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biobeetle's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
reflective
medium-paced
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence and Death
Moderate: Blood
Minor: Pregnancy and Sexual violence
morgtamm22's review against another edition
5.0
Simple, beautiful myths of Mexico, stretching back from groups we think we know about, like the fearsome Aztecs, to groups of people and specific heroes many have never heard of. David Bowles writes to entertain and inform his readers; to protect and pass on these legends.
muerte's review against another edition
Returning to the library. Great book, I didn’t finish because it felt like it wasn’t the right time to pick up the book. I’ll be buy my own copt for future reads.
richardwells's review against another edition
3.0
I'm going to have to read this book again because I was lost in names and genealogies for at least the first two-thirds. If you think the Greeks are complicated, these will boggle your mind. The three and four syllable names like Cuauhtlequetzqui, or Miclantecuhtli, of which there are many, also slowed me down, but fortunately there's a pronunciation guide and glossary included.
These are bloody myths reflecting a bloody history, but a history rich in accomplishments, and in some cases so far ahead in governance, city planning, architecture, and story as to have stunned the Spanish invaders. Not to say there was much egalitarian about the societies. They were rife with warfare, to some extent relied on slavery, and were awash with the blood of human sacrifice. They myths reflect the society/the society reflects the myths. That being said, the Spanish weren't exactly civilized especially infected as they were with gold fever, and religious bigotry, and their willingness to slaughter in the name of a faith based on a blood sacrifice.
My favorite character was Erendera of the Purchpecha Empire. Erendera was the daughter of the kings most respected counselor, and rode into myth on a white stallion as a warrior against Cortez.
She was a brave teenager, never captured or killed who led troops, and when all was finally lost, just disappeared. She's venerated in Michoacán.
I wanted to read these myths because I spend quite a bit of time in Mexico, and like India, there's a mythological present that lifts the country into a feeling of being a separate reality so removed from North America as to be a different planet. These stories will add depth to my visits.
These are bloody myths reflecting a bloody history, but a history rich in accomplishments, and in some cases so far ahead in governance, city planning, architecture, and story as to have stunned the Spanish invaders. Not to say there was much egalitarian about the societies. They were rife with warfare, to some extent relied on slavery, and were awash with the blood of human sacrifice. They myths reflect the society/the society reflects the myths. That being said, the Spanish weren't exactly civilized especially infected as they were with gold fever, and religious bigotry, and their willingness to slaughter in the name of a faith based on a blood sacrifice.
My favorite character was Erendera of the Purchpecha Empire. Erendera was the daughter of the kings most respected counselor, and rode into myth on a white stallion as a warrior against Cortez.
She was a brave teenager, never captured or killed who led troops, and when all was finally lost, just disappeared. She's venerated in Michoacán.
I wanted to read these myths because I spend quite a bit of time in Mexico, and like India, there's a mythological present that lifts the country into a feeling of being a separate reality so removed from North America as to be a different planet. These stories will add depth to my visits.
sakeriver's review against another edition
Really interesting book. Every bit as rich as the classical European mythology that I read as a kid, but coming from a different frame of reference entirely. I think it’s a real service to put these stories in a form that’s accessible to the lay reader.
rowanselene's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
4.25
carrieish's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
neoteotihuacan's review against another edition
5.0
An extraordinary approach and synthesis. And a lot of fun to read, too. Really enjoyed this one. The stories are written in an approachable manner, like myths and history cast as bed time stories. Very much worth your time.
duchessofreadin's review against another edition
5.0
FANTASTIC! If you are interested in the myths and legends of any culture, this book should be at the top of your list!
David Bowles goes through the history of Mexico, reaching back to its furthest myths and bringing them all into one book - from their creation story through the conquest by the Conquistadors.
Mexico has some fascinating myths, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading them. Through the pages of this book, I was able to travel through a country I have never visited, and gain some insights into their culture. From the beginnings, journeying through the land of the dead, and then of course the glorious heroes and heroines who fought to save their people - I could NOT put this book down!
Some of the stories held me a little more than some of the others, but this chronicle was well done. Told in chronological order, the rise and fall of each of the nations who roamed, cultivated and dwelt, and eventually fell is told. The gods are brought forth and explained in such a way, that a high school student who is looking to find information on this civilization would do well to start here.
Understanding the myths and legends behind each of the cultures of this world, is one way of unlocking who the people are today. Each culture, each country has their own legends to fall back on, but the mighty warriors of Mexico have been preserved, passed down from generation to generation.
Get to a bookstore and reserve your copy today! You will not be disappointed with this book at all! Easily broken down, this will allow for lighter reading, or for those who choose to power through, you can read through the entirety within four to five hours.
David Bowles goes through the history of Mexico, reaching back to its furthest myths and bringing them all into one book - from their creation story through the conquest by the Conquistadors.
Mexico has some fascinating myths, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading them. Through the pages of this book, I was able to travel through a country I have never visited, and gain some insights into their culture. From the beginnings, journeying through the land of the dead, and then of course the glorious heroes and heroines who fought to save their people - I could NOT put this book down!
Some of the stories held me a little more than some of the others, but this chronicle was well done. Told in chronological order, the rise and fall of each of the nations who roamed, cultivated and dwelt, and eventually fell is told. The gods are brought forth and explained in such a way, that a high school student who is looking to find information on this civilization would do well to start here.
Understanding the myths and legends behind each of the cultures of this world, is one way of unlocking who the people are today. Each culture, each country has their own legends to fall back on, but the mighty warriors of Mexico have been preserved, passed down from generation to generation.
Get to a bookstore and reserve your copy today! You will not be disappointed with this book at all! Easily broken down, this will allow for lighter reading, or for those who choose to power through, you can read through the entirety within four to five hours.