THE ANCIENT PAST OF MEXICO

by Alma Reed ‧ RELEASE DATE: Feb. 15, 1965

Alma Reed is a journalist who has been in situ for many of the archaeological discoveries made in Mexico during the past fifteen years. Her chief aim here is to link descriptions of these recent discoveries with historical data ""in order to give a broad survey of what is now known of pre-Conquest Middle America."" She presents the different theories as to the origin and development of autochthonous cultures, then proceeds to reconstruct them according to present-day findings, from the earliest known settlements in Central Mexico dating from approximately 1350 B.C. to the little explored Quintana Roo on the Yucatan peninsula, which still promises to yield rich archaeological treasure. The relationship of history to cosmology comes startlingly clear in the attitude of the Mayans toward Cortes, viewing him as they did as an embodiment of Quetzalcoatl. This older material is included with the newer finds in a comprehensive meld.

Pub Date: Feb. 15, 1965

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Crown

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 1965

Categories: NONFICTION