Sister Lorang's enthusiasm for ""ologies""-- geology, archaeology, psychology, etc.-- is boundless. This is an energetic, entertaining, intelligent tour through the ancient Mayan World and the Central American world of today. On sabbatical leave with the Maryknoll Sisters of Guatemala, Sister Lorang systematically studies ruins, excavations, caves, temples, churches, Jungles, volcanoes, caves, native clinics, and even takes time out for a bullfight. The entire known history of the Mayans unfolds as the reader follows her through such mysterious cities as Tikal, Tecpan, El Castillo. Viewing the ruins and artifacts, she sifts through this knowledge and feels free to offer her own speculations and theories. In one technical chapter she explains the Mayan calendar and numerical system. There are side trips to Yucatan and Mexico and a background up to the present day which includes politics, religion and war. The author has a great eye for landscape and detail and writes with ease and a flourish. Of particular interest to archaeology buffs and prospective tourists.