. This book presents 150 superb photographs by Gianni Vecchiato, providing a magnificent view of the textiles people, and daily life of Guatemala. It is truly a feast for the eye and spirit.

Customer Reviews:

beautiful photos !.......2006-03-13

this book has gorgeous photos of Guatemala.
we wish, however, that the photos had better captions to describe them.

Documentary photography.......2006-01-23

I bought this book for my girlfriend who is going to Guatemala for an 8-week field study for her master's degree in anthropology. The pictures are in no way artistic photographs, I would classify them as documentary photos. There are a few that have some drama or depth to them, but most are simply documenting the Guatemalen culture through thier famous colorful weavings and how they use them.

My girlfriend and I wish that the pictures had lengthier captions to explain what we were looking at, as most of the images only have the name of the city they are from. There is a brief and simple introduction at the beginning of the book about Guatmalen culture, the weavings and Mayan history, but the rest of the book is all pictures.

I gave it to my girlfriend to get her excited and motivated for her coming field study, and in that respect I guess the book was a success!

Stunning!.......2002-05-01

I bought this book for my family as we are adopting a child from Guatemala. This was one of the only books with pictures of the culture that I could find, and I am SO glad that I did. I can be rest assured that my son will feel pleasure and pride in his birth-country after looking at the pictures in this book. It is a beautiful, colorful, and rich culture that deserves to be displayed vividly for all to see!

Pot of Gold.......2001-07-13

Stunning images, true to Guatemalan life. Not just "pictures". A window into a beautiful land with colorful people. !EXCELLENTE!

A pot of gold.......2001-06-13

Guatemala Rainbow is just what I hoped it might be and more- the photos are stunning and full of local color. They portray the personality of the Guatemalan people. Having lived in Central America, I can say that they authentically document the typical lifestyle of those outside the capital city, free from United States' influence. This will be a real gem in my collection for Spanish classes as I introduce the students to the culture. The images will help them get a feel for being there.

On the Trail of the Maya Explorer: Tracing the Epic Journey of John Lloyd Stephens

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On the Trail of the Maya Explorer: Tracing the Epic Journey of John Lloyd Stephens
Steve Glassman
Manufacturer: University Alabama Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Mayan | Ancient | History | Subjects | Books

General | World | History | Subjects | Books

Travel | Writing | Reference | Subjects | Books

Essays & Travelogues | Reference & Tips | Travel | Subjects | Books

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Look Inside Travel Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
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ASIN: 0817313036

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Guatemala, Land of the Mayas
Joan Lloyd
Manufacturer: Greenwood Press Reprint
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Mayan | Ancient | History | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0837174155

In the Museum of Maya Culture: Touring Chichen Itza

Average customer rating:

An excellent ethnography

In the Museum of Maya Culture: Touring Chichen Itza
Quetzil E. Castaneda
Manufacturer: University of Minnesota Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Mexico | Americas | History | Subjects | Books

Mayan | Ancient | History | Subjects | Books

General | World | History | Subjects | Books

General | Travel | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0816626731

Customer Reviews:

An excellent ethnography.......2001-02-02

Castañeda's study goes well beyond the common anthropological focus on the "impact" of tourism on Mayan communities, instead focusing on the complicated, historical relationships between Maya actors, anthropologists, and tourists at the well know archaeological site of Chichén Itzá, and the nearby - but not so well known - Maya community of Pisté. Castañeda's study weaves together the history of anthropology in Yucatan (with a particular focus on the works of Redfield and Steggarda), tourism (including a fascinating analysis of New Age spiritualists and Aztec revivalists during the equinox at Chichén Itzá), and local Maya actors (through an analysis of their engagement with anthropologists, tourists, and the Mexican state).

Look Close, See Far: A Cultural Portrait of the Maya

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Look Close, See Far: A Cultural Portrait of the Maya
Allen J. Christenson , Shoshaunna Parks , and Patricia A. McAnany
Manufacturer: George Braziller
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Mayan | Ancient | History | Subjects | Books

General | World | History | Subjects | Books

General | Americas | History | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0807615897

Book Description

Look Close, See Far uses photography and essays to create a cultural portrait of the Maya Indians.

Respected scholars introduce these indigenous communities of Central America and their ancient and complex spiritual, cultural, artistic, and architectural traditions. One hundred stunning black and white photographs document the remaining fragments of this disappearing society and present a record of the world they inhabit through images of the people, the natural environment, and the historical artifacts of the Maya communities.

The ancient Maya left behind evidence of their great prowess in mathematics, astronomy, and architecture, as well as enduring written and oral histories revealing intricate political and social hierarchies and a rich spiritual system. The Maya never truly disappeared, but their society went through many transformations, including the dramatic changes that followed the arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century. As outside pressures encroach, the Maya strive to maintain their cohesiveness and protect their local traditions and languages. Their cultural and spiritual identities are fundamentally intertwined with the land from which they and their ancestors have coaxed their livelihood for generations, and the survival of the Maya groups is endangered by the degradation and disappearance of their ancestral landscape.

These striking images and illuminating descriptions of the evolving Maya and their unique worldview will intrigue readers interested in cultural and spiritual studies, travel, archaeology, and photography. The intimate and sensitive portraiture draws readers into the heart of the forests and villages in which the Maya have been rooted for generations. 100 b/w photographs.

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The Maya World
Natasha Y. Gregorio
Manufacturer: Intermundial Research, Inc
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Pamphlet

Mayan | Ancient | History | Subjects | Books

Camping | Hiking & Camping | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B0006YSIGI

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Mundo Maya/ Maya World

Manufacturer: Anaya Touring Club
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Mayan | Ancient | History | Subjects | Books

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Spanish | Foreign Language Nonfiction | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

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