Prehistoric Mesoamerica

Rating:
Summary: Prehistoric Mesoamerica
Review: As a student with no previous knowledge of Mesoamerican archaelogy, this book was, at times, too detailed for me to appreciate. However, I still loved it! Beginning with the first immigrants to the Americas, and continuing through the Aztec, every period of Mesoamerican prehistory is covered in detail. The author explains and includes different theories and opinions on debatable issues, then states his own findings and reasons for believing what he does. This is an excellent book, covering a lot of time and territory, and a good resource for anyone interested in archaeology.

Rating:
Summary: All you want, and need, to know on Mesoamerica
Review: This revised edition is indeed a great book. Well written. Loaded with facts and interpretations but not overloaded. It reads really nicely, and furthermore, it can be read by sections if one wishes so, though it would be a pity. Some minor editing problems (e.g. some numbers seem unbelievable and are likely typos). Enough illustrations to rest the eyes of the reader, and adequate maps. But for this reviewer the best feature of this book is that the author tries to integrate the history of successive cultures of Mesoamerica. For example, if you want to know what happened to the post classic Mayas you will need to go to another chapter than the main one on Mayas. This way the mutual influences of cultures can be better understood, at least when those influences did take place. Very likely the best all around book on Mesoamerica that one could have on the bookshelves. My only grip is the title, slightly misleading since it suggests prehistory. If history is defined as from the time when a cultures can write its history, then what about the Mayas who had a complete writing system? Not very "politically correct" if you ask this reviewer.

Rating:
Summary: All you want, and need, to know on Mesoamerica
Review: This revised edition is indeed a great book. Well written. Loaded with facts and interpretations but not overloaded. It reads really nicely, and furthermore, it can be read by sections if one wishes so, though it would be a pity. Some minor editing problems (e.g. some numbers seem unbelievable and are likely typos). Enough illustrations to rest the eyes of the reader, and adequate maps. But for this reviewer the best feature of this book is that the author tries to integrate the history of successive cultures of Mesoamerica. For example, if you want to know what happened to the post classic Mayas you will need to go to another chapter than the main one on Mayas. This way the mutual influences of cultures can be better understood, at least when those influences did take place. Very likely the best all around book on Mesoamerica that one could have on the bookshelves. My only grip is the title, slightly misleading since it suggests prehistory. If history is defined as from the time when a cultures can write its history, then what about the Mayas who had a complete writing system? Not very "politically correct" if you ask this reviewer.