In the Language of Kings: An Anthology of Mesoamerican Literature, Pre-Columbian to the Present

by Miguel León-Portilla

Book Overview

From new interpretations of the glyphic writings of the Maya through the poetic response to events in modern Chiapas, here is a history of Mexico and Central America from the Indian point of view. In these pages the reader will encounter, often in new translations, the deeply affecting Aztec poems, the horrific battles of conquest, and the thoughtful philosophy of the Mayan bible, the Popol Vuh. Full, clear introductions make this extraordinary material...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0393324079
• ISBN13: 9780393324075
• Release Date: September 2002
• Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company
• Length: 754 Pages
• Weight: 2.05 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.8" x 5.9" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

from the graves of dead societies

Leon-Portilla has amassed a rare thing. A compilation mostly drawn from dead societies. Much of this reflects decades of research by dedicated scholars, who sweated over deciphering Mayan glyphs. A task initially thought to be impossible. The book also shows that the terms used in the Americas of "Hispanic" or "Latino" are totally inadequate and insulting when describing those who still have some nature heritage. Those labels are of the European adventurers [or freebooters or imperialists]. Reading the deciphered poetry and narratives shows a richness that does not hark to Castile or Cadiz. A richness of a totally different society.