Descubridores del Pasado en Mesoamerica

This visually stunning volume not only reveals the treasures of pre-Columbian Mesoamerica but also the lives and adventures of the archeologists who rediscovered them. The book begins with a read- able historical overview of Mesoamerican culture and a short introduction to the science of archeology. Organized according to the five important cultural zones of Mesoamerica Gulf Coast, Oaxaca, Maya, and western and central Mexico the chapters that follow include contributions by experts in the field, such as Eduardo Matos Moctezuma, Mexico's leading archeologist and the former director of the National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City. Unlike other available titles on Mesoamerica, which focus mostly on the history and culture of the civilizations, this volume also highlights the archeological work involved in the discovery and reconstruction of pre-Columbian sites. Next to beautiful photographs of buildings and artifacts are images of workers, explorers, and excavations-in-progress revealing the fascinating process that made these images possible. For instance, a full-page photograph of a statue of the goddess Cihuateote is juxtaposed with a 1973 b&w photograph of its excavation by three archeologists in Veracruz. This volume is essential for Latin American collections and highly recommended for academic libraries and museums. Laura Barbas Rhoden, Wofford Coll., Spartanburg, SC Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.