"Masterly....The complexities of Mexico's ancient cultures are perceptively presented and interpreted."--"Library Journal" Michael D. Coe's "Mexico" has long been recognized as the most readable and authoritative introduction to the region's ancient civilizations. This companion to his best-selling "The Maya" has now been completely revised by Professor Coe and Rex Koontz. The sixth edition includes new developments in the birth of agriculture and writing, both of which were independently invented here. Fresh insights into the metropolis of Teotihuacan reveal a world of palaces and warrior cults brought down by social revolts. A spectacular new find in the center of the Aztec capital, just unearthed, gives us a privileged glimpse into the funerary rites of the most powerful monarch in North America at the time. 181 illustrations, 20 in color.

Reviews

Coe (anthropology, emeritus, Yale) and Koontz (art history, Univ. of Houston) have teamed to write an updated and expanded version of Coe's masterly work on Mexico's prehistory. All regions and major prehistoric civilizations of Mexico are covered with the exception of the Maya, whose geographical range extends beyond Mexico and who are examined in detail in a separate work by Coe. Information on a number of recent archaeological discoveries has been incorporated into this new edition, and a final chapter on visiting Mexico's archaeological sites has been added. The complexities of Mexico's ancient cultures are perceptively presented and interpreted. Coe and Koontz have done an excellent job of synthesizing a wealth of material and provide a comprehensive introduction to Mexico's prehistory that is both enjoyable to read and highly informative. This beautifully illustrated update belongs in the archaeology and anthropology collections of all academic libraries. Elizabeth Salt, Otterbein Coll. Lib., Westerville, OH Cutler, Charles L. Tracks That Speak: The Legacy of Native American Words in North American Culture. Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information.

Compendious ...the first history that puts the subject in its full geographical and climatic context.