Beyond 12.21.2012The Maya and their Advanced Civilization

A booktalk by Fanny Camargo.

Dominican UniversityAugust 20th, 2012

The Maya: History and Treasures of an Ancient Civilization by Davide Domenici

- Visually appealing &

beautifully illustrated.

- Outlines the major periods of the Maya civilization.

Introduction Readings

The Ancient Maya by Robert Sharer & Loa Traxler

- Scholarly in nature, but very enjoyable for Maya enthusiasts.

- Comprehensive, detailed and authoritative information.

Introduction Readings

Popol Vuh: The Definitive Edition of the Mayan Book of the Dawn of Life and the Glories of Gods and Kings

by Dennis Tedlock (translator)

- The "Book of the People"

A Mayan Book of creation.

- Significant historical value.Dates back to the 18th century.

Mythology & Spirituality

Breaking the Maya Code by Michael D. Coe

- Highlights the history & breakthroughs of Maya glyph decipherment.

- Trusted leading Maya expert.

- Very engaging.

Maya Script

Chronicle of the Maya Kings and Queens: Deciphering the Dynasties of the Ancient Maya

by Simon Martin & Nikolai Grube

- Kingdom-by-kingdom portrayal of rulers and dynasties.

- Details of lineage, rivalries, diplomacy, warfare, and collapse.

Rulers and Political Life

The Lost Secrets of Maya Technology by James O'Kon

- Engineering point of view.

- Presents innovations revealing remarkable technological achievements.

- Informative and enjoyable .

Technology

The Order of Days: The Maya World and the Truth About 2012 by David Stuart

- Authoritative alternative to current apocalyptic doomsday literature.

- Highlights the observation accuracy of the Maya and creates appreciation for the role of time in Maya culture.

Timekeeping & Calendar

Incidents of Travel in Central America, Chiapas, and Yucatan by John Lloyd Stephens

- A classic with historical impact.

- The findings presented on the book became critical to the 1800s y rediscovery of the ancient Maya.

- Great for adventure fans.

Re-discovery

The Caste War of Yucatan by Nelson Reed

- Recounts the mid-1800s Mayan revolt in the Yucatan peninsula.

- A must-read in Maya studies: post-colonial and modern issues.

- Gripping and compelling narrative that supports anthropological research.

Post-colonial Maya Life

One Woman's Journey Among the People of the Rainforest by Mary Jo McConahay

- A journalist's beautifully written and inspiring travel memoir.

- Provides a glimpse to today’s Maya life.

- Reflective observations on the people, archeology, nature, politics and ongoing Mayan struggles in the modern world.

The Maya Today

Enjoy the Reading!

Q & A