The breaking of the Maya code has completely changed our knowledge of this ancient civilization, and has given the Maya people a long and vivid history lacking in other areas of the pre-Columbian New World. Decipherment of Maya hieroglyphic writing has now reached the point where most written texts - on the monuments, in the codices, or painted or incised on ceramics - can now be read with some confidence.
Reading the Maya Glyphs is a compact, portable guide that will enable students, tourists and armchair travellers with no previous training in Maya epigraphy or archaeology to read and understand commonly encountered Classic Maya texts. Also fully covered are descriptions of the nature of the script, the intricate Maya calendar, dynastic and political texts, and every aspect of the natural and supernatural world in which they lived.
When visiting the great Maya sites of Mexico and Central America or museums worldwide, this guide will enhance appreciation of some of the world's greatest art and architecture.
Michael D. Coe is one of the world's leading authorities in Maya studies. Mark Van Stone is one of America's outstanding calligraphers.publiarq.com