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From Library Journal
Because of the wealth of new archaeological data and breakthroughs in the translation of hieroglyphs, Coe's updating of his classic synthesis of Maya civilization provides a valuable service to both informed lay readers and specialists wishing to apprise themselves of the current state of understanding of this most intellectually sophisticated and aesthetically refined pre-Columbian culture. Although the vast majority of the text may be found in the prior edition, the work is transformed by significant interpolations and deletions and is augmented by a new section of color plates, a useful guide for travelers, and a listing of Maya rulers. As it now stands, this refreshed and renewed little masterpiece merits a place in collections serving students of ancient Mesoamerica. Continuing a tradition of massive exhibitions and concomitant exhibition catalogs, the Palazzo Grassi, Venice, has at last discovered the New World. This initial incursion wisely focuses on the most accessible of the great pre-Hispanic cultures, the Maya. In this daunting but unfocused potpourri, some 29 essayists broach nearly the full range of Maya historical, societal, intellectual, political, and artistic traditions with varying degrees of competence. As is common with collective efforts of this sort, one finds both a certain redundancy of elementary facts and a not infrequent inconsistency about the facts themselves. Crammed into the last hundred pages of the volume is the catalog of more than 500 well-illustrated but only perfunctorily documented and analyzed objects. Aside from its value as a remarkable gathering of some 1400 excellent color reproductions, this ill-balanced and ultimately superficial tome has little to recommend it.ARobert Cahn, Fashion Inst. of Technology, New York
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Review
As a general introduction, this seems all that is needed.
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Most helpful customer reviews
1.0 out of 5 stars
A Horrible History,
By
This review is from: Maya (Paperback)
Unfortunately, The Maya (7e) comes across as a book written during a period where our information on the Maya was virtually non-existent, and then updated haphazardly. Having read this book cover to cover, I cannot comprehend the quantity and quality of information left out. If you wish to learn anything on Mayan history, religion, economy, society, architecture, I'd recommend other books. If you wish to learn about Mayan pottery, this is the book for you.The book is structured such that after a section on geography, some general background (such as the Mayan calendar), Coe goes through the various periods chapter by chapter (Archaic, Preclassic, Classic, Conquest, etc.). Unfortunately, this progression fails to discuss any major themes or issues and primarily spends its time on a few major archaeological centers in each period - he absolutely fails to cover any major issues, themes or historical events instead spending its time primarily on pottery at that site. So, rather than gaining an understanding of the Maya, you understand a few specific sites during specific periods. Just one (of far too many) examples: Coe at no point spends any concerted time discussing the Mayan religion. The only references to religion occur when Coe is discussing a site and makes reference to the religious significance of this building or that relief. I seriously came out of this book knowing very little about the Mayan religion other than off hand references in discussing the Long Count and certain reliefs and pottery. The second to last chapter very, very briefly makes some reference to economy and a couple other major issues, but a perusal of Wikipedia would yield more. In fact, I would seriously recommend Wikipedia over this book. The only reason I think a single star is even justified is because of the large number of fascinating photographs. It may seem I am vociferously against this book, and I will not deny it. This stems from the fact that I read an entire book on the Maya and learned so incredibly little on the Maya themselves.
3.0 out of 5 stars
Great information but becomes bogged down at times,
By A Customer
This review is from: Ancient Peoples And Places Maya 6e (Paperback)
This book has great information but at times becomes bogged down and difficult to understand. The first several chapters were the best. Pictures and maps are excellent. Unless you are a true Maya enthusiast, I would pass on this one. There are easier to read books on the subject for the novice.
4.0 out of 5 stars
This book worked well as a college textbook on the Maya.,
By
This review is from: Ancient Peoples And Places Maya 6e (Paperback)
For several years I have used this edition and its three predecessors in a small, introductory college seminar on Maya archaeology. Students and I both liked it. It is sensitive to developments in all areas of Maya research and to the growing knowledge about interactions between the Maya and other ancient peoples of the region. (In this it complements Coe's companion book, MEXICO.) The sixth edition nicely takes account of recent exciting developments in deciphering Maya script, which is a useful addition, since these are headline grabbers that correspond well with what is likely to bubble over into the news media. As a balanced, archaeologically responsible, continuously updated account, with lots of maps and pictures to amplify the text, this is a really useful book.
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