Breaking the Maya Code: Revised Edition

Coe, Michael D.

ISBN 10: 0140295461 / ISBN 13: 9780140295467

Published by Penguin, 2000

Dispatched, from the UK, within 48 hours of ordering. This book is in good condition but will show signs of previous ownership. Please expect some creasing to the spine and/or minor damage to the cover. Grubby book may have mild dirt or some staining, mostly on the edges of pages. Damaged book. Slightly damaged in some way typically, a grazed corner or torn cover. Seller Inventory # CHL10291261

Synopsis:

This is the story of how the Mayan glyphs found in the ancient ruins of Copan and other Mayan sites have been deciphered within the last 20 years. Michael Coe worked with all the leading players in this field. Although the Mayan cities were discovered a century and a half ago, the field of Mayan scholarship was dominated by scholars who had a dogmatic approach to the decipherment. Both personalities and Cold War politics slowed down the process. Then in the early 50s, a Russian scholar, Knorosov, interpreted the glyphs in a new way, comprising both phonetic and conceptual ideas. Another breakthrough, deciphering the pattern of dates in the Mayan records, followed at the end of the decade. In the 70s, studies of comparative languages furthered the decipherment, and now perhaps 85% of the glyphs can be deciphered - though many mysteries remain. This is an account of the decipherment of an ancient language, which is given added impact by Coe's first-hand account of scholarly rivalries, personality clashes, and political prejudices which held back progress for so long. The book includes many illustrations of the glyphs and engravings, and two photo insets.

Review: A great story told clearly and passionately by a great Mayanist.

As good an introduction to the world of the Maya, and of Maya scholars, as one is likely to get.

Portrays a Maya culture obsessed with warfare, dynastic rivalries, and ritual bloodletting, yet rich with masterpieces in art and architecture.

Bibliographic Details

Title: Breaking the Maya Code: Revised Edition
Publisher: Penguin
Publication Date: 2000
Binding: Paperback
Condition: Used; Good