The Mythology of Mexico and Central America - Softcover

Bierhorst, John

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0195146212 ISBN 13: 9780195146219

Publisher: Oxford University Press, U.S.A., 2002

Synopsis

In this expansive volume, John Bierhorst brings to light the gods and heroes of pre-Columbian times-and demonstrates that they are very much alive today. The book provides translations of twenty "basic myths," showing how these have influenced the artistic, literary, and political life of modern Mexico and Central America. Originally published in 1990, the text has been updated to reflect recent advances in Mesoamerican studies. In addition, a new Afterword describes how these native mythologies-since the late 1980s-have begun incorporating issues of international significance, including cultural pluralism, religious freedom, and environmentalism. Detailed maps show tribal locations and the distribution of key stories. Indian artworks illustrate the texts and samples of differing narrative styles add enrichment, as some of the world's purest and most powerful myths are made more accessible-and more meaningful-than ever before.

About this title

Review:

"This book should serve as a road map to the cultural wealth of Mesoamerica. John Bierhorst has provided unique stories that will delight his readers. He draws us easily through myths of creation and destruction, of the quest for corn, of wise heroes who come to us as elders and defiant little boys.
By remaining faithful to the simplicity of the telling he preserves the power of images that continue to keep alive centuries of cultural heritage."--The New York Times Book Review
"This book should serve as a road map to the cultural wealth of Mesoamerica. John Bierhorst has provided unique stories that will delight his readers. He draws us easily through myths of creation and destruction, of the quest for corn, of wise heroes who come to us as elders and defiant little boys.
By remaining faithful to the simplicity of the telling he preserves the power of images that continue to keep alive centuries of cultural heritage."--The New York Times Book Review
"This book should serve as a road map to the cultural wealth of Mesoamerica. John Bierhorst has provided unique stories that will delight his readers. He draws us easily through myths of creation and destruction, of the quest for corn, of wise heroes who come to us as elders and defiant little boys. By remaining faithful to the simplicity of the telling he preserves the power of images that continue to keep alive centuries of cultural heritage."--The New York Times Book Review
"This book should serve as a road map to the cultural wealth of Mesoamerica. John Bierhorst has provided unique stories that will delight his readers. He draws us easily through myths of creation and destruction, of the quest for corn, of wise heroes who come to us as elders and defiant little boys. By remaining faithful to the simplicity of the telling he preserves the power of images that continue to keep alive centuries of cultural heritage."--The New York Times Book Review

Synopsis:

In a framework different from the other two Bierhorst mythology volumes, the Mexico and Central American volume provides complete translations of 20 'basic myths' of this region and shows how they have influenced the artistic, literary, and political life of modern Mesoamerica. Bierhorst introduces readers to myths from the Aztec and Maya of pre-Columbian times to the Indian groups that survive today. In a new afterword, Bierhorst discusses how in the late 1980s and 1990s, native mythology has been recast to shed light on themes placed in the foreground of public consciousness - democracy, cultural pluralism, religious freedom and environmentalism. Mythology energizes native politics from the high-profile political activisim of the Zapotec Indians against the World Trade Organization to the Nobel Prize winning Quiche Maya activist Rigoberta Menchu. Efforts to demystify the region's mythology include the criticism and investigation of the legend of Juan Diego and the ever-popular Virgin of Guadeloupe. The book includes a glossary, pronunciation guide, notes, bibliography, index, maps. and photos.

About this edition

• Publisher: Oxford University Press, U.S.A.
• Publication date: 2002
• ISBN 10: 0195146212
• ISBN 13: 9780195146219
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 270