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Pre-Columbian Literatures of Mexico
By Miguel Leon-Portilla
Volume 92 in the Civilization of the American Indian Series
This volume presents ancient Mexican myths and sacred hymns, lyric poetry, rituals, drama, and various forms of prose, accompanied by informed criticism and comment. The selections come from the Aztecs, the Mayas, the Mixtecs and Zapotecs of Oaxaca, the Tarascans of Michoacan, the Otomís of central Mexico, and others. They have come down to us from inscriptions on stone, the codices, and accounts written, after the coming of Europeans, of oral traditions.
It is Miguel León-Portilla’s intention "to bring to contemporary readers an understanding of the marvelous world of symbolism which is the very substance of these early literatures." That he has succeeded is obvious to every reader.
"This book is a marvelous introduction to the literary, artistic and spiritual heritage of the Nahuas, of whom the Aztecs were a part, and the Mayas." - Library Journal.
"It is a superb introduction to what is now known on the subject, judiciously and extensively researched, scrupulously and accurately annotated…. In both scope and authority, it is far and away the best book on the subject and no Middle Americanist can now claim competence on the mythology, religion, or literature of the region who has not read it." - American Anthropologist.
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