The Maya: Palaces and Pyramids of the Rain Forest

by Henri Stierlin, Anne Stierlin (Photographer)

The author and editor Henri Stierlin has based his presentation of these most remarkable examples of Mayan architecture on the latest findings from excavations in Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras and Belize. Cities have been rediscovered in the depths of the rain forest, along with soaring pyramids, mysterious tombs, palaces with frescoes and steles. Particularly intriguing is the fact that, although this very advanced civilisation evolved completely separately from that of the "Old World", the architectural parallels are astonishing. Only very recently has it been possible to decipher Mayan hieroglyphics to any great extent. This new research is used to full advantage by this volume as a key to unlock the mystery of Mayan architecture.

Genres: Architecture, History, Nonfiction, Archaeology, Art

237 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1994

About the author

Henri Stierlin, nacido en Alejandría en 1928. Entre 1964 y 1972, una colección de 16 volúmenes titulada Architecture Universelle fue editada bajo su dirección por las Éditions de l’Office du Livre. Ha publicado también Tanis-Trésor des Pharaons, París 1987, Les Pharaons bâtisseurs, París 1992 y L’Or des Pharaons, París 1993.

Reviews

[Erik Graff · Rating 3 out of 5]

Profusely illustrated in color, this is a survey of several Mayan sites focused on architecture, both general construction and decorative design, from Olmec precursors to Spanish conquest. It is not complete (Coba, for instance, is barely mentioned), but it does attempt to be thoroughly representative of the monumental stone structures at some of the foremost ceremonial sites--at many of which the author believes aristocrats to have dwelled. Other architectural matters, such as irrigation systems, the dwellings of commoners, isolated stone 'stupas' and other structures, are not covered. Although written for the general public and designed as a coffee-table book, some of the language is technical. Egregiously missing are any maps detailing areas greater than the ceremonial centers themselves. This, to me, is an incredible oversight.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think the author makes some unsupported assertions about the Mayan peoples and their culture. But the photos and maps are spectacular and informative, and the author includes a lot of data and explanations of the buildings and their purposes. I liked the discussions of the architectural elements.

[Asgrimur Hartmannsson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I used to not know anything about the Maya. Now I know something.

Nice pictures.

[Kathleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautiful Photography.