A Short Account of the Maya, 15 Jul 1999
Michael Coe tells the story of the Maya civilisation in his usual vivid and captivating style. Latest notes from the excavations in Nakbe, Guatemala bring this account pretty up-to-date. Shorter and less comprehensive than "The Ancient Maya" by R. Sharer, but this is a much quicker read. Great for anyone interested in finding out the basic facts about the Maya of Central America.

Excellent read for those interested in the ancient Mayas, 29 Jun 1999
This book contains a condensed history of an ancient civilisation, which we know so little about. However, the author has managed to collate scattered pieces of information into a very readable yet pertinent book. If you are planning a trip down to Mexico or Guatemala to see the pyramids, I'd suggest you pick up a copy and learn about the history behind those great constructions!

A Short Account of the Maya, 15 Jul 1999
Michael Coe tells the story of the Maya civilisation in his usual vivid and captivating style. Latest notes from the excavations in Nakbe, Guatemala bring this account pretty up-to-date. Shorter and less comprehensive than "The Ancient Maya" by R. Sharer, but this is a much quicker read. Great for anyone interested in finding out the basic facts about the Maya of Central America.

Excellent read for those interested in the ancient Mayas, 29 Jun 1999
This book contains a condensed history of an ancient civilisation, which we know so little about. However, the author has managed to collate scattered pieces of information into a very readable yet pertinent book. If you are planning a trip down to Mexico or Guatemala to see the pyramids, I'd suggest you pick up a copy and learn about the history behind those great constructions!

Excellent for studies, 27 Jun 2007
This book has proved vital in my studies of Ancient History. I would recommend this book to those studying but also to novices as this book explains really well the history of the Aztecs.

All pictures and photos are in black and white but as this book is mainly used for study this is not a problem.

Excellent book and also very useful for those studying Anthropology.
Great value for money and highly recommended if you have an interest in this subject.

A Short Account of the Maya, 15 Jul 1999
Michael Coe tells the story of the Maya civilisation in his usual vivid and captivating style. Latest notes from the excavations in Nakbe, Guatemala bring this account pretty up-to-date. Shorter and less comprehensive than "The Ancient Maya" by R. Sharer, but this is a much quicker read. Great for anyone interested in finding out the basic facts about the Maya of Central America.

Excellent read for those interested in the ancient Mayas, 29 Jun 1999
This book contains a condensed history of an ancient civilisation, which we know so little about. However, the author has managed to collate scattered pieces of information into a very readable yet pertinent book. If you are planning a trip down to Mexico or Guatemala to see the pyramids, I'd suggest you pick up a copy and learn about the history behind those great constructions!

Excellent for studies, 27 Jun 2007
This book has proved vital in my studies of Ancient History. I would recommend this book to those studying but also to novices as this book explains really well the history of the Aztecs.

All pictures and photos are in black and white but as this book is mainly used for study this is not a problem.

Excellent book and also very useful for those studying Anthropology.
Great value for money and highly recommended if you have an interest in this subject.

A Short History of the Aztecs, 07 May 2008
Aztecs: Rise and Fall of an Empire is a short introductory title on the history of the Mexica peoples. It follows the Aztecs from the founding of their capital, Tenochtitlan, right through to the centuries following the conquest of their empire in the 16th century. It ends with the story of Mexico in 1821.

I brought this book about 7 or 8 years ago and I still dip into it now and then, especially when reading some of the primary sources from the period, such as the letters of Hernan Cortes or the writings of Bernal Diaz. It compliments these works rather well.

The book itself is a pocket sized work, filled with hundreds of colour and black and white paintings and illustrations. The book is divided into two parts - one is a chronological overview of the history of the Mexicans from c. AD 1000 to 1800, with an emphasis on the conquest of 1519-21. The other section is called 'Documents', which is filled with quotations from primary sources and famous historians about some aspects of Aztec life, such as Human sacrifice and the creation myths.

If you are looking for a very short and readable account of Aztec history, this book would be a good place to start. That said, it is best to go on to other books if you want in-depth information as this book lacks information on Aztec society and culture. For instance, there is no proper explanation given to the importance of human sacrifice or 'Flower' Wars to Aztec society. Other aspects such as religion, daily life, science & technology, women, agriculture etc are sparsely covered.

Despite these shortcomings, this book is recommended if you'd like to learn about the history of the Aztecs in a few sittings, or if you are new to the subject. Those who are into more serious research into the lives of these fascinating people should look elsewhere.

A Short Account of the Maya, 15 Jul 1999
Michael Coe tells the story of the Maya civilisation in his usual vivid and captivating style. Latest notes from the excavations in Nakbe, Guatemala bring this account pretty up-to-date. Shorter and less comprehensive than "The Ancient Maya" by R. Sharer, but this is a much quicker read. Great for anyone interested in finding out the basic facts about the Maya of Central America.

Excellent read for those interested in the ancient Mayas, 29 Jun 1999
This book contains a condensed history of an ancient civilisation, which we know so little about. However, the author has managed to collate scattered pieces of information into a very readable yet pertinent book. If you are planning a trip down to Mexico or Guatemala to see the pyramids, I'd suggest you pick up a copy and learn about the history behind those great constructions!

Excellent for studies, 27 Jun 2007
This book has proved vital in my studies of Ancient History. I would recommend this book to those studying but also to novices as this book explains really well the history of the Aztecs.

All pictures and photos are in black and white but as this book is mainly used for study this is not a problem.

Excellent book and also very useful for those studying Anthropology.
Great value for money and highly recommended if you have an interest in this subject.

A Short History of the Aztecs, 07 May 2008
Aztecs: Rise and Fall of an Empire is a short introductory title on the history of the Mexica peoples. It follows the Aztecs from the founding of their capital, Tenochtitlan, right through to the centuries following the conquest of their empire in the 16th century. It ends with the story of Mexico in 1821.

I brought this book about 7 or 8 years ago and I still dip into it now and then, especially when reading some of the primary sources from the period, such as the letters of Hernan Cortes or the writings of Bernal Diaz. It compliments these works rather well.

The book itself is a pocket sized work, filled with hundreds of colour and black and white paintings and illustrations. The book is divided into two parts - one is a chronological overview of the history of the Mexicans from c. AD 1000 to 1800, with an emphasis on the conquest of 1519-21. The other section is called 'Documents', which is filled with quotations from primary sources and famous historians about some aspects of Aztec life, such as Human sacrifice and the creation myths.

If you are looking for a very short and readable account of Aztec history, this book would be a good place to start. That said, it is best to go on to other books if you want in-depth information as this book lacks information on Aztec society and culture. For instance, there is no proper explanation given to the importance of human sacrifice or 'Flower' Wars to Aztec society. Other aspects such as religion, daily life, science & technology, women, agriculture etc are sparsely covered.

Despite these shortcomings, this book is recommended if you'd like to learn about the history of the Aztecs in a few sittings, or if you are new to the subject. Those who are into more serious research into the lives of these fascinating people should look elsewhere.

A great find...informative and beautifully illustrated, 16 Mar 2003
This is a gem of a book - it is packed with fascinating facts about the Inca civilisation. Every page contains wonderful full- colour photos and illustrations of the Incas, their famed gold, incredible buildings, fabrics and civilisation. The book also reproduces first hand accounts of the Spanish conquest and the discovery of Macchu Pichu.

Although the Spanish conquistadors were cruel to the population, the book argues that the Incas themselves could often be just as brutal to their subjects as they tried to control disparate ethnic populations that comprised the Inca empire.

This is a very easy read that gives a great overview of the Incas - if you're off to Peru to climb the Inca Trail, stick this in your backpack and read it on the flight over - you won't regret it!

A Short Account of the Maya, 15 Jul 1999
Michael Coe tells the story of the Maya civilisation in his usual vivid and captivating style. Latest notes from the excavations in Nakbe, Guatemala bring this account pretty up-to-date. Shorter and less comprehensive than "The Ancient Maya" by R. Sharer, but this is a much quicker read. Great for anyone interested in finding out the basic facts about the Maya of Central America.

Excellent read for those interested in the ancient Mayas, 29 Jun 1999
This book contains a condensed history of an ancient civilisation, which we know so little about. However, the author has managed to collate scattered pieces of information into a very readable yet pertinent book. If you are planning a trip down to Mexico or Guatemala to see the pyramids, I'd suggest you pick up a copy and learn about the history behind those great constructions!

Excellent for studies, 27 Jun 2007
This book has proved vital in my studies of Ancient History. I would recommend this book to those studying but also to novices as this book explains really well the history of the Aztecs.

All pictures and photos are in black and white but as this book is mainly used for study this is not a problem.

Excellent book and also very useful for those studying Anthropology.
Great value for money and highly recommended if you have an interest in this subject.

A Short History of the Aztecs, 07 May 2008
Aztecs: Rise and Fall of an Empire is a short introductory title on the history of the Mexica peoples. It follows the Aztecs from the founding of their capital, Tenochtitlan, right through to the centuries following the conquest of their empire in the 16th century. It ends with the story of Mexico in 1821.

I brought this book about 7 or 8 years ago and I still dip into it now and then, especially when reading some of the primary sources from the period, such as the letters of Hernan Cortes or the writings of Bernal Diaz. It compliments these works rather well.

The book itself is a pocket sized work, filled with hundreds of colour and black and white paintings and illustrations. The book is divided into two parts - one is a chronological overview of the history of the Mexicans from c. AD 1000 to 1800, with an emphasis on the conquest of 1519-21. The other section is called 'Documents', which is filled with quotations from primary sources and famous historians about some aspects of Aztec life, such as Human sacrifice and the creation myths.

If you are looking for a very short and readable account of Aztec history, this book would be a good place to start. That said, it is best to go on to other books if you want in-depth information as this book lacks information on Aztec society and culture. For instance, there is no proper explanation given to the importance of human sacrifice or 'Flower' Wars to Aztec society. Other aspects such as religion, daily life, science & technology, women, agriculture etc are sparsely covered.

Despite these shortcomings, this book is recommended if you'd like to learn about the history of the Aztecs in a few sittings, or if you are new to the subject. Those who are into more serious research into the lives of these fascinating people should look elsewhere.

A great find...informative and beautifully illustrated, 16 Mar 2003
This is a gem of a book - it is packed with fascinating facts about the Inca civilisation. Every page contains wonderful full- colour photos and illustrations of the Incas, their famed gold, incredible buildings, fabrics and civilisation. The book also reproduces first hand accounts of the Spanish conquest and the discovery of Macchu Pichu.

Although the Spanish conquistadors were cruel to the population, the book argues that the Incas themselves could often be just as brutal to their subjects as they tried to control disparate ethnic populations that comprised the Inca empire.

This is a very easy read that gives a great overview of the Incas - if you're off to Peru to climb the Inca Trail, stick this in your backpack and read it on the flight over - you won't regret it!

good value for money., 15 Feb 2001
If you havent been to Tikal, once you read this book youll die to go. Its a great summation of all the major facts known about the history and development of one of the major Maya cities. A must have for Maya archaeology buffs.

A Short Account of the Maya, 15 Jul 1999
Michael Coe tells the story of the Maya civilisation in his usual vivid and captivating style. Latest notes from the excavations in Nakbe, Guatemala bring this account pretty up-to-date. Shorter and less comprehensive than "The Ancient Maya" by R. Sharer, but this is a much quicker read. Great for anyone interested in finding out the basic facts about the Maya of Central America.

Excellent read for those interested in the ancient Mayas, 29 Jun 1999
This book contains a condensed history of an ancient civilisation, which we know so little about. However, the author has managed to collate scattered pieces of information into a very readable yet pertinent book. If you are planning a trip down to Mexico or Guatemala to see the pyramids, I'd suggest you pick up a copy and learn about the history behind those great constructions!

Excellent for studies, 27 Jun 2007
This book has proved vital in my studies of Ancient History. I would recommend this book to those studying but also to novices as this book explains really well the history of the Aztecs.

All pictures and photos are in black and white but as this book is mainly used for study this is not a problem.

Excellent book and also very useful for those studying Anthropology.
Great value for money and highly recommended if you have an interest in this subject.

A Short History of the Aztecs, 07 May 2008
Aztecs: Rise and Fall of an Empire is a short introductory title on the history of the Mexica peoples. It follows the Aztecs from the founding of their capital, Tenochtitlan, right through to the centuries following the conquest of their empire in the 16th century. It ends with the story of Mexico in 1821.

I brought this book about 7 or 8 years ago and I still dip into it now and then, especially when reading some of the primary sources from the period, such as the letters of Hernan Cortes or the writings of Bernal Diaz. It compliments these works rather well.

The book itself is a pocket sized work, filled with hundreds of colour and black and white paintings and illustrations. The book is divided into two parts - one is a chronological overview of the history of the Mexicans from c. AD 1000 to 1800, with an emphasis on the conquest of 1519-21. The other section is called 'Documents', which is filled with quotations from primary sources and famous historians about some aspects of Aztec life, such as Human sacrifice and the creation myths.

If you are looking for a very short and readable account of Aztec history, this book would be a good place to start. That said, it is best to go on to other books if you want in-depth information as this book lacks information on Aztec society and culture. For instance, there is no proper explanation given to the importance of human sacrifice or 'Flower' Wars to Aztec society. Other aspects such as religion, daily life, science & technology, women, agriculture etc are sparsely covered.

Despite these shortcomings, this book is recommended if you'd like to learn about the history of the Aztecs in a few sittings, or if you are new to the subject. Those who are into more serious research into the lives of these fascinating people should look elsewhere.

A great find...informative and beautifully illustrated, 16 Mar 2003
This is a gem of a book - it is packed with fascinating facts about the Inca civilisation. Every page contains wonderful full- colour photos and illustrations of the Incas, their famed gold, incredible buildings, fabrics and civilisation. The book also reproduces first hand accounts of the Spanish conquest and the discovery of Macchu Pichu.

Although the Spanish conquistadors were cruel to the population, the book argues that the Incas themselves could often be just as brutal to their subjects as they tried to control disparate ethnic populations that comprised the Inca empire.

This is a very easy read that gives a great overview of the Incas - if you're off to Peru to climb the Inca Trail, stick this in your backpack and read it on the flight over - you won't regret it!

good value for money., 15 Feb 2001
If you havent been to Tikal, once you read this book youll die to go. Its a great summation of all the major facts known about the history and development of one of the major Maya cities. A must have for Maya archaeology buffs.

beautifully presented book, 07 Mar 2006
I was lucky enough to see the Aztecs exhibition at the Royal Academy in London a few years ago. This book was published at the time to coincide with the exhibition. It is a coffee-table book, and comprises large photographs of objects which were exhibited at the RA, accompanied by text giving background information about the Aztecs, as well as information about the objects themselves. The art of the Aztecs was quite amazing and provides an insight into their culture and religious beliefs. Although this book is necessarily expensive (being a quality hardback and rather large), I would recommend it as being a book worth buying for anyone interested in pre-Columbian cultures and art.