History and Mythology of the Aztecs

The Codex Chimalpopoca

John Bierhorst (Author)
Paperback ($29.95), Ebook ($29.95) Buy
One of the great documents of colonial Mexico, the Codex Chimalpopoca chronicles the rise of Aztec civilization and preserves the mythology on which it was based. Its two complementary texts, Annals of Cuauhtitlan and Legend of the Suns, record the pre-Cortésian history of the Valley of Mexico together with firsthand versions of that region's myths.

Of particular interest are the stories of the hero-god Quetzalcoatl, for which the Chimalpopoca is the premier source. John Bierhorst's work is the first major scholarship on the Codex Chimalpopoca in more than forty years. His is the first edition in English and the first in any language to include the complete text of the Legend of the Suns. The precise, readable translation not only contributes to the study of Aztec history and literature but also makes the codex an indispensable reference for Aztec cultural topics, including land tenure, statecraft, the role of women, the tribute system, warfare, and human sacrifice.
"Increases our chances of understanding the perspectives and procedures of native Mesoamerican prehistory." —Bulletin of Latin American Research

"It is a careful scholarly translation which alerts the reader to differences of opinion as to translation interpretations and paleographic readings of the documents by previous scholars."—Nahua Newsletter
History and Mythology of the Aztecs
238 Pages 6 x 9 x 0.8
Published: June 1998Paperback ISBN: 9780816518869
Published: August 1992Ebook ISBN: 9780816543625

For Authors

The University of Arizona Press publishes the work of leading scholars from around the globe. Learn more about submitting a proposal, preparing your final manuscript, and publication.

Inquire

Requests

The University of Arizona Press is proud to share our books with readers, booksellers, media, librarians, scholars, and instructors. Join our email Newsletter. Request reprint licenses, information on subsidiary rights and translations, accessibility files, review copies, and desk and exam copies.

Request

Support the Press

Support a premier publisher of academic, regional, and literary works. We are committed to sharing past, present, and future works that reflect the special strengths of the University of Arizona and support its land-grant mission.

Give