In the Language of Kings: An Anthology of Mesoamerican Literature, Pre-Columbian to the Present

by Miguel León-Portilla (Editor)

The first anthology in any language to present the full trajectory of this remarkable literature. From new interpretations of the glyphic writings of the Maya through the poetic response to events in modern Chiapas, here is a history of Mexico and Central America from the Indian point of view. It is a literary journey into the heart of one of the world's great civilizations. In these pages the reader will encounter, often in new translations, deeply affecting Aztec poems, horrific accounts of conquest, and the thoughtful philosophy of the Mayan "bible," the Popol Vuh. Full, clear introductions give any reader access to this extraordinary material. In the Language of Kings is a gemstone of cultural strength for those who trace their ancestry to Mesoamerica, as well as an essential resource for historians and anthropologists. Above all, it is intimate, grand, painful, proud, and finally renascent in the new awakening of the original peoples of Mesoamerica.

Genres: Poetry, History, Nonfiction, Anthologies, Latinx, Latin American History

718 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2001

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

[Alicia Tapia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this front to back in graduate school when I was writing my thesis on indigenous knowledge systems. Historians often feed the spectacle of cruelty and ruthlessness associated with Mesoamerica, with Aztecs and Maya... what this book reveals though, is also the arresting beauty and seamlessness of gods and lands and life amongst humankind that constituted their lifestyles and epistemologies. This book, because it contains primary "texts" that were salvaged after colonization, I want to say... is "a work of art" but what it really is is a portal to the past. I love getting swept up in this book.

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did not read this book cover to cover mainly I was looking for information about the Purepecha people and it fell on pages 5, 12, 142, 616, but my favorite is under the section on "other Mesoamerican Literature" chapter 5. pages 640-644

There is a group of Purepecha that has recently moved into South King County and, after looking into their history, I have become fascinated by them. I hope someday I'll be blessed enough to serve them.

[Naomi Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so excited I finished this. I borrowed this from my school library last fall and decided to purchase it. I finally made it through the entire thing.

This is a wonderful collection of Mesoamerican literature. I learned so much. Some of my favorite poems I discovered through this collection.

[Bernie4444 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a time capsule sent to us from Mesoamerica

I have taken the generic tours for either Yucatán or areas nearby. With each different guide, you get a whole different story of the history and the meanings of what writings were left.

Finally, a book that is comprehensive helps you to understand and be part of the history of Mesoamerica. I don’t mean names and dates and wars in general concepts. I mean people like you and me talking to people like you and me.

Here’s our chance to sample from a rich and not well-known culture.