[.ca] Incidents of Travel in Central America, Chiapas, and ... (ISBN 0486224058)

timless classic:
This is a Must read for anyone with even a passing interest in the mayan culture. Still easy to read even though it was written over 150 years ago! Imagine you are one of the first explores to adventure into the the jungles of the Yucatan and vist the ancient cities hidden in the jungle. I wish I had read this book before My trip to the Yucatan, would have made my trip that much more enjoyable! The Catherwood engravings are spectacular!

Unabridged John Lloyd Stephens:
And real full strength Catherwood illustrations. Unlike some of the recent re-edited editions of Stevens' and Catherwood's work, this Dover Publications edition Volume One of the two volume "Incidents of Travel in Central America, Chiapas and Yucatan presents dense, complex, and revealing insights into a brilliant writer's impressions of travel in nascent Central American countries. Regarding his charge to enter into diplomatic relations with the governments of these countries, Stephens reports, "I was not able to find one..." In following Stephens eccentric and sometimes high-handed travels through these unsettled societies, we are by contrast in his ruminations given glimpses of the political and social climate in the United States at that time - a commercially predatory, exuberantly expansionist, segregated society. Despite the biases of his times, Stephens is always adaptable to the ways of his hosts. Although not great in number, Catherwood's illustrations of the stelae at Copan are truly great. His revealing comments on the difficulty of adapting his Western perception enough to capture the scenes even with the help of his camera lucida - tell us just how unusual the sculptural forms were. As a team - Stephen's enthusiasm and wry humor and Catherwood's sublime skill and dogged persistence - consistently produced great and discerning works of scientific and historical value. It should be illegal for anyone to edit or abridge these books.

Outstanding Book!:
As a resident of Mexico who enjoys my ruins and travel within Mexico, this book offers a fantastic glimpse into Mexico and the Yucatan long before it became a resort for Gringos. Not only is it well-written, but also has an excellent collection of visual drawings from a time long lost. An excellent book, and as is always with Dover, and excellent value.

Classic adventure travel book!:
If you have ever traveled to the Yucatan this is a must read book. Though a century and a half old the writing holds up and easy enough to read for todays reader. Catherwoods engravings of the ruin sites are excellent, works of art in their own right. I agree with some of the other reviewers, get this uncut edition! You also might want to check out "Tourist in the Yucatan" for a modern day look at the Yucatan, its a fun thriller beach read.

ADVENTURE TRAVEL WRIGHTING AT ITS BEST!:
This is a must read for any one with an interest in the ancient Mayan culture an ruin sites. the other reviewers have summed this book up great, but I just wanted to throw in my two cents.