The Ancient Sun Kingdoms of the Americas

The Ancient Sun Kingdoms of the Americas is divided into three aproximately equal parts, dealing with Aztec, Maya, and Inca civilizations. In each the history and geography, people, rulers, and achievements are discussed. The work depends in large part upon the author’s earlier studies and writings. Its first section, on the Aztecs, reproduces The Aztec: Man and Tribe (1958), including the statement that Cholula is now Puebla, the statement that Sahagún came to Mexico in 1595, and other unfortunate observations. The point of view is non-professional and popular. The author regards his work as “art” (p. 24) and defends subjectivism in the interpretation of evidence. Perhaps the principal feature of interest in The Ancient Sun Kingdoms of the Americas is its adroit popularizing technique. But the author does not recognize the normal canons of scholarly writing and the work can hardly be reviewed by the normal canons of scholarly criticism.