The first truly complete and authoritative account of this 3;000-year-old culture.—Michael D. CoeThe Olmecs of southern Mexico are America's oldest civilization and Mesoamerica's "Mother Culture." Famous for their Colossal Heads carved from giant boulders; the Olmecs have fascinated the public and archaeologists since the 1940s when National Geographic magazine reported the initial explorations of their centers. Despite well-publicized discoveries of spectacular basalt sculptures; portable jade objects; and richly decorated pottery vessels; until recently almost nothing was known about Olmec history; foreign contacts; and daily life. Now archaeologists have recovered information that allows them to assemble a remarkably broad picture of Olmec culture; its accomplishments; and its impact on later Mexican civilizations.The Olmecs presents the first modern overview of information from recent archaeological field projects and studies of Olmec art. In addition to detailed coverage of Olmec life; culture; and art; it examines the Olmec presence in the surrounding areas of Mexico and their role in the formation of pre-Columbian Mesoamerican civilization. Profusely illustrated; it will become the standard work on this enigmatic culture. 152 illustrations; 20 in color.
#335827 in Books 2011-01-01Ingredients: Example IngredientsOriginal language:EnglishPDF # 1 11.14 x 1.54 x 8.78l; 4.83 #File Name: 04959132431040 pages
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Interesting and detailed bookBy MThis is an extremely detailed book that goes in-depth on many different topics. It does a good job with setting down the basics and allows the professor to build on it. My history professor used the textbook as a guideline to build up on the material and make each topic a story. Since the class was a lecture; if I missed anything; I could always reference the book again.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Really nice book!By SamanthaThis book is really detail-oriented with vivid pictures and easy to follow writing. I am using this book right now for my History class. The questions at the end of the chapter reviews and the focus questions are really good at helping you stay focused on the "big picture" and challenging yourself to remember the material. This book is not the boring "history is just about learning the dates" kind of teaching. The author actually reaches into the era; and explains what was really going on. I definitely recommend this book; even for "History class haters."0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Great BookBy S. GuestRequired for my Wes Civ class. I read it from cover to cover. Well written and flowed effortlessly from topic to topic. As with any history book; because there is so much information to cover; sometimes it was difficult to keep the time straight; but at the end of each chapter; Mr. Spielvogel; had a great summary and timelines. I actually learned some things from this book. Interesting and kept my interest.
