Reading the Maya Glyphs

by Michael D. Coe and Mark Van Stone

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...

• 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

Best introduction to Maya glyphs

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

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

Great tool for opening the field for Mayan Hieroglyphs.But not enough to master fully.

Sweet Action!...

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

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.