Mesoamerican Mythology : A Guide to the Gods, Heroes, Rituals, and Beliefs of Mexico and Central America - Softcover

Almere Read; Jason J. Gonzalez, Kay

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0195149092 ISBN 13: 9780195149098

Publisher: Oxford University Press USA, 2002

Synopsis

An excellent resource, Handbook of Mesoamerican Mythology introduces readers to the mythology of Mexico and Central America. Its chief focus is on Mexican Highland and Maya areas, as they were, and are, of utmost importance to Mesoamerican history. An extensive and edifying introduction defines the nature of myth, the Mesoamericans as a people, and the cultural worldview that informed Mesoamerican mythology. The Handbook presents historical and mythological timelines, with each time period and cultural group fully defined. Also featured is a quick geographical and historical survey of Mesoamerica from the Paleoindian Era to the present, as well as a discussion of some of the challenges and possibilities that structure Mesoamerican studies. Moreover, an extensive reference list and a glossary of cultural and mythological terms are included, and pronunciation guides are given throughout. With an annotated bibliography that ranges from film to websites, fiction to poetry, and from introductory to scholarly works, the book is an all-embracing portal to its subject.

About this title

Review:

'A user-friendly reference on a complex subject, the Handbook is recommended for all secondary, public, and academic libraries."

..".[a] fascinating introduction to Mesoamerican mythology."

"A user-friendly reference on a complex subject, the Handbook is recommended for all secondary, public, and academic libraries."

"Focusing more on broad themes than subtle nuances, this handbook is recommended for all academic libraries." -

Choice

."..[a] fascinating introduction to Mesoamerican mythology." -

American Reference Books Annual

"A user-friendly reference on a complex subject, the "Handbook" is recommended for all secondary, public, and academic libraries." -

Library Journal

"[A] fascinating introduction to Mesoamerican mythology." -

American Reference Books Annual

"Because the myths of Mesoamerica receive only cursory treatment in omnibus mythology sources . . . this handbook, the product of an uncommon mother-and-son scholarly collaboration, will enrich reference collections in public and academic libraries." -

Booklist

"Because the myths of Mesoamerica receive only cursory treatment in omnibus mythology sources . . . this handbook, the product of an uncommon mother-and-son scholarly collaboration, will enrich reference collections in public and academic libraries." - Booklist

"A user-friendly reference on a complex subject, the Handbook is recommended for all secondary, public, and academic libraries." - Library Journal

From the Publisher:

Continuity and invention characterise Mesoamerican mythic traditions equally well. Some contemporary mythological themes have endured relatively unchanged for thousands of years, others have appeared as new inventions drawing on older traditions. Many myths since the Spanish conquest in 1521 combine essential elements of both indigenous traditions and Christianity in a way that expresses simultaneously their close links with the past, and the ability to creatively adapt to new situations and demands.

This volume explores the wide variety of Mesamerican myths and mythic themes from the Paleondian era (ca. 254,000 years ago) to the twentieth century. Myths range from thos3e belonging to pre-Conquest indigenous rulers, traders, and midwives to contemporary peasants, rebels and their Saints.

About this edition

• Publisher: Oxford University Press USA
• Publication date: 2002
• ISBN 10: 0195149092
• ISBN 13: 9780195149098
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 352