In the Language of Kings: An Anthology of Mesoamerican Literature, Pre-Columbian to the Present

This work is a compendium of old to ancient documents collected by the Indians of Mesoamerica and translated into English. There are documents from the Maya Indians, the Aztecs, some from the Quiche Maya of highland Guatemala, Mixtecs and Zapotecs. The documents are love poems, riddles, creation myths, hymns, a piece of a play, and so on. The individual works are intriguing and rewarding, especially the shorter works that you can zip through and pick up quickly. I have a masters' degree in anthropology and made a study of the Maya Indians, and I find this work to be sharp and very interesting. I hope you will give it a try and find a few pieces you like!

I don't know Mesoamerican literature very well, and I thought this book was such a great introduction to the subject that I immediately had to own it. I love it. I think more people should be able to experience the richness of this culture and literature. Some of these pieces really resonated with me and are among my favorites poems. If you're interested in ancient cultures, or in different kinds of poetry, or even in anything related to anthropology or mythology, I recommend this book.

I am a full time Spanish Major. I love this book, which is overflowing with the Mesoamerican Literature, as used by ancient civilizations.I would recommend it to everyone.Cate.

Good book on Mexican history.

Leon-Portilla has amassed a rare thing. A compilation mostly drawn from dead societies. Much of this reflects decades of research by dedicated scholars, who sweated over deciphering Mayan glyphs. A task initially thought to be impossible.The book also shows that the terms used in the Americas of "Hispanic" or "Latino" are totally inadequate and insulting when describing those who still have some nature heritage. Those labels are of the European adventurers [or freebooters or imperialists].Reading the deciphered poetry and narratives shows a richness that does not hark to Castile or Cadiz. A richness of a totally different society.

What a useful and beautiful book. I've been reading Shorris's "Life and Times of Mexico" and reading the literature he mentions alongside it. This is the ONLY collection, but seems comprehensive and representative.