Tales of the Plumed Serpent: Aztec, Inca and Mayan Myths

Like Penman, Diana Ferguson (The Myths Retold) has long been interested in folklore and the oral storytelling tradition. Fascinated by the history and cultures of three highly developed ancient societies--the Mayans, followed by the Aztecs in Mesoamerica and the Incas farther south--Ferguson examines their artifacts and those of the Spanish conquistadors, in relation to the traditions preserved today by their many descendants in Yucatan, Mexico and Peru who still speak the native languages. Part anthropological study, part history and part folklore, Tales of the Plumed Serpent: Aztec, Inca and Mayan Myths distills a huge amount of information to present a clear, uncluttered and rich resource. 100 color illus. (Jan.)