Maya Art and Architecture (World of Art)

I recently took a course in Ancient Art and Architecture of Latin America. I was especially taken with the Maya, although the very nature of a survey course meant we could not explore them in depth. That spurred me to read more about the Maya.This book goes into more detail about the different art forms and architecture of the Maya, including the materials and methods of production, and the significance of these art forms for everyday life, elites, religion and politics. The Ancient Maya were a highly sophisticated people, and this work brings that out very clearly.One caveat: This book shouldn't be your first introduction to the Maya, as it assumes you are already familiar with their general history, time lines and geographical location. You don't have to be an expert, but you need the more general information before you dive into this work. If you do, you will be richly rewarded.The author has and conveys a real sense of the ancient Mayan world in a manner that, for me, makes them really come alive. This is not a skill shared by many academic writers! That being said, It is still an academic work, and not light reading. You will have to absorb the material and think about it, but if you are really interested in the Maya, it will be worth it.

Many quality photos and drawings. Good reference book.

A little disappointing. Obviously Mary Ellen is one of the most respected Mayanists, and Mayan art is her expertise, however for me she missed the mark on this one. The book looks like something you would find on a rack at an airport. Very small. Nice quality but nothing new. Same pictures that I have seen in previous books that I have purchased.It is a second edition and published in 2014. Really nothing new

This is a wonderful book with many illustrations. Mayan art and architecture was so unique, even if they shared beliefs, gods and goddesses with Central American neighbors.

Clearly written and sophisticated. My next trip to the Maya world will be even more enjoyable thanks to this book.

If you are interested in the Maya or Mesoamerican art then I urge you to buy a copy of this book. Not only is the book outstanding from aliterary view, but it is extremely well illustrated with loads of beautiful color photos & line drawings.

great condition

Good

An essential volume for any Mesoamerica enthusiast. Well up to date (2014 edition) with the inclusion of the murals from San Bartolo and Calakmul Market. I knocked a star off because it should have been published in a larger page format to do justice to the superb illustrations

Excellent

This is not an easy reading . but truly valuable. I started with chaptter 9 and then decided to read more of it. I have not finished but the book is worth it. It would have been useful to have a more direct reference to the remarkable photographs and more documentationj of dates and palces about the photographs. But even so, authors do a remarkable job to provide a general outlook of such a broad topic. Given my interest on maya murals and paintings i should say i have read more than onve every chapter i have reviewed. It is worth it but be prepared for not an esay reading. Buy it if you are seriously interested on Maya art.

quel dommage qu'il ne soit pas en français, très bien illustré, bien commenté et surtout complet sur l'évolution de l'art maya