A Scattering of Jades: Stories, Poems and Prayers of the Aztecs - Softcover

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0671864130 ISBN 13: 9780671864132

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Ltd, 1995

Synopsis

Long before Europeans came to America, the Aztecs were flourishing, creating a unique culture based on myth and a love of language. To the Aztecs, an elegant turn of phrase was like a precious stone. This work is an anthology of the best of Aztec literature, including myths and narratives, poems and proverbs. These selections depict the reality of this ancient people: their everyday life, and their truly unique view of the world.

About this title

About the Author:

Timothy J. Knab is the author of A War of Witches: A Journey into the Underworld of the Contemporary Aztecs.

From the Inside Flap:

Long before Europeans came to America, the Aztecs created a unique culture based on myth and a love of language. Myths and poems were an important part of their culture, and a successful speech by a royal orator was pronounced "a great scattering of jades." "A Scattering of Jades" is an anthology of the best of Aztec literature, compiled by a noted anthropologist and a skilled translator of Nahuatl. It is a storehouse of myths, narratives, poems, and proverbs--as well as prayers and songs to the Aztec gods that provide insight into how these people's perception of the cosmos drove their military machine. Featuring a translation of the "Mexicayotl"--a work as important today for Mexico's concept of nationhood and ideology as it was at the time of the Conquest--these selections eloquently depict the everyday life of this ancient people and their unique worldview. "A Scattering of Jades" is an unsurpassed window on ancient Mesoamerican civilization and an essential companion for anyone studying Aztec history, religion, or culture.

About this edition

• Publisher: Simon & Schuster Ltd
• Publication date: 1995
• ISBN 10: 0671864130
• ISBN 13: 9780671864132
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 272
• Editor: Knab T. J.