This essential guide to the art and architecture of ancient Mesoamerica succinctly and evocatively summarizes the artistic achievements of the high pre-Columbian civilizationsOlmec, Maya, Teotihuacan, Tolec, Aztecas well as those of their less well-known contemporaries. The pyramids and palaces, jades and brightly colored paintings emerge from these pages as vividly as when they first astonished Corts's men in 1519. There was a surprising unity in Mesoamerican culture from Mexico to Honduras and from 1500 BC to the Spanish Conquest. Among many features shared were a 260-day ritual calendar and a preoccupation with gods representing natural forces. Current research also emphasizes the great importance of rites of kingship, including warfare and blood sacrifice. In this third edition, Mary Miller opens up new windows on the ancient past with fresh readings of works of art, all the while offering careful archaeological interpretations. Recent hieroglyphic decipherments provide insights into ancient art, spelling out long-distance connections between the Maya and their neighbors. Updated throughout, with special attention to evidence for dating, the new Art of Mesoamerica is the ideal companion for students and travelers. 193 illustrations, 44 in color.

Mary Ellen Miller

London: Thames & Hudson

Thames & Hudson Ltd

Hansjorg Mayer

United Kingdom and Ireland, United Kingdom

World of art, 3rd ed, London, c2001

Third edition, October 2001

World of Art, US, 2001

3rd, 2001-10

cut-off text on some pages due to tight binding
obscured text on back cover

The first edition of Mary Miller's Art of Mesoamerica quickly established its place as the essential guide to the art and architecture of ancient Central America, from Mexico to Honduras. For this second edition, the author has completely revised and rewritten the text to include a wealth of recent research, adding many new illustrations. The chapter on the enigmatic Olmecs - the putative "mother culture" of Mesoamerica - has been greatly expanded.
The city of Teotihuacan is re-evaluated, exploring its influence on the ideologies and aesthetic styles of many subsequent cultures. The ongoing decipherment of Maya glyphs is shown to shed new light on the art of that great civilization. New discoveries from San Lorenzo, El Manati, Monte Alban, Tikal, and Copan - to name but a few - are all included here, making this the most up-to-date account for the art historian, student, and visitor alike.

"This guide to the art and architecture of ancient Mesoamerica surveys the artistic achievements of the high Precolumbian civilizations - Olmec, Maya, Teotihuacan, Toltec, Aztec - as well as those of their less well-known contemporaries. Their pyramids and palaces, jades and brightly coloured paintings emerge from these pages as vividly as when they first astonished Cortes's men in 1519." "For the third edition of this work, Mary Miller opens up new windows on the ancient past with readings of Mesoamerican works of art, all the while offering archaeological interpretations. Recent hieroglyphic decipherments provide insights into ancient works, confirming the connections between the Maya and their neighbours. Revised throughout, with special attention to evidence for dating, the new Art of Mesoamerica is the ideal companion for art historians, students and travellers alike."--Jacket

Mary Miller succinctly and evocatively surveys the artistic achievements of the high Precolumbian civilizations -- Olmec, Maya, Teotihuacan, Toltec, Aztec -- as well as those of their less well-known contemporaries. Their pyramids and palaces, jades and brightly colored paintings emerge from these pages as vividly as when they first astonished Cortes's men in 1519.For the third edition of this standard work, Professor Miller opens up new windows on the ancient past with fresh readings of Mesoamerican works of art, all the while offering careful archaeological interpretations. Recent hieroglyphic decipherments provide insights into ancient works, confirming the connections between the Maya and their neighbors. Revised throughout, with special attention to evidence for dating, the revised Art of Mesoamerica is the ideal companion for art historians, students and travelers alike.

240 p. : 21 cm
Includes bibliographical references (p. 232-236) and index

2023-06-28