Book Description

Discover the world of the Aztecs, Incas and Mayas -- their beliefs, rituals and flourishing civilizations.

Here is an original and exciting guide to the Aztecs, Incas, and Mayas -- and the people who went before them. Stunning full-color photographs of weapons and tools, sculpture, metalwork and ceramics offer a unique "eyewitness" view of these rich and complex civilizations. See an Aztec sacrificial knife, a Teotihuacan mask made from turquoise and coral, a life-size statue of an eagle warrior and a Peruvian mummy bundle. Learn what a Mayan market looked like, why jade was so valuable to the people of Mesoamerica, the techniques used by Aztec goldsmiths and why the quetzal bird was so important. Discover why the Aztecs made human sacrifices, how to play the ball game, what sort of clothes Mayan women wore and how the Mayan calendar worked. And much, much more! ... Read more

Reviews (3)

A Wonderful Way to Spark A Child's Interest!
The Eyewitness series of books is primarily aimed at children ages 8-14. They are all full of many clear bright color photographs and illustrations that are each accompanied by a paragraph or so of factual information. The Eyewitness series is a great way to spark a youth's interest in a subject. They have books on just about every topic imaginable from Archaeology to Zoology.

Not too good.
This book wasn't that great because it was boring and didn't have that much imformation. It's scientific facts of the people wern't that good.

Beautifully illustrated but covers too much ground.
This is another in the delightful series of Eyewitness books for children. It is beautifully illustrated with excellent photographs and a terrific collection of illustrations taken from modern and historical sources. However, this book tries to cover too much in the alloted space. The book shows examples of clothing, tools, architecture, religion and arts from all 3 cultures (Maya, Aztec & Inca). Unfortunately, the book also includes examples from cultures preceding and succeeding these great civilizations such as the Moche, Mixtec, Toltec, Olmec and Nazca. This makes for a somewhat confusing situation, and you wish for a timeline and map to show when and where all these peoples are located. All in all, it's a very eye-catching book. I do suggest for future editions the Eyewitness folks should consider books that concentrate specifically on the Maya, Aztec or Inca, or at least one volume on Mexico and Mesoamerica and one volume on Peru. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

HISTORY COMES ALIVE
The Washington Post was right in saying that no one does non-fiction better than Jim Murphy.

The story of the Alamo is one that I passed over in history books. I felt this was an appauling gap. Jim Murphy's book is fascinating and riveting -- as well as beautiful.

We have made this a family project to read this extraordinary story. It's a lesson in the making of myth and legend as well as history. An important story that all Americans should share.

With a new PG-13 Disney distributed feature film on The Alamo coming out this winter, the Alamo will be on the lips of kids and parents everywhere. Why not read the definitive presentation. It's riveting! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

The Aztec News
Excellent bite sized tidbits of history presented in an interesting format. Inside you will find a map of the Aztec empire, articles detailing every day life of the Aztec from agriculture, the Spanish invasion, war, the ball game, a guide to the ancient city of Tenochtitlan, a girl talk section, food and classifieds that provide an insight to the culture. What a great series! I purchased a copy as a gift for my 9 year old niece and was so impressed that I am purchasing the whole series for her! What a find! A clever and delightful way to introduce history to youngsters.

School Project
I am in the process of doing a school project on the Aztec and this book has all the info I need! I would recomend this book to anyone! It has everything enterusting in it, there is not one boring word! ... Read more

Book Description

The story and legend of Pancho Villa electrified Mexico with the wild tales of his outlaw life that people told about him. Now students can learn the truth of Pancho Villa, a larger than life character of Mexico's past. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

The man behind the legend of the "bandit" Pancho Villa
The cover photograph for "Pancho Villa: Mexican Revolutionary Hero" will undoubtedly challenge the expectations of any young writers who have heard of the legendary figure. But one of the points of R. Conrad Stein's volume for this series, A Proud Heritage: The Hispanic Library, is to talk about the man behind the legend. Within these pages you will find more traditional photographs of Villa, wearing a sombrero and bandoliers of ammunition, but you will also find a solid juvenile biography of the man who should be remembered for his military leadership and the role he played in the Mexican Revolution.

Stein confronts the legends and stories that have grown up around the life of Pancho Villa in the book's first chapter, such as the story of why he became a bandit; a sidebar considers the question of whether this story if "Fact or Fiction?" Stein also explains that in Mexico a "bandit" has a touch of Robin Hood in him. The second chapter covers the beginning of the Mexican Revolution and how Villa led the people of northern Mexico during that time, including the Battle of Ciudad Juarez. The next chapter looks at Mexican at War with Itself and how Villa was portrayed in the American press. Death of a Hero, the final chapter, tells of Villa's assassination in 1923, and a sidebar points out that between 1 and 2 million Mexicans died as a direct result of the war, versus 500,000 Americans killed during the Civil War.

Given all that usually appears in American history textbooks about Pancho Villa is how General John J. Pershing pursued him into Mexico during the Wilson administration (although he might be referred to as the "George Washington of Mexico"), Stein provides a very informative book. I was surprised to learn that I knew so little about the real Pancho Villa. This volume is illustrated mostly with historic photographs of Villa and his contemporaries. The back of the book includes a Time Line of not only Villa's life but the history of the nation of Mexico, a Glossary of terms from "assassination" to "tortillas," and a list of books and web sites that provide Further Information.

The first eight volumes in The Hispanic Library were published last year and this one on Villa is one this year's eight new volumes. The others are devoted to "Christopher Columbus: Opening the Americas to European Exploration," "Emiliano Zapata: Revolutionary and Champion of Poor Farmers," "Frida Kahlo: An Artist Celebrates Life," "Hernando Cortés: Conquistador and Empire Builder," and "Mario Molina: Chemist and Nobel Prize Winner," as well as volumes on "The Changing Face of America: Hispanic Roots, Hispanic Pride" and "The Conquistadores: Building a Spanish Empire in the Americas." Since Hispanics are now officially the second largest ethnic group in the country this series should be a source of pride for some young Americans and a font of information for the rest. ... Read more

Book Description

Stunning full-color photographs of weapons and tools, sculpture, metalwork, and ceramics offer a unique 'eyewitness' view of these rich and complex civilizations.

Favorite Eyewitness titles are now available in Spanish-language editions for American readers. With the help of special language consultants, each book has been expertly translated with U.S. Spanish speakers in mind, offering native speakers and language students alike the opportunity to experience the truly unique resource that is Eyewitness. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Superbly Written
I highly recommend this brief but superbly written synopsis of the Mexican War. Even though it is aimed at students, it does not talk down to the reader and really captures the events, political debates, protests, and ultimate outcome of the conflict. John Eisenhower's "So Far from God" and John Weems' "To Conquer a Peace" are good choices for those wanting a more in-depth look at the war, but for those shopping for a quicker, easier read, Nardo's book really fills the bill.

Very Well Done
A well written and kind of disturbing book about a war most Americans have pretty much forgotten. The author tells it like it is, or was to be more precise, without trying to gloss over the bad parts, for instance where Americans were lawbreakers, greedy, and sometimes warlike and brutal in their relations with the Mexicans. Those are the disturbing parts, because today we don't like to hear that our country can do things that we normally associate with guys like Saddam Hussain. But the story has to be told because it did happen and forgetting about the past is a big mistake, as some scholar once pointed out. For those who are unhappy about George W. Bush making it into the White House, I wonder what they would think of James K. Polk. They should read this book and find out what this guy did to make sure the country got its hands on Texas and California.

Moving, Highly Informative Writing
Historian Don Nardo has written numerous excellent books for young people, mostly about ancient times. I have had the good fortune to use some of them in teaching my high school history classes. I was not aware until now, however, that he is equally versed in American history. Most people today do not remember the Mexican War. That is probably due in part to the fact that it was a shameful affair, in which the United States quite literally launched an essentially unprovoked military aggression against a neighboring country, mainly out of greed for land and deep-seated racial and ethnic bias. Though Nardo does not take sides, since he is writing for studnets and must remain impartial, he allows the facts to speak for themselves. And those facts nearly leap from the pages. Numerous passages from books, newspapers, and official documents of the times provide copious documentaion worthy of scholarly history books (although Nardo is always careful to keep the writing clear and easy to understand). It is difficult, after reading this superlative treatment of the war, and especially the events leading up to it, to think about Texas in the same way I used to. The way this country acquired it was and will always remain a stain on American honor. Nardo must be congratulated for a job exceedinly well done. ... Read more

Book Description

Cinco de Mayo (the fifth of May) is one of the most celebrated days in the Mexican calendar, but its history and significance are not often fully understood. In the mid–19th century, Mexico was in crisis. The French emperor Napoleon III, using the pretext that Mexico was not paying off its debt to European powers, decided to invade and annex it. One of the decisive battles in Mexico’s defeat of the French occurred on the fifth of May. Consequently, this day has become a symbol of Mexican pride and independence and continues to be celebrated wherever Mexicans live. In Mexico, villagers reenact the events, playing both sides. This colorful book combines historical accounts with a photographic record of one of the contemporary reenactments, in the village of San Miguel Tlaixpan, to teach children what the holiday means today. It provides a rich source for activities and role-playing that will bring this history alive. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A Great Book!
I homeschool my 11 year old son. He chose to do a project on the Maya and came across this book at the library. What a great book! The pictures are beautiful and the style of writing is very friendly.

You can tell that Peter loves his job of researching and writing. I highly recommend this book. I know that I am heading out to find more written by Peter!

Blessings,
Debbie ... Read more

Book Description

Make elegant objects based on priceless relics from ancient Mexico and Egypt. The past comes beautifully to life as kids explore these vanished empires with more than a dozen hands-on projects. Text and photos introduce the stepped temples, stone calendars, and feathered shields of the Aztecs, as well as the pyramids, mummies, and hieroglyphics of the Egyptians. Easy, step-by-step instructions help young artists make gifts, masks, games, jewelry, and more using inexpensive materials. ... Read more

Book Description

Enemy Spy is an action-packed mystery adventure set in the Aztec Empire – where you have to unmask the spy who is working against the Aztec general. There are clues to spot, suspects to follow and questions that need answers…

…answers that can be found earlier in the pages of The Aztecs - a fact-filled record of life in those fascinating times – with full-color illustrations reconstructing life in the past, and photographs of the evidence the Aztecs left behind.

Book Description

"This sensitive treatment of La Noche Triste, or The Sad Night, the last battle the Aztecs won against the Spaniards, is a highly effective melding of graceful, lucid text and stylized art. Designed to resemble Aztec codices, the illustrations appear in double-page strips above the bordered text. Beginning with the Aztec migration to Tenochtitlán (now Mexico City), the history of this people is traced through their final conquest by Cortés"s forces. . . . This title has the distinction of combining myth with historical fact in a particularly successful manner. An engaging introduction to Mexican history."—School Library Journal ... Read more

Reviews (3)

La Noche Triste: The Spanish conquest of the Aztecs
The most striking aspect of "The Sad Night: The Story of an Aztec Victory and a Spanish Loss," is the artwork by Sally Schofer Mathews, which is based on the stylized codex art of the ancient Aztecs. I remember being fascinated by the ancient pictures of the Aztec rituals and Spanish soldiers who marched into Mexico in 1519. Mathews comes up with a book filled with colorful illustrations, dynamic ink and electric-hued watercolor art, that both reflect the ancient tradition and help to tell the story. However, besides enjoying the wonderful artwork, teachers and students alike will certainly learn more about this episode of history than they will find in their history textbook.

"The Sad Night" refers to the terrible battle between the Aztecs and the Spanish when the natives finally fought back against their invaders. Young readers will learn of how the Spanish came to the land of the Aztecs looking for treasure and how Moctezuma II welcomed Hernan Cortes as a god. However, eventually the series of misunderstandings and betrayals led to the one victory of the Aztecs against the Spaniards. In the back of the book Mathews explains more about the Aztecs and Cortes, including an explanation of the day symbols and other signs found on the Aztec Calendar (the giant round one; if you have ever seen it, you will remember it). Although all of the Aztec codex created before 1519 were destroyed by the Spanish conquerors, Mathews creates a dynamic tribute to that style of art and to the Aztec culture that was destroyed.

A great introduction to the story of the Spanish invasion
I will say first of all that this is a bloody and somewhat gruesome story in parts. But war is bloody and gruesome. It was appropriate for my six year old boy. This was an interesting story (with fabulous pictures) that even teaches how the picture on the Mexican flag came about. I learned something by reading it and it fueled my son's interest in the Mayans, Aztecs, and Incas.

A Truely Sad Story
This historically accurate story of the end of the Aztec Empire in Mexico is well written and engrossing. The history it contains is better suited for oder children, but the format is engaging for younger readers. It's the kind of book that made this adult reader want to learn more about the Aztec and Hernan Cortes! ... Read more

Book Description

Children will be captivated by this pictorial tour of Mexico.From theancient Mayan civilization to modern Mexico City, discover the people, festivals, andfood that make this country so attractive. ... Read more

Book Description

In this rousing account of the first true cowboys, Newbery Medalist Russell Freedman brings to life the days when the vaqueros rounded up cattle, brought down steers, and tamed wild broncos. In the service of wealthy Spanish conquistadors in the sixteenth century, Mexican ranch hands began herd-
ing cattle, often riding barefoot. They soon developed and perfected the skills for this dangerous work and became expert horsemen. Hundred of years later the vaqueros shared their expertise with the inexperienced cowboys of the American West, who adopted their techniques and their distinctive clothing, tools, and even lingo. Yet today it is the cowboy whom we remember, while the vaquero has all but disappeared from history.
The vaqueros are at last given their due in this dramatic narrative, lushly illustrated with beautiful period paintings and drawings. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A Sucessful Young Adult Book
Russell Freedman's, "In the Days of the Vaqueros" was written for young adults and in this endeavor it suceeds. It is a 70 page hard back book with numerous high quality paintings, sketches and photographs. He tells the story of the Vaqueros from the arrival of the Spanish in Mexico up to modern days. When I purchased the book, I was hoping to find a book written for adults. Yet, I was not dissapointed. The book's production values are very high and I really enjoyed the art work. ... Read more