Reading the Maya Glyphs
Select Format
Select Condition 
Book Overview
Decipherment of Maya hieroglyphic writing has progressed to the point where most Maya written texts--whether inscribed on monuments, written in the codices, or painted or incised on ceramics--can now be read with confidence.
In this practical guide, first published in 2001, Michael D. Coe, the noted Mayanist, and Mark Van Stone, an accomplished calligrapher, have made the difficult, often mysterious script accessible to the nonspecialist. They decipher real Maya texts, and the transcriptions include a picture of the glyph, the pronunciation, the Maya words in Roman type, and the translation into English. For the second edition, the authors have taken the latest research and breakthroughs into account, adding glyphs, updating captions, and reinterpreting or expanding upon earlier decipherments.
After an introductory discussion of Maya culture and history and the nature of the Maya script, the authors introduce the glyphs in a series of chapters that elaborate on topics such as the intricate calendar, warfare, royal lives and rituals, politics, dynastic names, ceramics, relationships, and the supernatural world. The book includes illustrations of historic texts, a syllabary, a lexicon, and translation exercises.
In this practical guide, first published in 2001, Michael D. Coe, the noted Mayanist, and Mark Van Stone, an accomplished calligrapher, have made the difficult, often mysterious script accessible to the nonspecialist. They decipher real Maya texts, and the transcriptions include a picture of the glyph, the pronunciation, the Maya words in Roman type, and the translation into English. For the second edition, the authors have taken the latest research and breakthroughs into account, adding glyphs, updating captions, and reinterpreting or expanding upon earlier decipherments.
After an introductory discussion of Maya culture and history and the nature of the Maya script, the authors introduce the glyphs in a series of chapters that elaborate on topics such as the intricate calendar, warfare, royal lives and rituals, politics, dynastic names, ceramics, relationships, and the supernatural world. The book includes illustrations of historic texts, a syllabary, a lexicon, and translation exercises.
Format:Paperback
Language:English
ISBN:0500285535
ISBN13:9780500285534
Release Date:June 2005
Publisher:Thames & Hudson
Length:176 Pages
Weight:0.97 lbs.
Dimensions:0.6" x 6.0" x 9.1"
Customer Reviews
5 ratings
Best introduction to Maya glyphs
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 14 years ago
Reading the Maya Glyphs, Second Edition is a clear and simple introduction to the topic. Richly illustrated and well written, it offers systematic explanation together with some exercises to check if it really works :-) A must for a beginner epigrapher.
Beautiful and Accessible
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 20 years ago
Not only is this book beautifully printed with exquisite glyphs printed in red ink, it is also coherent and accessible to everyone interested in Maya hieroglyphs. It takes almost no time to read and fully understand, and is a perfect introduction and reference tool. A must have for any Maya enthusiast.
atlanteans
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 20 years ago
Great tool for opening the field for Mayan Hieroglyphs.But not enough to master fully.
Sweet Action!...
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 22 years ago
Holy Crap![.] This book is totally sweet![.] I may not be an expert in Mayan junk but I was keenly interested in this subject and this book delivered. In addition I had to write this paper about Classic Mayan Grammar in this class I was taking and this book saved my bacon. Thanks Michael D. Coe, I love you man...
The Best Book for Novice Epigraphers
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 23 years ago
I recently took a Maya Glyph class and was getting destroyed trying to follow the teacher. I had absolutely no idea what was going on. When I got this book things started to make sense. (Unfortunately, I bought it too late in the semester to help my grade any.) Coe presents glyphs and the accompanying grammar in a concise clear manner that even those with no prior experience in any related subject can understand. The Maya Lexicon is also a helpful tool for tyros like me who are just beginning to study this fascinating writing system. While it is true that these examples are stylized and not from actually monuments, for the beginner this is much easier to follow. In addition, the accompanying text is well written and an enjoyable read.
Copyright © 2025 Thriftbooks.com
Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information | Cookie Policy | Cookie Preferences | Accessibility Statement
ThriftBooks ® and the ThriftBooks ® logo are registered trademarks of Thrift Books Global, LLC
ThriftBooks ® and the ThriftBooks ® logo are registered trademarks of Thrift Books Global, LLC
