From Booklist
A new anthology of articles that originally appeared in Archaeology magazine. Written for a popular audience, rather than as tenure-seeking credentials for professional archaeologists, the articles tend toward newsy and journalistic treatments of their subjects. Perhaps the hottest area in archaeology, the study of Mayan culture is vulnerable to looters, whose depredations agitate a whole section of Secrets. Culled from Archae ology's past 15 years, the volume sustains interest with several lengthy profiles of Mayanists as well as the normal run of site-specific articles. A serviceable choice for raising an alarm about threats to Mayan archaeology. Gilbert Taylor
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Book Description
Unlock the mysteries of the Mayan world. Deep in the rain forests of South and Central America, the Mayan culture thrived for almost 4,000 years. From the earliest Mayan farmer in 2,600 BC through the thirteenth century AD, the Maya developed an elaborate society, built great cities and temples, and created the only real system of writing native to the Americas. Although many of the intricacies of the Mayan culture remain shrouded in mystery, hundreds of new discoveries have come to light in recent years, and our body of knowledge about the Maya has grown by leaps and bounds. Now, the most fascinating new discoveries have been compiled into one volume: Secrets of the Maya, a book from the editors of Archaeology Magazine. From the discovery of ancient caves used for religious rituals—including human sacrifice—to the search for the long-lost "White City," Secrets of the Maya will take readers on an exciting and surprising archaeological journey. Featuring articles on the latest research, a comprehensive time line, and a special section on Mayan hieroglyphs, Secrets of the Maya will appeal to experts and amateurs alike. 35 color and b/w photos.
About the Author
Archaeology is the world's leading magazine on popular archaeology, read by hundreds of thousands of laypersons and experts everywhere. An official publication of The Archaeological Institute of America, Archaeology has brought the latest and greatest news and discoveries to readers for over fifty years.
Secrets of the Maya FROM THE PUBLISHER
From the discovery of ancient caves used for religious rituals - including human sacrifice - to the search for the legendary "Site Q," Secrets of the Maya takes readers on an exciting and surprising archaeological journey. The Maya were long thought to be devout, peace-loving peasants guided by gentle priest-kings, but recent finds have exposed a complex, sophisticated urban society ruled by egomaniacal kings who waged war incessantly and turned powerful kingdoms into vast empires. Human sacrifice was common, yet the Maya built beautiful temples and monuments, developed elaborate trading relationships, discovered new agricultural techniques, made brilliant astronomical observations, and created the only system of writing native to the Americas. Deep in the rain forests of Central America, the Maya culture thrived for almost 4,000 years. From the earliest Maya farmers in 2600 B.C. through the fifteenth century A.D., the Maya developed an elaborate society. Although many of the intricacies of Maya culture remain shrouded in mystery, hundreds of new discoveries have come to light in recent years. Now, the most fascinating discoveries have been compiled by the editors of Archaeology in this compelling book. Today, Maya ruins attract throngs of tourists. Roads are being opened to previously inaccessible sites. Governments are enacting and enforcing laws to stop looting and protect valuable artifacts. New discoveries are being made almost every day. With each new revelation, people around the world are enthralled by the majesty, spirituality and art of this ancient civilization.. Featuring a special section on Mayan hieroglyphs, a comprehensive timeline, articles on the latest research and beautiful photographs, Secrets of the Maya will appeal to experts and amateurs alike.
FROM THE CRITICS
KLIATT - Janet Julian
Thirty authors published in Archaeology Magazine detail the life of the Maya, the Indians from southern Mexico and Central America whose culture flourished in about A.D. 1000. Topics include politics, war, survival, arts, religion, culture, hieroglyphics, and looters. Black and white illustrations and a few color photos enhance the brief articles, which are appropriate for advanced readers. KLIATT Codes: SA—Recommended for senior high school students, advanced students, and adults. 2004, Hatherleigh Press, 203p. illus. bibliog. index., Ages 15 to adult.
Library Journal
This collection includes articles published over the past 15 years in Archaeology magazine, of which Young is editor. Grouped into four major sections-"Politics, War and Survival," "Arts, Religion and Culture," "Reading the Maya Past," and "An Endangered History"-the articles were contributed by scholars and excavators, including Michael D. Coe, Ian Graham, and Mary Miller. The book's strength lies in presenting many Mayanists' work with insights fresh from the field, which will be of interest to both specialists and lay readers. One could have wished that all the articles bore their original publication date and that "Books for Further Reading" had more citations-(amazingly, Coe's The Maya, first published in 1966 and last revised in 1999, is missing). Nevertheless, the book will be attractive to a wide range of readers and serves as a fine tribute to the work of the Archaeological Institute of America. For all archaeology collections.-Joan W. Gartland, Detroit P.L. Copyright 2003 Cahners Business Information.
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