This is an admirable example of how to introduce non-experts to an ancient culture without being pedantic or boring. In one hundred and fifty pages, Boone gives us a very readable summary of Aztec history, culture, religion, economics, and politics. While she describes the horrors of human sacrifice, she also lets us see the more positive sides of Aztec life, including the glory of Tenochtitlan. She helps us to understand how a small number of Spaniards brought down the empire. The book is well illustrated in color.

Nigel Davies has given the english speaking world a top notch history of the Mexica people (a.k.a. Aztecs). This history was required reading for one of my undergraduate courses.

Davies traces the history of the Mexica from their pseudo-mythical origins to the post-conquest era. His is primarily a political history, although a quality political history cannot exist by itself without reference to the social and religious milieu as well. Davies develops these in a cause and effect manner very well.

In regards to the Mexica, their religious beliefs seemed to be the force that prompted them on to conquest. They believed themselves to be a people chosen by the gods to conquer the world as they knew it. It was also their religious beliefs that, to some extent, thwarted an effective defense against the Spanish conquistadors.

This book is a summary of the events. However, it would appear that it is one of the few available in the English language. Simply put, a brief review of Davies' endnotes demonstrates that the vast majority of research into this area is in Spanish.

That being said, this book is a wonderful starting point for researching Aztec history. Davies gives in-depth analysis on all of the Mexica emperors. I cannot recommend it highly enough primarily because it is well balanced. The Mexica are not demonized nor are they lauded as an exceptionally "moral" people. The same goes for Davies' treatment of the Spanish conquistadors. This book rates high for its impartiality and its content.

I was particularly impressed with its treatment of post-conquest Mexico. This was a time when the Church, and most particularly the Franciscans, tried to cope with what was often a greedy Castillian hierarchy bent on extracting all wealth from the heartland of New Spain without regard to the welfare of the native peoples. The scathing reports about the abuses of the Spanish warlords, for lack of a better word, to Emperor Charles V by the religious authorities were particularly interesting.

I highly recommend this history.

If you're into pre-Columbian and Mexican history this is an excellent choice to add to your collection. Written by Alfonso Caso, who directed the findings at Monte Alban and was the former director of archeology in the National Museum of Mexico, the man knows his history. The Aztecs and all their rituals , including the Gods and calendar are explained in easy to read language. The text is not overburdensome with highly specialiazed jargon but is eloquent and to the point. This book is an easy read. The illustrations are worth the price of the book alone. They are by Miguel Covarrubias, one of Mexico's finest illustrators at the time, and he does a fantastic job depicting the colorful Aztec world. An essential book for anyone intersted in exploring the Aztecs.

offers a fascinating overview of subject in question

This guide is very complete. Informations are given for different fields (history, geography,...), so you have a very good idea on the country. The comments for every city or site are complete and clear. It's also very appreciated to have a detailed map furnished with the book.

This book is very in depth with excellent drawings and photos but is almost entirely about the Baja peninsula side of the Sea of Cortez - if you are looking for the mainland side SOc info, the Cunningham books are bibles for that territory.

I bought the Norte and Sur map books a few years ago. They are excellent. Simply the best maps of Baja. Easy to use, a wonderful legend, and I love the book format, no need to fold up the map.

If you can find them, buy them. Especially if you plan on driving Baja.

I own both the Baja Norte and Baja Sur map books. Simply the best map books of Baja. If you can find them buy them. I love the book format, no folding up maps. Space for notes, easy to use, scale on every page, great legend.

A must have for anyone driving Baja.

Wow. This is the real deal. |Discovered this on dusty back shelf of the local library and found myself enthralled. This is Baja the way it was ten years ago when it still held some of its idyllic lonliness. Great read.

Baja Outpost by Marvin and Aletha Patchen and Their Guests

Out in the high desert of Baja nestled between boulders and boojums, Marvin and Aletha Patchen have a cabin. And they have been gracious enough to open this cabin to friends and travelers they have met in their journeys. Due to its unique location this cabin has truly become a Baja Outpost.

A guestbook lies in wait for those coming through the door. Some write of what brought them thus far on their journey. Others write of where they hope the road will take them. Some write in the purely in the moment, describing the cabin, the sunsets and the flora. One particular visitor seems to revel in his encounters of the very close kind with the local fauna. But various desert critters don't deter the guests from enjoying the comforts of a place to call home during various adventures in Baja.

The Patchen's interesting and insightful comments are interspersed with the guest entries of over fifteen years, providing us with a very personal history of place. At the beginning of the book, the cabin seems like a simple refuge, nothing more than four walls, a ceiling and a door with a working lock. But it becomes a richly decorated home with the thoughts and impressions left by its visitors.

Some of the names are instantly familiar. Some become familiar as people are drawn back again to the little cabin in the middle of nowhere, providing the reader a very personal glimpse into the heart of Baja as seen through many eyes.

This is a perfect present for readers who long for those dirt roads and smell of sage, for those who travel off the beaten path and know the value of a good road story.