Incidents of Travel in Central America, Chiapas, and Yucatan

A detailed description of ancient Mayan sites, first published in 1841, which kindled Victorian interest in the Maya civilisation.

John Lloyd Stephens (Author)

9781108017282, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 26 August 2010

472 pages, 30 b/w illus. 2 maps
21.6 x 14 x 2.7 cm, 0.6 kg

John Lloyd Stephens (1805–1852) was an American politician, explorer and writer who is renowned for his pioneering research into the ancient Maya civilisation of Central America. In 1839 Stephens was appointed a Special Ambassador to the Federal Republic of Central America (modern Belize, Honduras, Nicaragua, Guatemala and El Salvador). First published in 1841, this two-volume work is an account of his travels in 1839 and 1840, visiting and recording ancient Mayan sites. Stephens describes Copán, Palenque and forty-two other ancient sites and includes over fifty illustrations drawn by his travelling companion Frederick Catherwood (1799–1854), a professional architect. Although earlier accounts of Mayan ruins had been published, Stephens' vivid descriptions and Catherwood's meticulous drawings were far more detailed and accurate than previous reports, and kindled Victorian interest in the ancient Maya civilisation. Volume 1 focuses on Copán and the indigenous cultures of Central America.

Preface
1. Departure
2. Every one for himself
3. A Canonigo
4. Purchasing a bridle
5. An Indian funeral
6. How to begin
7. Survey of the ruins
8. Separation
9. Chimalapa
10. Hacienda of Narengo
11. The Provesor
12. Party to Mixco
13. Excursion to La Antigua and the Pacific Ocean
14. The return
15. Hunt for a government
16. Sickness and mutiny
17. La Garita
18. Departure for Guatimala
19. The Flores.

Subject Areas: Archaeology by period / region [HDD]