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This book offers enthralling insights into the history, mythology legends of the peoples of Mesoamerica, lavishly illustrated throughout. ... Read more

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Although they existed for only 100, and 1000 years respectively, the Aztecs and the Mayas left an impressive cultural and historical legacy to the world. This book tells their stories, using National Geographic articles from almost 100 years ago.' ... Read more

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A comprehensive guide to the gods and goddesses, spirits and demons, myths and legends of Mexico and Central America. ... Read more

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Limited enjoyment
This book is a beginning exploration of the Mesoamerican mythology.It is not comprehensive and is intended as a simple explanation. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (14)

Clearly Inferior to Sejournes 'Burning Water'
This book is largely a commentary on early Spanish writers in 'New Spain' and mainly for Sahagun.The book starts out by talking about the Aztec/Nahau philosophers the 'tlamatinime'.In fact it keeps repeating verse/poetry from the first section of the book throughout when referring to these wise men.It got to the point reading this that Sahagun and others works were included so much that I felt I should be reading Florentine Codex: General History of the Things of New Spain (Book 6, Rhetoric and Moral Philosophy) first hand (if it wasn't so unreasonably expensive, an affordable reprint is due).

This book does make a cursory reference to the perennial philosophy in inferring the Nahau culture was part of it.A claim which is somewhat speculative but probably correct.When one visits Teotihuacan, a primary Nahau/Toltec site, there is no doubt the complex was not built by savages.Probably because we have a Mexican and not a Spanish writer the Nahau are conveyed as a deep people extremely civilized and not a rapacious savages as was sold to the world by the conquistidors.

Recent linguist research as presented in Aztec Calendar Handbook makes a strong case that Nahautl originated in the Four Corners region of the US Southwest.Specifically there are linked to Chaco Canyon and it's complex of temples.It is a tenable hypothesis that the tlamatinime and Nahautl culture originated here and migrated down to Teotihuacan and their cultural/linguistic descendants finally to Tenochtitlan prior to the invasion of Cortez.

So I'd rate this as a respectable work from mainstream academia but not as a full depiction of Aztec thought and culture.That prize goes to Laurette Sejourne whos classic Burning Water has not been equaled in the study of things Aztec/Toltec/Nahuatl.While Portilla's book takes you to the edge of the regions cosmology Sejourne brings you backstage.When Portilla winks and mentions perennial philosophy it's Sejourne who convincingly and indisputably delivers the goods. Portilla's book may be required reading for an Mexican religion 101 class.But Sejourne's work is beyond Phd material.Sejournes work is more like being let into the secret mysticism yoga of the Nahuatl.In fact there are few books that see into mans true role and interaction with 'reality' as 'Burning Water.' Other books up to this level are the writings of Hazrat Inayat Khan The Heart of Sufism and Tiwa/Ute medicine person Joseph Rael Sound: Native Teachings and Visionary Art of Joseph Rael

If you are perceptive to energy and want to travel to Teotihuacan to experience the energy that is still there in the stones and great pyramids then lookup Cynthia Signet of AncientWisdomTeachings

An important book, but has its limitations
Leon-Portilla successfully demonstrates that there was a class of professional intellectuals in Nahua society appropriately described as "philosophers" (the tlamatinime), and sketches in broad terms the parameters of their thought.

I felt, however, that this book is in effect only half of the book that should have been written, because of the way Leon-Portilla undervalues Nahua theology. His monotheizing reduction of the Nahua pantheon means that he removes the content of Nahua thought and leaves only the form, if that. It does not seem to occur to him that theological structures can provide the basis for philosophical reflection; instead, he assumes that philosophy and theology must be in opposition. This is clearly a projection of philosophy's situation in the Christian and Muslim world, but Leon-Portilla offers no evidence that a similar tension existed in Nahua society. This inability to question his own presuppositions is a serious defect in an otherwise bold, important book which does make a real contribution to the project of expanding the boundaries of philosophy beyond the European tradition. I'm rating it slightly higher than I otherwise might, because the effort to do this sort of thing is not made often enough.

philosophically inspiring
These Aztec poems and narratives reveal deep questions about the nature of humans and the universe itself.

The Basic Aztec Thought and Culture Source
Miguel Leon-Portilla is acknowledged as a basic source for Aztec thought and beliefs. He writes with clarity and knowledge about how the Aztec looked at the world. Read this book to get a balance to the common knowledge about Aztec sacrifices. They had a developed philosophy and much to say about how to live in the world. It is time to read about some of the more "positive" aspects of this culture and this book introduces them.An anitdote to the judging Western culture bias.

not for the mere brushing up....
...of aztec history. this book is very complex and very intriguing at the same time. portilla offers an extensive background and the significance of the creation myth of the aztecs and their history through the use of histories that were taken from the priest who interviewed key priest/teachers in the aztec culture. portilla takes the information that is known through the written and oral history of what is left of this amazing civilization and puts it into a book for people who know enough to understand the basics and the deeper aspects of the nahuac philosophy. this book is very complex, however, is very enlightening if you take the time to understand what is being said.
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Describes the daily life of the Aztecs, discussing life in the city, life in the country, education, food and drink, and other aspects. ... Read more

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Growing Up in Aztec Times
This book has such a easy, simple and fast way to learn about the subject. The best part are the doble spread painted illustraitions(and the price). ... Read more

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A wealth of new archaeological findings and interpretations has sparked a richer understanding of the Aztecs, dispelling many myths. The Aztecs: New Perspectives looks at evidence from ancient, colonial, and modern times to present a contemporary, well-rounded portrait of this Mesoamerican culture. Like no other volume, it examines daily Aztec life both at, and away from, the seats of power, revealing the Aztecs to be accomplished farmers, astronomers, mathematicians, and poets—as well as ruthless warriors and tireless builders of empire.

The Aztecs ranges from the mysterious origins of the Aztlan tribe to the glory years of empire and ultimate defeat. But the story doesn't end there. To present the most complete picture possible, the author goes to the most fascinating source available—the living ancestors who keep the Aztec language and many aspects of their ancient worldview alive. There is no better volume for exploring the realities of Aztec life as it was, and as it influences our world today.

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The secrets of the past are uncovered in this authoritative social history of the ancient proples of Central America and Mexico. ... Read more

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What is a chinampa?How were the Aztecs ruled?Why did the Aztec civilization disappear?The Aztecs answers these questions and more.The books in the History Opens Windows series help you discover what life was like in ancient civilizations and other historic times.Learn what the Aztecs wore, what they ate, how they traveled from place to place, and find out how we know about them today.

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This version of the classic 16th-century story covers the Aztecs' religious rituals, describing their principal gods, the great feasts, and the importance of fire and light. It also deals with the Aztec form of government; the conduct of trade, war, and medicine; and the plants and animals of the New World. Full color. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (2)

Love the illustrations
I'm an adult, but I found this book very helpful in the study about the Aztecs.The illustrations really help to bring the period to life.It covers some mature topics though, like human sacrifice that I hope won't disturb kids reading this book.A great overview about the conquest of Mexico.

Empathy for the Aztecs
Tanaka attempts to portray Cortez's invasion of Mexico from the persective of the Aztecs.Illustrations are vivid and there is lots of information and food for discussion in these pages.Minor discrepancies exist, butoverall an excellent book to help balance the Western view of history. ... Read more

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Sweet Mesoamerican Action!!!
When I say this book is totally sweet I mean this book is TOTALLY SWEET!!!!I found this book to be a great introduction to the fascinating civilization of the Aztecs.The text stays vivid and colorful through the skill of the author and with the help of engaging first hand accounts.The pictures add a lot to present a detailed and interesting view of Ancient Aztec civilization.Yeah, this book rocks so hard I put it on my wishlist, even though I already read it.

An excellent brief overview of Aztec civilization
This is an admirable example of how to introduce non-experts to an ancient culture without being pedantic or boring. In one hundred and fifty pages, Boone gives us a very readable summary of Aztec history, culture, religion, economics, and politics.While she describes the horrors of human sacrifice, she also lets us see the more positive sides of Aztec life,including the glory of Tenochtitlan.She helps us to understand how a small number of Spaniards brought down the empire.The book is well illustrated in color. ... Read more