Product Description

Set in the unexplored jungles of Central America in the mid-1800s, this true-life adventure story will enthrall the armchair archaeologist.

Recounted here for the first time is the adventurous life of Frederick Catherwood, the 19th-century English artist who discovered the lost Mayan cities in the jungles of Central America and the Yucatn plateau. In 1839 Catherwood and his American companion, John Lloyd Stephens, were the first Westerners to view the immense terraces, fabulous temples, and elaborate palaces that had been inexplicably abandoned ten centuries earlier. Superbly illustrated by Catherwood, Stephens' lively travel diaries recounting their extraordinary archaeological discoveries were published in 1841 and 1843.

Using these journals and his own extensive research, author Fabio Bourbon has pieced together Catherwood's fascinating biography, which until now has been shrouded in mystery. Illustrating this handsome large-format book are more than 200 engravings made from Catherwood's original drawings. Also reproduced is Catherwood's Views of Ancient Monuments in Central America, Chiapas and Yucatna rare color portfolio considered to be his best work. Catherwood's other adventures are also describedhis first trips to Europe and Egypt, his later expeditions to Central America, and finally his experiences in California. This intriguing book about an intrepid adventurer/artist will appeal to anyone interested in exploration, architecture, and archaeology.

208 illustrations, 191 in full color

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #472285 in Books
• Published on: 2000-03-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 200 pages

From Library Journal
Part adventure story, part archaeological study, part travel sketchbook, this handsomely illustrated book chronicles the discoveries of respected London artist Frederick Catherwood. In 1839, Catherwood and his American companion, John Lloyd Stephens, were the first Westerners to view the "lost" Mayan cities of the Yucatan Peninsula. Stephens's lively travel diaries, superbly illustrated by Catherwood, were then published in 1841 and 1843. Based on these journals and extensive research, Bourbon (coauthor of Ancient Rome: History of a Civilization That Ruled the World) has pieced together Catherwood's fascinating biography. Illustrated with more than 200 engravings, taken from Catherwood's original drawings, this work also reproduces Catherwood's Views of Ancient Monuments in Central America, Chiapas and YucatanDa rare color portfolio considered to be his best work. Catherwood's other adventures are detailed, including his trips to Europe and Egypt, as well as what is known of his personal life. Very few books have been written about Catherwood, and this one is reasonably priced, especially for its quality and size. It will appeal to anyone interested in exploration, architecture, or archaeology and is recommended for larger public libraries, academic libraries, and specialized collections.DSylvia Andrews, Indiana State Lib., Indianapolis
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About the Author
Fabio Bourbon, who lives in Italy, specializes in writing and editing books about art and ancient civilizations.

Customer Reviews

The Lost Cities of the Mayas : The Life, Art, and Discoverie
In reading the The Lost Cities of the Mayas : The Life, Art, and Discoveries of Frederick Catherwood by Fabio Bourbon, one must first take in and enjoy the full folio size color reproductions of Catherwood's engravings and drawings. The vast aray of sumptous images and the clear and concise text that takes you on an adventure through the life of Frederick Catherwood, the first real Indiana Jones is a joy to read and imagine! Oh to have lived in the 19th c. and been on the first real archaeological journey through mexico and central america, documenting the opening up of an ancient civilization to the world. A must for the adventure reader and explorer.

Mayaphiles
Fans of Stephens and Catherwood should very much enjoy this volume. Catherwood is neither featured - nor ignored - in Stephens' "Incidents of Travel in Yucatan" set - their travels together being the source of most of the included drawings. This book, however, focuses not only on Catherwood's intriguing artwork, but reveals a good deal about the life of the man himself. Especially considering the price, this book is not only a must for those interested in the Mayan civilization, but also for the story of one of the first white men to discover and document this great culture for the rest of the world.

lives up to all expectations
Well written, informative and spectacular reproductions of his excellent drawings from his travels in Central America. Well worth the price.