Best Mayan History Books of 2025

Fingerprints of the Gods by Graham Hancock is a thought-provoking book that challenges the conventional understanding of human history. The author presents evidence from archaeo-astronomy, geology, and ancient myths to suggest that human civilization may be older and more advanced than previously believed. The book takes readers on a journey across the world, exploring ancient monuments and revealing the fingerprints of a lost civilization. The book also warns of a cataclysmic event that may recur in irregular intervals. Overall, the book is an intriguing and entertaining read that offers a fresh perspective on human history and the potential dangers that lie ahead.

"They Came Before Columbus: The African Presence in Ancient America" by Ivan Van Sertima is a groundbreaking book that provides detailed documentation of the presence and impact of Africans in ancient America. The author uses evidence from navigation, shipbuilding, cultural analogies, and oral accounts to support his claim of an African presence in the New World before Columbus. The book is both comprehensive and convincing, providing a boost to black cultural history. Overall, this book is a fascinating and powerful read that sheds light on a lesser-known aspect of history."

Collapse: How Societies Choose to Fail or Succeed: Revised Edition is a thought-provoking read on how environmental damage, political choices, and population growth can lead to the decline of civilizations. Jared Diamond's extensive research and narrative style make the book engaging and informative, from the Polynesian cultures to the doomed Viking colony on Greenland. The book raises the crucial question of how our world can avoid committing ecological suicide. Overall, Collapse is a must-read for those interested in history and the future of our planet.

Popol Vuh: The Definitive Edition of The Mayan Book of The Dawn of Life and The Glories of Gods and Kings is a must-read for anyone interested in Native American literature or Meso-American cultural history. This book is an extraordinary document of the human imagination that narrates the creation of the world according to the Mayan gods. The new edition includes new notes and commentary, newly translated passages, newly deciphered hieroglyphs, and over forty new illustrations. Dennis Tedlock's unabridged, widely praised translation is sensitive, precise, and illuminating. Overall, this book is a masterpiece of religious writing that transcends ordinary concerns.

The Gods and Symbols of Ancient Mexico and the Maya is an excellent introduction to the complex world of Mesoamerican mythology and religion. Mary Miller and Karl Taube's dictionary contains nearly 300 entries that describe the main gods and symbols of the pre-Columbian civilizations of Mesoamerica. The book is well-written and comprehensive, making it a standard reference for scholars, students, and travelers interested in the topic. The dictionary entries are accompanied by photographs and specially commissioned line drawings that add to the reader's understanding of the subject. The introductory essays provide a succinct account of Mesoamerican history and religion, while the bibliographical survey directs the reader to original sources and recent discussions.

Bad Girls Throughout History: 100 Remarkable Women Who Changed the World is a beautifully illustrated book that celebrates the lives of 100 influential women who have challenged the status quo and left their mark on the world. From Maya Angelou to Ruth Bader Ginsburg, this book features women from different eras and backgrounds who have made significant contributions in various fields. Author and illustrator Ann Shen brings these women to life with her stunning watercolor portraits and illuminating essays. This book is an empowering tribute to rebel girls everywhere and a must-have for anyone interested in women's history and achievements.

Against the Grain: A Deep History of the Earliest States challenges the traditional narrative that plant and animal domestication led to civilization and political order. James C. Scott argues that the first agrarian states were born of accumulations of domestications, including control over reproduction. He explores why early humans avoided sedentism and plow agriculture, the advantages of mobile subsistence, and the unforeseeable disease epidemics arising from crowding plants, animals, and grain. Scott also discusses the tension between states and nonsubject peoples. This book is a fascinating and well-researched critique of the standard version of history.

The Book of Awesome Women by Becca Anderson is a feminist collection of short biographies that showcases 200 powerful and inspiring female role models. From the foremothers who blazed trails and broke barriers to today's women warriors from sports, science, cyberspace, city hall, the lecture hall, and the silver screen, this book highlights the greatness of women. It is an antidote to the erasure of women from our history and a celebration of their no-holds-barred individuality. Overall, this book is an excellent read for teenage girls interested in learning about women who made a positive difference in the world.

Ancient Mexico: An Enthralling Guide to the Aztec Empire, Maya Civilization, Olmecs, Toltecs, and Teotihuacan is a comprehensive book that covers five manuscripts in one. It takes readers on a journey through the ancient history of Mexico, exploring the origins of the Aztecs, Maya, Olmecs, Toltecs, and Teotihuacan. The book delves deep into the customs, politics, and daily life of these societies, uncovering fascinating stories, facts, and theories. The author provides excellent insights into the cultures that existed before the Aztecs and how they influenced them. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in Mexican history.

Los Angeles Then and Now® is a fascinating travel photography book that charts the evolution of the city from its early days as a Spanish mission to the modern metropolis it is today. The author, Rosemary Lord, brings her experience in the movie business to the book, highlighting the arrival of the movie industry and its impact on the city. The book features archive photos paired with their modern counterparts, showcasing iconic landmarks such as the Hollywood Sign and the Santa Monica Pier. Overall, Los Angeles Then and Now® is an engaging read for anyone interested in the history and development of this vibrant city.