Yucatan Before and After the Conquest (Native American)

I had to read this book to understand why so many persons in South and Central America despise Friar Deiego de Landa.So much (99.9% according to the translator) of the true Mayan culture was destroyed by this Friar alone in the mid 1500's. His explanation and reasons are covered in this book (from a 1937 limited edition) as they also cover some of the more important aspects of Mayan customs, history, sciences, etc.Personally, I likied this book because it shows that not much has changed in regard to the 'victors' who subvery, destroy, and rewrite the history of conquered civilizations. It is important (for me) to have all sides of an historical issue. The Spaniards entered, conquered, destroyed, and rewrote the history of an indiginous people. The 'good news' is that traveling through those ancient cities, you can find people who still share the oral traditions with modern truth seekers:-)

Excellent Book!

This a good book to use for understanding the current Yucatan culture of inherent prejudice toward the Mayan. Gave me an appreciation of the historical colonial places we visited. I actually read the back of the book first which I found fascinating with it's historical letters and documents. I was profoundly affected by reading of the torture and suffering of the Mayan at the hands of the colonial Spaniards and Catholic clergy.

It tell a lot about the native Americans for instance I didn't know tribe leader had full beards and long hair which make them look like a lion

Too much destruction by the enemies of the people. One should never do unto others that which he does not want others to do unto him.

a modern translation of a 400 year old book by a Spaniard describing the Yucatan. The peoples, the animals, the plants. What is fascinating is the descriptions meant for Spain at a time where there was no way to fact check. Weird and wrong descriptions abound and more. For readers, this is not modern, but written way back when, quasi ethno-centric, quasi-propaganda, so be aware and cautioned that you will not get in-depth knowledge of the local nations, peoples and more.

Very interesting and educational. After a trip to Mexico and the Maya ruins this book will make me go back to this area.

This is good information but sad. Everyone should be made aware of the truth so that it doesn't happen again.