Handbook of Mesoamerican Mythology

(Hardback)

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Description

Continuity and invention characterize Mesoamerican mythic tradition. Some contemporary themes have endured relatively unchanged for thousands of years, others have appeared as new inventions drawing on older traditions. Many myths since the Spanish conquest in 1521 combine essential elements of both indigenous traditions and Christianity in a way that expressess simultaneously their close links with the past and ability to creatively adapt to new situations and demands. This text explores a wide variety of Mesoamerican myths and mythic themes from the Paleoindian era (circa 25,000 years ago) to the 20th century. They range from those belonging to pre-Conquest rulers, traders and midwives to contemporary peasants, rebels and their saints.

Reviews

"Because the myths of Mesoamerica receive only cursory treatment in omnibus mythology sources ... this handbook, the product of an uncommon mother-and-son scholarly collaboration, will enrich reference collections in public and academic libraries." - Booklist "A user-friendly reference on a complex subject, the Handbook is recommended for all secondary, public, and academic libraries." - Library Journal "[A] fascinating introduction to Mesoamerican mythology." - American Reference Books Annual "Focusing more on broad themes than subtle nuances, this handbook is recommended for all academic libraries." - Choice

Author Bio

Kay Almere Read is associate professor of comparative religion at DePaul University, Chicago, IL. Jason Gonzalez is a graduate student of anthropology at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, Carbondale, IL.