Product Description
The small Central American state of Belize has an unusual history. It was an important part of the pre-Columbian Mayan civilization, which also embraced most of Guatemala, northern Honduras, and southern Mexico. Having fallen between three early Spanish colonial jurisdictions, Belize was then settled in the seventeenth century by British adventurers, many of them ex-buccaneers. This book traces the outline of this complex history in as objective a way as possible, allowing the facts recorded in files in London and Belize to speak for themselves. ... Read more

Product Description
A narrative report of a tour of Belize followed by detailed information on the reefs, rain forests, and Mayan culture.Also included is the history of Belize, its government, and facts about the country today. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

This is NOT a guide book
My biggest problem with this book is it's title, which implies that this is a guidebook, it is NOT.A better title would be something like "A brief history of Belize and the Maya".

This book is 147 pages, excluding the bibliography and index.The pages are large type with very large margins, so there's not a whole lot of "book" here.

The authors direct experience with Belize is on a 10 day guided tour with everything, including all meals, provided.The first 62 pages of the book describe that tour.

Even though "Reefs" is part of the book's title, there is only a 6 page chapter on Reefs.The only caye listed is Ambergris Caye, a stop on the tour.The author mentions Hol Chan Marine Reserve because they went snorkeling there.The remainder of the Reef chapter describes coral reefs in general.

The "Rain Forest" chapter is 8 pages.He talks about rain forest in general and list some of the fauna and flora that can be seen in Belize.Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary (a tour stop) is the only location listed by name.

The author's interest is obviously history and those chapters are the only redeeming aspect of this book."The History of the Mayans" is 18 pages, "History of Tourism" is 2 pages, "History of Belize" is 24 pages.The author concludes with a 25 pages "Belize Today" chapter.

The book is simplistically written, at times it reads like a high school term paper.The original photos may have been fine, but the reproductions in this book are ghastly.Black and white printed on poor quality paper produces photos about as bad as anything I've ever seen in a book.Most of the photos of Mayan ruins are literally a black silhouette against a white sky.

If you're interested in just reading about Belize, primarily it's history, this book is probably fine.If you're planning to actually GO to Belize then don't waste your money on this book.Other guidebooks - Lonely Planet, Rough Guides and Moon are the ones I'm familiar with - are what you want.In addition to the information a traveler needs to know they also include the same Mayan history and general Belize history as "Belize: Reefs, Rain Forests, and Mayan Ruins".

Belize
I am planning a trip to Belize and this book is exactly what I will need as I want to visit many of the Mayan ruins, small villages, culture of this paradise and the beaches.I do plan to look into Playa del Carmen as well then on to Guatamala where some of the more ancient mayan ruins are.

A Remarkable Book
Once again, Dick Lutz has written a fascinating book to add to his list of travel books.
He spares no detail, and writes with his usual clarity and insight. Should be on every adventurer's bookshelf, and should also be given as a gift to friends.

A description of its government, people, problems, and environmental beauty
Nicely illustrated throughout, Belize: Reefs, Rain Forests, And Mayan Ruins begins with an account of a tour of Belize, and then continues with a thoroughly "reader friendly" history of Belize, including a description of its government, people, problems, and environmental beauty. Author Dick Lutz is a gifted travel writer who showcases the many features and attractions of this remarkable Central American country. Chapters cover Belize's rain forests, the history of the Mayans, the history of local tourism, the history of Belize itself, and the conditions of Belize today. An index allows for quick and easy lookup of specific topics. Belize: Reefs, Rain Forests And Mayan Ruins is an excellent resource for bringing the lay reader up to date quickly on the people, forces, and events that have shaped Belize up to the present day, recommended for armchair travelers, amateur historians, and would-be tourists looking to better understand their travel destination.
... Read more

Product Description
History of the Muslims in Belize is an excellent pioneering work which traces the historical background and development of the Muslims in Belize, Central America. As a chronological account of "how it all started" the book states that Islam was introduced into Belize through the missionary work of those few who had earlier embraced the teachings of the Nations of Islam that then reared its head in many communities in the Americas, mostly areas populated largely by the "Afro-American" communities. In their struggle for emancipation, Muslims in this part of the Caribbean got yet another chance-a volte face-as the book goes on to say that despite their acceptance of the Nations of Islam's teachings which centres on the "superiority" of the Black race and "Blackman is the original man" it wasn't long when these types of doctrines were discarded by the Muslims in Belize with their entry into the mainstream or rather orthodox Islam. According to the book, the community is a vibrant Muslim community. In fact it has a mosque-Masjid al-Falah-permanently built that ended the movement of the faithful from rented rooms and apartments. In 1978 the Muslims got the community incorporated and registered under the Government of Belize as the Islamic Mission of Belize which now has a school, the Muslim Community Primary School [formerly Sister Clara Muhammad School] that lays one of the contributions undoubtedly the community is making to the value system of Belize.From a relatively small and obscured community to arguably an organised one, Muslims are growing in Belize with much conviction; for their "new" found faith has ushered them into the circle of the over 400,000 Muslims scattered across the nations of the Caribbean.This book offers also an array of discussions of the major aspects of today's contemporary issues as they affect the history of the Muslims. Muslims in Belize is an excellent companion to read for readers concern with the history of Muslims in this remarkably important English-speaking country in Central America, called Belize. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (1)

Life in a Maya City
This book is based on an amazing amount of data collected over 14 years.It is well organized and the author is careful to to draw conclusions on what is now known.It presents a view of a Maya city over the millennia.A good read for an archeologist or a layman.
Professor Lawrence P. Goodman ... Read more

Product Description
Webster's bibliographic and event-based timelines are comprehensive in scope, covering virtually all topics, geographic locations and people. They do so from a linguistic point of view, and in the case of this book, the focus is on "Belize," including when used in literature (e.g. all authors that might have Belize in their name). As such, this book represents the largest compilation of timeline events associated with Belize when it is used in proper noun form. Webster's timelines cover bibliographic citations, patented inventions, as well as non-conventional and alternative meanings which capture ambiguities in usage. These furthermore cover all parts of speech (possessive, institutional usage, geographic usage) and contexts, including pop culture, the arts, social sciences (linguistics, history, geography, economics, sociology, political science), business, computer science, literature, law, medicine, psychology, mathematics, chemistry, physics, biology and other physical sciences. This "data dump" results in a comprehensive set of entries for a bibliographic and/or event-based timeline on the proper name Belize, since editorial decisions to include or exclude events is purely a linguistic process. The resulting entries are used under license or with permission, used under "fair use" conditions, used in agreement with the original authors, or are in the public domain. ... Read more

Product Description
Belize has recently come to the attention to global strategic planners.This report puts these executives on the fast track.Ten chapters provide: an overview of how to strategically access this important market, a discussion on economic fundamentals, marketing & distribution options, export and direct investment options, and full risk assessments (political, cultural, legal, human resources).Ample statistical benchmarks and comparative graphs are given. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

An outstanding contribution to archaeological reference and study.
Written by a professor of anthropology at Texas State University San Marcos, The Ancient Maya of the Belize Valley: Half a Century of Archaeological Research carefully reviews the abundances of research and discoveries of ancient Maya settlements, striving to collect and integrate information gathered since the publications of Gordon Willey's classic analysis decades ago. Carefully edited and intended to serve as an interim publication pointing the way to long-term production of final site reports, The Ancient Maya of the Belize Valley explores the land, the evidence, and the theories that can be drawn in meticulous detail, and points the way to future discoveries and reinterpretations of commonly held beliefs concerning long-ago civilizations. An outstanding contribution to archaeological reference and study.

... Read more

Product Description
Nestled on the Caribbean coast between Mexico and Guatemala, Belize boasts one of the world's longest barrier reefs and some of the planet's most diverse and untrammeled terrestrial habitats. Now revised and updated, this guide shows ecologically minded travelers how best to appreciate the country's profusion of flowers, fish, birds, butterflies, and other flora and fauna. 8 pages of color photos, 50 b&w photos. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

okay
Lots of useful information, but should by no means be the only book you take with you.Entries are sparse and there's really nothing in it that you can't find on a Belize travel website.

Great Expectations
We just returned from a 3 week trip to Belize. It was our first trip to Belize, or even any where south of the border. We planned the trip with the help of this book and one other. We found the reccommendations, suggestions, and other helpful info to be right on the mark. We're only slightly adventurous but with the help of this book,felt confident enough to use the local buses, make and change plans as needed mid-stream, andimmerse ourseves in the local culture. Our trip was great.

Superb guide for nature lovers
If you're looking for more than a lazy week on the beach, this guide is an excellent resource. I just spent a week in Belize and found it very helpful in deciding how to best spend my time and what to see in each place.

Inaddition to standard guidebook material, it has a chapter on Belize'sanimal and plant life, which I found to be a great resource while visitingthe Cockscomb jaguar preserve. And there's a long section on variousoutdoor activities (snorkeling, caving, etc.), in addition to more standardguidebook content (regional info, history, etc.)

You always wonder if aguidebook writer really knows what he's talking about, but after using thisguide to get around Belize, I can say that Richard Mahler really knows thislittle gem of a country.

Excellent guide to Belize with a valuable eco emphasis
I'm the editor and publisher of Belize First Magazine (Webedition available) the Belize guidebooks on the market.This is one of the best, with good basic coverage of hotels, restaurants, sightseeing, tours, dive and snorkel options, etc. plus refreshingly different coverage of the natural side of Belize, both on the mainland and on the cayes.Richard Mahler knows his stuff.

--Lan Sluder Editor & Publisher Belize First Magazine

Fully updated and revised in 1999
I am now the sole author of this book (my friend Steele Wotkyns has moved on to other projects) and spent several months in early 1999 revising the text, photos, maps, and all hotel, restaurant, transportation, andoutfitter listings. I've been traveling regularly to Belize since 1986 andhave been particulary fascinated by its natural beauty, Maya ruins, diversecultures, and national parks. If you have a spirit of adventure and adesire to experience everything this delightful country has to offer, Ithink you'll find this book the most useful among all the available guidesto Belize. It's chock full of practical information (from on-line addressesand websites to hotel recommendations and adventure travel specialists) aswell as some gorgeous photos by the country's best nature photographers:Tony Rath and Kevin Schafer. Obviously, I'm biased, but I hope you'll checkout this new edition if you or a friend are considering a trip to Belize. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

not a great book - not sure why it got good reviews by others
I havepurchased other amphibian books that have far more pictures and maps.This has no maps of the area, so one would expect that all amphibians and reptiles in the book are found everywhere in the area.I know that is not true from other reptile books."A Field Guide to the Amphibians and Reptiles of the Maya World: The Lowlands of Mexico, Northern Guatemala, and Belize" by Julian C. Lee is far superior and we've been able to identify every species we have seen.The maps are better in Lee's book and the images are larger and more clear.I can't see why this book recieved 4.5 starts as it is basically useless for identification.

Paradise
A good book for a very small area. Excellent colour photographs.

Informative, and interesting
This is a great book focusing on northern Guatemala, southern Yucatan and Belize.It has great pictures, and some excellent text on identifing characteristics, with a key in the back. I will be using it in the Carmendel Playa and Merida areas, and will let you know how I feel about it afterthe trip.

The area map is not the best, but that is a minor problem.Youought to have a map of your own anyway. ... Read more

Product Description

Product Description
In the 1930s an amateur archaeologist discovered the `largest number of model[l]ed human heads from a single Maya building', which were recovered with little regard for stratigraphy. This volume reports on excavations in 2000 and 2002 at the rapidly-disappearing site of Louisville which aimed to reunite this important discovery with its archaeological context, an aim in which it succeeded. The book includes an illustrated catalogue of the stucco heads, reconstructing the many lost examples from drawings made at the time of their original discovery, and examines associated finds, structures and deposits. Finally, Runggaldier touches upon the function of these heads which, she argues, are clearly a form of portraiture, with each head depicting individual men and women. Colour photographs of the surviving heads completes the book. ... Read more

Product Description
The Maya Atlas was made by the forty-two Ke'kchi and Mopan Maya communities of southern Belize. The maps, text, drawings, photographs and interviews were done by Maya village researchers and cartographers elected by the communities. In their own words and with their own maps, the Maya describe their land and life, the threats to their culture and rain forest, and their desire to protect and manage their own Homeland. The Atlas is an important step in developing a Maya Homeland. The Maya researchers and cartographers made the Atlas so that their communities, young people and leaders would have a comprehensive, village-by-village, regional understanding of the state of Maya natural and human resources and their traditions of living in harmony with nature - what is being lost, and what needs to be preserved and developed. The Atlas is a window to both the ancient and modern Maya world. The Atlas will appeal to people interested in indigenous rights, environmental issues, Latin America, arts, ethnography, traditional knowledge, community-based conservation, and the New Cartography, which involves cartographers assisting local communities to map their own lands and land use. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

The Modern Mays--an Oral History of Belize
This is visually a beautiful book and obviously a labor of love for all parties involved.Since the book has such impeccable scholarly ties to U C Berkley, the National Geographic Society, the MacArthur Foundation, and the Lannan Foundation, however, I would like to have seen a disclaimer.The Maya of southern Belize are not historians.Like other people who hand down stories because they have no written language (or in the case of the Maya, have forgotten it), the "facts" depend on the memory of the person telling the story.About half of the book describes each Maya village in southern Belize, and some of the descriptions are simply inaccurate.The village of Santa Elena, for example, was not founded by Enriques, Martin, and Marto Choc; these men (except Marto) were middle-aged when I lived in Santa Elena, and they told me that Jose Tux and Pavian Chen had settled there before they did.They called theirvillage Rio Blanco. Only the priest called it Santa Elena.(The people who live there still call it Rio Blanco when they speak among themselves.)I was teaching school when the first "santo" was brought it, and it was not a statue of Santa Elena--she cost too much.So the statues of three lesser saints were brought in.I have photographs of the ceremony, which took place in 1964.

The history of Big Falls is similarly inaccurate. The people of Crique Sarco did not follow Don Owen-Lewis to Big Falls in order to work for him.They followed him because he had lived in Crique Sarco for many years and they were his friends.I met Manuel and Petrona Xi three years ago in Big Falls--I had first met them in Crique Sarco.Don Owen-Lewis, formerly Amer-Indian Development Officer, has never "employed" Maya workers.

Wonderful close up view of Mayan people in Belize
My experience has been as part of medical and dental support to the villages in the Toledo District since 1988. The maps are accurate and give a feeling that you are walking down the trails with the writer. This is an excellent presentation of the villagers at a level rarely seen in such a book. It is mostly written by the villagers and has their perspective. Clearly written by those that love and are proud of their traditions and culture. The book is a beautiful reflection of a beautiful and kind people.

Wonderful book!
I lived in Belize for two years and was fortunate enough to travel extensively throughout southern Belize, the Toledo district that this book brings to life so well. The time that I spent with the Mayans in the region impacted my life dramatically, to the point I wrote my own book concerning my time there ("Following Mateo" by Tom Molanphy, available through amazon.com and trafford.com). The Maya Atlas was an invaluable resource for me while trying to portray a fair picture of the Mayans of southern Toledo; in fact, it was the only book I found that focused exclusively on the Belizean Mayan lifestyle and the challenges to that lifestyle. Full of wonderful color maps and photos, this books tells the story of Belize in the words of Mayans themselves. I'd recommend this book to anyone who wishes to learn about a fascinating and endangered culture. ... Read more

Product Description
Belize (formerly British Honduras) is a residue of the British Empire and the last colony in the Americas. Like most colonies in this age of decolonisation Belize was willing to break the colonial ties and in fact achieved internal self-government in 1964. It is, however, deterred from taking its full independence by Guatemala's century-old claim to its territory, a claim famous in international law. Belize is more than a British enclave in Central America, it is a meeting place, the borderland of two quite different cultural worlds. These are the White - Creole - Carib and the Spanish - Mestizo - Indian complexes which together produce among Belize's 120,000 inhabitants a racial, linguistic and cultural heterogeneity that is unusual either in the Commonwealth Caribbean or in Central America. There Belize's distinctiveness ends. Structurally, it is as economically dependent as its neighbours. Endowed with luxuriant forest resources, it was from the start a classical example of colonial exploitation, of taking away and not giving back in terms of permanent improvement and capital development. It was only when the forest resources were depleted after the Second World War that its other natural resource, agriculture, received attention. ... Read more

Product Description
Tiny, island-dotted Belize, perched on the Caribbean, south of Mexico and east of Guatemala, is a fascinating blend of Creole, Mestizo, Maya, Garifuna, English, East Indian, Mennonite, Lebanese and Chinese cultures. With its colonial background (English remains the official language) and a history of fending off its Latin neighbours, Belize has emerged as a relatively stable democracy that is as much Caribbean as it is Central American.

In Understanding Belize, Alan Twigg tells the story of the country, from its bizarre early days as a haven for pirates, through its colonial period as British Honduras, to its new status as an ecotourism mecca and a hotspot for Mayan archaeology. This lively history includes original photos, a comprehensive timeline and a feature on nation founder George Price, the longest serving democratically elected leader in history.

Understanding Belize is an eye-opening alternative to the glossy tourist brochures. Lobster-and-orchid-rich Belize looks great from a hammock on Ambergris Caye, the place that inspired Madonna's song "La Isla Bonita," but don't go buying that seaside lot until you learn more about this beautiful--but problematic--paradise from the author of Cuba: A Concise History for Travellers. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Very nice history book
This is a very nice book on the history of Belize.My whole family went on a trip to Belize and this little book kept "walking away".Everyone enjoyed the easy to ready history.

Will appeal not just to travelers, but to any interested
Plenty of travel guides cover Belize; but much fewer narrow the focus to its history and culture. UNDERSTANDING BELIZE tells the story of the country, from its early days as a haven for pirates through its current attraction as an ecotourism focal point. Black and white photos and a timeline accompany a rare survey of the nation that will appeal not just to travelers, but to any interested in the individual histories and evolution of the South American countries.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch ... Read more