Description
By: John Lloyd Stephens (1805-1852)
I recently finished reading Incidents of Travel in Central America, Chiapas, and Yucatan, Vol. 1 by John Lloyd Stephens and I must say I was thoroughly impressed. The author’s detailed descriptions of his journey through these regions provide a fascinating glimpse into the culture, history, and landscapes of Central America in the 19th century.
Stephens’ writing is vivid and engaging, transporting the reader to the various archaeological sites he explores and the indigenous communities he encounters along the way. His observations of the ruins of ancient Mayan cities are particularly captivating, painting a vivid picture of a lost civilization.
What sets this book apart is Stephens’ keen eye for detail and his ability to bring to life the people and places he encounters on his travels. His passion for exploration and discovery shines through in every page, making this a truly inspiring read for anyone interested in history, archaeology, or adventure.
Overall, I highly recommend Incidents of Travel in Central America, Chiapas, and Yucatan, Vol. 1 to anyone looking for an immersive and enlightening travelogue that offers a unique perspective on a fascinating region. I can’t wait to dive into the next volume and continue following Stephens on his incredible journey.
Book Description:
The year is 1838. The scene is the dense Honduran forest along the Copán River. Two men, John Lloyd Stephens and Frederick Catherwood, are about to rediscover Mayan civilization. Their guide, slashing through the rampant growth with his machete, leads them to a structure with steps up the side, shaped like a pyramid. Next they see a stone column, fourteen feet high, sculptured on the front with a portrait of a man, “solemn, stern and well fitted to excite terror,” covered on the sides with hieroglyphics, and with workmanship “equal to the finest monuments of the Egyptians.” Stephens records these discoveries and also his travels in Central America, where he had been sent by President Van Buren as special ambassador to the ill-fated Republic of Central America. The republic being engulfed in civil war when Stephens arrives in Guatemala, he finds himself dodging revolutionary armies while he hunts for a “legitimate government” to which to present his credentials. Catherwood, meanwhile, directs his immense artistic talent to illustrating views of Mayan architecture. Incidents of Travel in Central America, Chiapas and Yucatan was a best seller in its day and has been called an “Indiana Jones” saga by modern reviewers.
