Mystery of the Maya - Softcover

Lourie, Peter

3.64

11 ratings by Goodreads

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1590782658 ISBN 13: 9781590782651

Publisher: Boyds Mills Press, 2004

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A chronicle of a journey to the Maya ruins of Palenque, Mexico.

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About the Author:

Peter Lourie is the author of many books for young people, including Arctic Thaw: The People of the Whale in a Changing Climate and Hidden World of the Aztec. He lives in Weybridge, Vermont.

From School Library Journal:

Gr 4-8-Palenque, a natural terrace situated by springs in the Yucat n, was home to Mayans during their classical period. In this photo-essay, Lourie recounts his visit to this archaeological site, discovered over a century ago but still largely unexcavated. His narrative, which begins with a dramatic encounter with a highly venomous pit viper, maintains momentum throughout. The author provides some background information on early excavations of the city along with fascinating archival photos and reproductions from that period. He discusses the painstakingly slow progress of uncovering buildings in the jungle and introduces readers to Palenque's archaeologists, macheteros (hired to cut through the vegetation), and its mysterious "spiritual guide." Excellent color photographs expose the fine detail of the city's stonework, witness the encroaching jungle, offer portraits of local residents, and record on-site work. This title will be a great adjunct to studies of this ancient culture, or Mexico, and with its many mentions and pictures of scorpions, bats, snakes, and tunnels, it should appeal to reluctant readers.

Daryl Grabarek, School Library Journal

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