Mexico Books

As anyone who owns books on the ancient Maya will probably attest, they have a habit of becoming out of date rather rapidly; yesterday's Copan is today's Xukpi and yesterday's King 18-Rabbit is today's Uaxaclajuun Ub'aah K'awiil. Don't get me wrong, I think this is a good thing. Unlike the vast body of scholarship that Egyptologists can only hope to add a sentence to here or a footnote to there, Mayanists are faced with a field where every turn of the spade yields material that is likely to keep them busy for decades. That is the exciting thing about Mayan studies; every year sees yet more exciting discoveries by both "dirt" archeologists and by "armchair" or more correctly "keyboard" scholars. Every new book on the Maya is welcome and if they are as well written and lavishly illustrated as this one, they are doubly welcome.

I've read much of what has been written about Mayan ceramics and can say with confidence that this is the best book on the subject ever written. The essays in it, by top professionals, discuss the forms and functions of the ceramics, the meaning of their calligraphy, their basic themes and the places particular styles of ceramics come from. Indeed, if you read it carefully and more than once, you too will be able to decipher the principal inscriptions even on pots that are not in the book. There are hundreds of full-color photographs of Mayan ceramic vases and plates in this book. These vases are decorated with pictures of formed the greatest Pre-Columbian civilization. These ceramics depict Mayan textile design, Mayan hair-dressing, Mayan head-dresses, Mayan ceramics (within the ceramic paintings), Mayan concepts of design and of the other worlds below this one. From them we learn of Mayan myth,Mayan ritual, Mayan daily life, and Mayan art. Leaving aside the great monumental art of sculpture and stucco that adorned major structures, leaving aside the structures themselves, and giving credit for a host of varieties of artistic representations ranging from the Tsimshian to the Moche... I think it is an absolute fact that the art that appears on Mayan ceramics is the best that America ever created prior to Columbus and arguably the best... period. This book discusses, describes, depicts and defends that incredible artistic legacy better than any other ever did.

This handsome book covers a wide range of Maya ceramic imagery, and is filled with stunning photographs. The imagery is also broken down by catagory, and is supplimented with explations of glyphs. The accessible text that explores the mythology, culture, iconography, and hieroglyphics on and related to the ceramics. The information is thorough without being overly specialized.

I am a repeat customer of Peoples Choice Guide Cancun and the new 2008 edition is fantastic. There are many helpful improvments, such as you can now search by Food Category and the Proximity Guide where you can quickly locate Restaurants and Clubs close to your Hotel. The locations for the hotels, restaurants and clubs are pinpointed to 1/10 of a km, which makes it far easier than saying "between km 9 and km 10. When you are driving, riding or whatever in a foreign land you don't want to be in busy traffic looking for a km to find a place.

I live in Cancun and even as a resident this book is most helpful. Locals have to eat out too. When I travel I always try to find a Travel Guide before I plan my trip. It would be great if this guide was available for other travel hotspots.

I imagine it is hard to keep any travel guide current, with name changes, business closings, new places, etc. but the author states that he makes frequent trips to Cancun to allow for the most up to date information at the time the guide goes to print. This travel guide is a good as it gets for Cancun.

Well, I've just read the new and improved People's Choice Guide and I have to say that it is a must have for travelers or tourists to Cancun. The guide covers almost everything Cancun from hidden gems to the glitz of the club set.

Unlike other prominent guides, the PCG covers almost every hotel, most restaurants and other points of interests. When I first started going to Cancun some twenty plus years ago, nothing would tick me off more than buying one of the so called major guides and not seeing a resort I was thinking about booking, in it. With the PCG that's not likely to happen and best of all many of the reviews are based on people whom have actually stayed at the Hotels or eaten at the Restaurants, and of course, the author who has managed to track down and keep regular tabs on the Cancun scene. The book is loaded with travel tips, recommendations, and up to date, concise addresses and phone numbers of everything the typical visitor to Cancun may need.

In my opinion, this is the most worthwhile guide to Cancun published and is more extensive than any other guide on the market.

This is definitely the most accurate book out there, as the others don't like Frommers and Fodors don't list every restaurant or hotel. This fantastic book doesn't only list restaurants and hotels, but also clubs, bars, great information about transportation, and many other great things. It is definitely worth a lot more than the price you're getting it for. It's a must have book! I highly recommend this book for both any first timers and even the experienced Cancun traveler.

Great book, I read it for a Chicano Studies class but I enjoyed every moment of it. A good memoir for anyone interested in the daily life experiences of Chicanas in the U.S.

Beautifully told story of a young Mexican-American girl growing up in El Paso in the 1940s. Ms. Lopez-Stafford shares her recollections of her barrio and all it's colorful characters.

The author titles her story "A Place in El Paso." Nevertheless, any of the following titles, "A Place in My Heart," "A Place in the Sun," "A Place in my Life," would had been appropriate as well. To the careful reader the story will bloom like a flower in his or her heart and soul.

Even though the characters, the places, and the events are necessary to complete the gestalt of the story, the characters, and the events are not restricted to any particular place or to anyone in particular. It can happen anywhere to anyone.

The careful reader will examine the story "A Place in El Paso" by looking below the surface, below the gestalt of the story in order to reach the nuances of Gloria's coming of age and survival. Moreover, the grammatical structure of the story is, symbolically speaking, a ticket for the reader to shadow, follow, and observe her life, and in doing so experience her innocence and get involved in the vicissitudes in Gloria's existence. The reader will witness and feel not only the tragic sad and heartbreaking moments in her existence, but the events that made her strong to endure the various disappointments and disillusionments while trying to find the right place in her life.

I highly recommend this book whether you are Anglo, Black, Hispanic, and so forth; this story can very well be your story as well.

McMenamin's lavishly illustrated tome covers many areas of Mexican folk art, including certain forms specifically created for the American tourist market in the 1920's, 30's and 40's. Folk ceramics, talavera, textiles, furniture, wood carvings, popote or straw mosaics, lacquerware, loteria drawings and carved coconut banks are among the folk art genres included in this well-researched book. As a collector of Mexican folk art, I know only too well how difficult it is to find books in English on this subject; McMenamin offers both the serious scholar and the casual collector precious insight into many folk art forms that have almost completely disappeared or are languishing because of the acculturation that inevitably occurs with foreign contact. Popular Arts of Mexico (1850-1950) is a good, basic overview of areas other than traditional dance masks and Los Dias de Los Muertos-related folk art.

Beautiful pictures, informed text! Collectors use this "Bible" as a reference to describe their Mexican folk art.

Most of the information is unavailable in other books.

Plus, the book is gorgeous.

I was first told about Donna McMenamin's book "Popular Arts of Mexico" by a fellow collector of Mexicana who thought I might like it. I remember telling him I had too many other interest to get involved in such a broad field of collecting. At that time I was collecting the most basic of Mexican chotzkie, anything with a "Sleeping Mexican" on it seemed appropriate. Then I saw Donna's book. One word...Wow. I was first just blown away with the pictures, such clear and concise images. And the detail! Sadly, I was hooked. I started taking her book with me on jaunts to the antique mall where I would pick up anything that looked remotely similar. Can you say expensive? Eventually, because of the book, I was able to spot things on my own, which was great, and much cheaper. :-) Donna's book has opened up a whole new world of collecting for me. I had never seen a carved wood panel, known as "bas relief." When I saw the chapter in her book I just knew I had to own one. They are incredible and have now become a focal point in our collection of TRUE Mexican Popular Arts. OK, I still like sleeping Mexican things, but I'm crazy! :-) It would be difficult for me to say a collectibles book changed my life, I guess it seems so shallow, however, Donna's book gave me a new awareness of things that are amazingly beautiful. I'd say that's a positive life change. Can you say sappy book review? :-)

small streams ... and desire ... to find something wild beyond boundries and borders .. If you fish to catch fish ... you will find this book strange .. but if you fish to step out side ...

into a wild .. place

this book might suggest it is possible.

This is a fascinating exploration of a relatively unknown region of two countries. A study in determination and patience, Johnson's writing sparkles like the clear rills, pools and falls that I thought were gone forever. A refuge for survivors, from the Apaches to the rancheros, parrots and "narcos" of today, this is another view of the region Cormac McKarthy calls "not for old men". Complimented with great photography.

I really enjoyed this book. While its topic is not exactly fishing, not exactly enviro, not exactly travel - Johnson mixes opinions, observations and facts on trout, politics, south west history, people, and a look at how one may live in a very elemental style. He writes well. I will read it again and the photos are fascinating. I hope Rex Johnson does more books as this, along with his guidebook on trout in southern new mexico, are very high quality........

Wonderful illustrations make this retelling of this Cherokee tale very special. The author and the artist certainly compliment each other's work.

I am a former fifth grade instructor, a National Board Certified Teacher, and a college professor in Teacher Preparation. I highly recommend the Grandmother Stories series to elementary and early childhood instructors and parents who are homeschooling their children. The books have appropriate vocabulary and tell stories that explain nature in a creative manner. I learned several things I did not know about nature and its interactions from these books. Children love to have the books read to them and to read them to themselves. Duvall and Jacobs are a wonderful creative force as they merge their talents to produce books that will be enjoyed for generations to come.

One of the traditional Grandmother Stories, Rabbit Goes Duck Hunting is here freshly delivered, proving the eternal value of traditional lore. Ji-Stu the Rabbit gets involved in adventures in the Smoky Mountains with Otter, his friend, as they attempt to catch a wood duck. The illustrations that accompany this tale are striking black-and-white line art, heavily framed with traditional design elements. The text and art combine to produce an elegant statement, contemporary but respectful of the past. - Kim Long

Hi I'm from Europe.And almost every year go to USA.And when I finde this ROAD ATLAS I was surprised whit fantastic detail of this particular atlas in terms of detail and readability.Also whit this major scenic roads,nationals parks and rec.area.
A definite 5 Star Purchase.

Rand McNally has compiled, once again, the yardstick that any road atlas will be measured against. As an avid traveller, I can personally testify to the fantastic detail of this particular atlas in terms of detail and readability. The number of cities that have a separate page dedicated to them is staggering and much appreciated.

I have traveled using the Road Atlas almost every where in the US and the Atlas has turned out to be a perfect guide. It shows all the major Interstates, US Highways and a lot more. The discount coupons at the back also help a lot.

In comparisn with the National Geographic Road Atlas, this Atlas comes on top because of the clarity of maps and the quality of paper. A definite 5 Star Purchase.

My husband and I think this is a great atlas for the United States and Canada. The neighboring states in the U.S. are green; and the state you are looking at is in white. This makes it very clear at a glance. Also, the Canadian portion of this Atlas is spectacular. The entire atlas is very easy to read. We really do like it and we are very glad we bought it.

I love atlases and purchase each yearly edition of Rand McNally. Not much changes from year-to-year, but this edition represents a vast improvement on recent versions. First, they changed the color scheme. Neighboring states are now in olive green, instead of yellow as they were in recent editions. This change helps make it more obvious where borders are and the maps are clearer than before. In addition, national parks are now bright green, and stand out much better (in prior editions, they were outlined with pink and blended in with neighboring highways). Of course, each year, they update the road construction areas, which I have been impressed with their accuracy. This edition also includes a wonderful section highlighting some lesser known events and road trips around the country. Finally, there is a useful section that includes website addresses for state tourism offices. Even if you have a recent edition of this atlas, I highly recommend the 2002 version. Happy travelling!

This Atlas is the only way to go when you need a comprehensive map of roads in North America -- and who doesn't need one of those? I recently used the new edition on a long road trip, and every road was right where the book said it would be.

This is an amazing book because it makes a real combination of Mexican traditional tastes with the mexican history

This cookbook is more than a cookbook! I've been working on a historical novel about Mexico circa 1850 and of several cookbooks I've purchased, found this one to be far and away the best history book. The recipes are proceeded with whole chapters which outline the education of women in Mexico in the 19th century, what cooking was like in the convents, on farms, and lots of other detailed information- even with old photos, letters and newspaper clippings. I recommend this book highly, not only as a cookbook but as a delightful read!

"Recipe of Memory: Five Generations of Mexican Cuisine" is much more than a cookbook - although the recipes are wonderful, unusual and very rare. They reflect a Mexican cuisine that most Americans are unfamiliar with. We are talking "haute cuisine" from a family kitchen here - not mere chile con carne, enchiladas and tacos. Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Victor M. Valle and his wife, Mary Lau Valle, have artfully compiled a treasure trove of recipes, along with a family history going back five generations, 19th century photographs, and journal entries to make a very special book, which was nominated for two 1996 Julia Child Cookbook Awards and a 1996 James Beard Award.

The material used to compile "Recipe of Memory" is from an antique chest left to Sr. Valle by his great aunt, and dates back to 1888. There are over 50 very authentic recipes here which beautifully capture the varied tastes of Mexico, including: Rabbit in the Garden, Roast Leg of Lamb with Mole, Peas in Tablecloth-Staining Sauce, Chiles Stuffed with Shrimp, Squab on a Bed of Saffron Rice, Chiles Stuffed with Mincemeat with an Almond-Caper Dressing, Mango-Orange-Banana Ice Cream and Prickly Pear Sorbet. I lived in Mexico for many years and these recipes bring back memories of some wonderful meals savored at the homes of Mexican friends. You won't get this kind of food in a restaurant.

In Mexico, as in many cultures, much that is important in family life revolves around the dining table. This extraordinary cookbook, cum social commentary, cum family history reflects this tradition. It makes a wonderful gift too!
JANA

Miller's book stands out in the field of Mexican studies by emphasizing culture and uses heavy anecdotal evidence to provide insight into Mexico's golden age. This book does not read like a dry history book.

The field of modern Mexican history has been waiting for years for a book like this. Mexican culture is given its rightful place among the great cultures of the world in many pre-Columbia studies, but almost never treated fairly in the 20th century by political historians. This book would make a great text for a class in modern Mexican cultural history.

This is a bright, thoughtful and engaging book! Anyone interested in the culture of Mexico or the history of the Southwest will enjoy this historical perspective.