Product Description

Edgar Allan Poe called it “perhaps the most interesting travel book ever published.” Here, complete in one volume, is the classic real-life adventure—originally published across two volumes in 1841—that mesmerized readers with its evocative descriptions of journeys in Mesoamerica. With a wandering spirit mellowed by an analytic eye, American diplomat and writer JOHN LLOYD STEPHENS (1805–1852) introduced Westerners to the mysteries of the Yucatan in this contemporary bestseller, riveting armchair explorers with his lyrical account of visits to 44 Maya sites, including the then-unknown Chichen Itza and Uxmal. Complete with all the beautiful original illustrations by English artist and architect FREDERICK CATHERWOOD (1799–1854), this is essential reading for those fascinated by Mesoamerican culture as well as those under the thrall of an itch to see the world.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #289287 in Books
• Published on: 2008-11-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 672 pages

Customer Reviews

Indispensible and wonderful reading
For anyone interested in Maya archaeology in general, and the Maya in Yucatan in particular, this book is a must-have. Stephens' writing is clear and often funny, though it's impossible not to shudder at the paternalistic attitudes he expresses toward the "natives" and his devil-may-care methods of ripping carvings out of the temples and palaces he explores.

I'm reading the book while preparing for a trip to visit Maya sites in the Yucatan; I will probably read it again when I'm back because it's that good.

A word on this edition: Cosimo Classics (never heard of 'em before now) should be showered with prizes for the quality of their publications if this is any indication of the series. Beautifully printed on really fine paper, with excellent reproduction of Catherwood's art.

Joshua Peterson's review suggests maps that are worth getting; he's right, a good map would help, and Stephens didn't include one. But another book that I find very useful is Fabio Bourbon's The Lost Cities of the Mayas (Abbeville Press, available here at Amazon). Bourbon retells Stephens and Catherwood's story, with Catherwood's art reproduced in color. The other useful aspect of Bourbon's book is that he organizes his text by site, giving each one its modern name. A great resource.

Doesnt Get Any Better
I bought the first book on its own because i didnt know how i was gonna like it. Vol. one and two are an awesome read. Besides the ruins John does a great job painting a picture of how the Yucatan was leading up to the Caste War. Wish i would have read this book first before getting into them. It's really hard to put his books down once ya get hooked. One thing id suggest if your really into the Maya and or just love the Yucatan is buy a couple good maps of the peninsula like i did (from here at Amazon, look in my reviews to see the maps ive bought) and have them next to you so you can have a better idea just where they have been and where there headed next. I think it makes the book a hundered percent better and it slows you down so you can enjoy the book even longer. If you liked the Indiana Jones movies your gonna love this book. John is quite a character when he's not checking out the ruins and your sure to smile if not laugh.

Heres the two maps i have with me when this book is open: Laminated Yucatan Map by Borch, and Waterproof Yucatan Map by ITMB (International Travel Regional Maps: Yucatan)