Pre-Columbian Literatures of Mexico (Volume 92)

by Miguel León-Portilla (Translator), Grace Lobanov (Translator)

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.

 

 

Genres: Poetry, Nonfiction, History, Anthropology, Religion

212 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1969

About the author

Miguel León-Portilla was a Mexican anthropologist and historian. He was one of the most reputable and commonly cited authorities on Aztec culture and literature in the pre-Columbian and colonial eras among Mexican academia. Many of his works have been translated to English and are widely read.

Reviews

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully written overview of the literary remains of the Aztecs, Mayas, Mixtecs and Zapotecs: myths, hymns, songs, poetry and accounts of the conquest. The works themselves are so interesting -- or devastating in the case of the historical accounts -- and everything is put clearly and judiciously into context.

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is old, but the collection of translated literature is very interesting. I was particularly interested to read the chapter on "Native Responses to the Conquest", where natives' interpretations to the Spanish conquest were published (something I had never read before). I haven't seen a lot of English translations of this genre, so this book was very good to read.

[Juan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great starting point for students or the curious who want a greater understanding of pre-columbian literature in Mexico. The passages used were enlightening to read.

[Sarah Cuadra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was a lovely, educational read on ancient lore of the Mesoamericans.