Welcome!

Enrich Your Travels with Longitude

We've got the classic, new and hard-to-find books and maps to help you get the most out of your adventures.

SIGN UP FOR

Longitude News

Get our monthly e-mail update

GET A

Catalog

BEST OF 2011

Wild Coast

John Gimlette

SEE ALL >

FOR THE HOLIDAYS

To the Arctic

Florian Schultz

SEE ALL >

OUR FAVORITES

Arctic Dreams

Barry Lopez

SEE ALL >

GLOBES

The Pioneer

Replogle

SEE ALL >

MICHOACAN & MEXICO'S MONARCH BUTTERFLIES

More Books

Across a Hundred Mountains, A Novel


by Reyna Grande

  • LITERATURE
  • 2007
  • PAPER
  • 266 PAGES

This novel set in a small town in Mexico, California and a jail in Tijuana addresses issues of poverty, loss, family and immigration. (MEX161, $14.00)

An Album of Maya Architecture

An Album of Maya Architecture


by Tatiana Proskouriakoff

  • ARCHAEOLOGY
  • 2003
  • PAPER
  • 164 PAGES

Scholar, artist and architect Proskouriakoff presents breathtaking artistic reconstructions of what Maya cities may have looked like in their heyday in this classic work, first published in 1946. (MYA06, $19.95)

The Amazing Monarch, The Secret Wintering Grounds of an Endangered Butterfly


by Windle Turley

  • SCIENCE
  • 2010
  • HARD COVER
  • 104 PAGES

Turley documents the extraordinary migration of the monarch butterfly in this photo-essay. (MEX279, $29.95)

The Ancient Maya

The Ancient Maya


by Loa Traxler | Robert Sharer

  • ARCHAEOLOGY
  • 2006
  • PAPER
  • 892 PAGES

The revised sixth edition of this scholarly reference on everything Maya, including individual site descriptions, maps, and much else of interest to the serious student of Maya history and culture. Originally published by Sylvanus Moreey in 1946, this beautifully illustrated, readable edition reflects recent archaeological and hieroglyphic evidence. (MYA07, $37.95)

Ancient Maya, New Perspectives


by Heather McKillop

  • HISTORY
  • 2006
  • PAPER
  • 460 PAGES

An overview for the general reader. (MYA46, $22.95)

Archaeological Mexico: A Traveler's Guide to Ancient Cities and Sacred Sites

Archaeological Mexico: A Traveler's Guide to Ancient Cities and Sacred Sites


by Andrew Coe

  • GUIDEBOOK
  • 2001
  • PAPER
  • 450 PAGES

A guide to 52 of the largest and best-known sites throughout Mexico, including an extensive section on the Yucatan peninsula. (MEX63, $21.95)

The Art of Mesoamerica, from Olmec to Aztec

The Art of Mesoamerica, from Olmec to Aztec


by Mary Ellen Miller

  • ART & ARCHITECTURE
  • 2006
  • PAPER
  • 256 PAGES

An excellent survey of Mesoamerican art and architecture from 1500 BC to the Spanish conquest. Compact and profusely illustrated, it includes drawings, photographs and site plans. (MYA09, $21.95)

Birder's Mexico

Birder's Mexico


by Roland H. Wauer

  • NATURAL HISTORY
  • 1999
  • PAPER
  • 304 PAGES

A personal, informative account of travels in Mexico. It's a wonderful introduction to the natural history of this diverse country, including the northern deserts, Baja California, Oaxaca, Palenque and the Yucatan. (MEX14, $18.95)

Bordering on Chaos, Mexico's Roller-Coaster Journey to Prosperity

Bordering on Chaos, Mexico's Roller-Coaster Journey to Prosperity


by Andres Oppenheimer

  • CULTURAL PORTRAIT
  • 1998
  • PAPER
  • 379 PAGES

An outstanding analysis of modern Mexico since the Chiapas uprising in 1994. (MEX50, $19.99)

Breaking Out of Beginner's Spanish

Breaking Out of Beginner's Spanish


by Joseph Keenan

  • LANGUAGE & PHRASEBOOKS
  • 1994
  • PAPER
  • 215 PAGES

Idioms, common mistakes in word usage, and other helpful advice on tackling spoken Spanish. You'll need some foundation to take full advantage of this book -- but even a complete novice will appreciate the author's playful sense of humor. (CAM06, $19.95)

The Buried Mirror

The Buried Mirror


by Carlos Fuentes

  • CULTURAL PORTRAIT
  • 1999
  • PAPER
  • 399 PAGES

A fascinating, illustrated survey of Latin American culture and history by the great Mexican author Carlos Fuentes. With hundreds of color illustrations. (SPN71, $29.95)

Butterflies in Flight


by Roger Camp

  • ART & ARCHITECTURE
  • 2002
  • HARD COVER
  • 104 PAGES

A collection of hyperreal photographs of butterflies. Camp, who collected butterflies from around the world for this handsome art book, sets the images against a black background. (NAT58, $27.50)

The Cities of Ancient Mexico

The Cities of Ancient Mexico


by Jeremy Sabloff

  • ARCHAEOLOGY
  • 1997
  • PAPER
  • 224 PAGES

With 152 black-and-white photographs, illustrations and site diagrams, this portrait of ancient civilizations in Mexico features chapters on the Oaxaca Valley, Teotihuacan and Palenque. Written by a renowned Mayanist, it also includes insightful chapters on how archaeologists have reconstructed the past in Mexico. (MEX41, $18.95)

The Code of Kings, The Language of Seven Sacred Maya Temples and Tombs

The Code of Kings, The Language of Seven Sacred Maya Temples and Tombs


by Linda Schele | Peter Mathews

  • ARCHAEOLOGY
  • 1999
  • PAPER
  • 432 PAGES

A vivid guided tour of seven Maya sites, including Palenque, Tikal and Chichen Itza. This outstanding book features photos and line drawings throughout, and introductory chapters with a succinct introduction to Maya history and culture. (MYA13, $22.00)

A Concise History of Mexico


by Brian Hamnett

  • HISTORY
  • 2006
  • PAPER
  • 368 PAGES

A chronological and thematic history of Mexico, including cultural developments and contemporary issues, through Vincente Fox's presidency. (MEX162, $28.99)

Crafts of Mexico


by Margarita de Orellana | Albert Ruy Sanchez

  • ART & ARCHITECTURE
  • 2004
  • HARD COVER
  • 360 PAGES

An abundantly illustrated guide to Mexico's crafts, including textiles, jewelry, ceramics, furniture and more. (MEX144, $45.00)

Discovery and Conquest of Mexico


by Bernal Diaz del Castillo | A.P. Maudslay | Hugh Thomas

  • HISTORY
  • 2004
  • PAPER
  • 478 PAGES

A vivid eyewitness account from a soldier's perspective. Diaz attempts to set the story straight and his classic first-person account is a richly detailed, well written and essential narrative of the Spanish conquest of Mexico. (MEX32, $24.00)

Distant Neighbors, A Portrait of the Mexicans


by Alan Riding

  • CULTURAL PORTRAIT
  • 1989
  • PAPER
  • 352 PAGES

With insightful portraits of Mexico's recent presidents and leaders, this best-selling profile of the contemporary Mexico and its people covers politics, culture and economics. (MEX28, $19.95)

Incidents of Travel in Yucatan

Incidents of Travel in Yucatan


by John Lloyd Stephens | Karl Ackerman

  • ARCHAEOLOGY
  • 1996
  • PAPER
  • 286 PAGES

In this beloved classic, first published in 1841, Stephens chronicles his adventures and explorations in the Yucatan, including his rediscovery of important Maya sites, among them Chichen Itza, Uxmal, Kabah and Tulum. This traveler's edition features modern and archival photographs in addition to Frederick Catherwood's original lithographs. (MEX02, $16.95)

Insects Through the Seasons


by Gilbert Waldbauer

  • NATURAL HISTORY
  • 1998
  • PAPER
  • 304 PAGES

A good old fashioned natural history with amazing stories of insect behavior. (NAT13, $14.95)

Insight Guide Mexico


by Insight Guides

  • GUIDEBOOK
  • 2010
  • PAPER
  • 456 PAGES

A profusely illustrated overview of Mexico, featuring concise essays by well regarded authors on history, politics and culture, hundreds of photos and maps, and some limited practical information. (MEX35, $22.99)

The Lawless Roads

The Lawless Roads


by Graham Greene | David Rieff

  • TRAVEL NARRATIVE
  • 2006
  • PAPER
  • 240 PAGES

A riveting account of Graham's journeys through Tabasco and Chiapas in the 1930s, including his time in San Cristobal de Las Casas and Palenque. Greene was in Mexico investigating the impact of the anti-Church policies of President Calles. (MEX164, $15.00)

Legends of the Plumed Serpent, Biography of a Mexican God


by Neil Baldwin

  • HISTORY
  • 1998
  • HARD COVER
  • 240 PAGES

This magnificently illustrated book mingles history, travelogue and social commentary. (MEX56, $37.50)

Lost Cities of the Maya

Lost Cities of the Maya


by Claude Baudez | Sydney Picasso

  • ARCHAEOLOGY
  • 1992
  • PAPER
  • 175 PAGES
  • OUT OF PRINT

This lavish little pocket encyclopedia of archaeological discovery features hundreds of color photographs and illustrations, including Catherwood's original engravings. (MYA01, $15.95)

Many Mexicos

Many Mexicos


by Lesley Byrd Simpson

  • HISTORY
  • 1983
  • PAPER
  • 389 PAGES

This widely known popular history of Mexico, first published in 1941, stands as an enjoyable, well-written introduction to the country and its history. (MEX38, $27.95)

The Maya

The Maya


by Michael Coe

  • ARCHAEOLOGY
  • 2011
  • PAPER
  • 280 PAGES

The eighth edition of Coe's clear, concise and authoritative, illustrated survey of the Maya. (MYA10, $26.95)

Maya Art and Architecture

Maya Art and Architecture


by Mary Ellen Miller

  • ART & ARCHITECTURE
  • 1999
  • PAPER
  • 240 PAGES

An illustrated overview of the art and architecture of the Maya, making use of the latest discoveries at Tikal, Copan and Palenque to demonstrate the range of Maya artistic influence. With 200 illustrations, 50 in color, including site plans, maps, strikingly rendered reconstructions and color photographs of key temples and buildings. (MYA20, $19.95)

Maya, Divine Kings of the Rain Forest


by Nikolai Grube

  • ARCHAEOLOGY
  • 2008
  • HARD COVER
  • 450 PAGES
  • OUT OF PRINT

Comprehensive and well-illustrated, this overview of the culture, history and archaeology of the Maya makes great reading. (MYA37, $49.95)

Mexico Map

Mexico Map


by National Geographic

  • 2011
  • MAP

A convenient, double-sided map of Mexico at a scale of 1:2,425,000. (MEX20, $11.95)

Mexico, Biography of Power, A History of Modern Mexico, 1810-1996

Mexico, Biography of Power, A History of Modern Mexico, 1810-1996


by Enrique Krauze

  • HISTORY
  • 1998
  • PAPER
  • 896 PAGES

In fluid translation from the Spanish, this widely praised, sweeping political and social history of Mexico covers the last two centuries. (MEX52, $22.99)

The Monarch Butterfly, Biology and Conservation

The Monarch Butterfly, Biology and Conservation


by Karen Oberhauser | Michelle Solensky

  • NATURAL HISTORY
  • 2004
  • HARD COVER
  • 256 PAGES

A collection of scholarly review articles on the monarch butterfly and its conservation, partly drawn from two citizen science projects: Journey North and the Monarch Larva Monitoring Project. (BST103, $39.95)

Moon Handbook Cabo

Moon Handbook Cabo


by Nikki Goth Itoi

  • GUIDEBOOK
  • 2009
  • PAPER
  • 288 PAGES

A great resource for the independent traveler, this guidebook features a good introduction to land, history and culture, as well as practical detail on getting around, where to go, and where to stay. With personality, detailed local maps, glossary and suggested itineraries. (MEX143, $17.95)

Moon Handbook Yucatan Peninsula

Moon Handbook Yucatan Peninsula


by Lisa and Gary Prado Chandler

  • GUIDEBOOK
  • 2009
  • PAPER
  • 391 PAGES

A compact, comprehensive travel guide with an excellent overview of the natural history and culture of the region, including Yucatan but also Chiapas, Tabasco, Campeche and Quintana Roo. (MEX66, $21.95)

Nothing to Declare

Nothing to Declare


by Mary Morris

  • TRAVEL NARRATIVE
  • 1999
  • PAPER
  • 250 PAGES
  • FAVORITE
  • OUT OF PRINT

An absorbing memoir of a woman traveling alone throughout Mexico and Central America. Morris, a favorite writer, evokes the people and places she visits in gritty immediate detail. (CAM08, $15.00)

The People's Guide to Mexico, Wherever You Go, There You Are!

The People's Guide to Mexico, Wherever You Go, There You Are!


by Carl Franz | Lorena Havens

  • GUIDEBOOK
  • 2006
  • PAPER
  • 573 PAGES

A classic, entertaining guide to travel in Mexico, the original hippie handbook and still a treasure trove of practical and cultural detail. (MEX71, $24.95)

Pimsleur Quick & Simple Spanish

Pimsleur Quick & Simple Spanish


by Pimsleur Language Method

  • LANGUAGE & PHRASEBOOKS
  • 2005
  • AUDIO CD

Four audio CDs with eight 30-minute lessons in basic Spanish, covering elementary vocabulary and phrases used in travel and everyday situations. (SPN257, $19.95)

Popol Vuh, The Mayan Book of the Dawn of Life

Popol Vuh, The Mayan Book of the Dawn of Life


by Dennis Tedlock

  • LITERATURE
  • 1996
  • PAPER
  • 388 PAGES

The definitive, unabridged collection of creation myths and stories of the Quiche people, fundamental to understanding the worldview of the highland Maya. (MYA14, $16.99)

The Presence of Whales, Contemporary Writers on the Whale

The Presence of Whales, Contemporary Writers on the Whale


by Frank Stewart

  • NATURAL HISTORY
  • 1995
  • PAPER
  • 319 PAGES

In this well chosen series of essays, some of our best modern writers enlighten and entertain on the subject of whales, with pieces from Roger Payne, Diane Ackerman, and Barry Lopez. (BST02, $15.95)

Rain of Gold


by Victor Villasenor

  • LITERATURE
  • 1994
  • PAPER
  • 562 PAGES

An epic tale of three generations of a Mexican family. (MEX29, $18.00)

Seven Myths of the Spanish Conquest


by Matthew Restall

  • HISTORY
  • 2004
  • PAPER
  • 272 PAGES

In this provocative book, Restall tackles Columbus, Cortes, Pizarro and the misconceptions surrounding them. The conquisadores most certainly did not conquer the Americas with a handful of men, nor were they received as gods. (SAM52, $19.99)

Sinaloa Map


by Guia Roji

  • MAP

A locally produced, fold-up road map of Sinaloa, shown at a scale of 1:800,000. (MEX73, $7.95)

Smithsonian Handbook: Butterflies and Moths


by David A. Carter

  • FIELD GUIDE
  • 2002
  • PAPER
  • 304 PAGES

This photographic field guide to butterflies and moths is illustrated in the attractive Eyewitness style, and includes key identification features for each species. (BST101, $20.00)

Smithsonian Handbook: Whales, Dolphins and Porpoises

Smithsonian Handbook: Whales, Dolphins and Porpoises


by Mark Carwardine

  • FIELD GUIDE
  • 2002
  • PAPER
  • 256 PAGES

In the trademark, graphic Eyewitness style, this sturdy guidebook colorfully describes the world's cetaceans with numerous illustrations, range maps, fluke drawings and a few paragraphs on each species. (FG02, $20.00)

Snorkeling Guide to Marine Life

Snorkeling Guide to Marine Life


by Paul Humann

  • FIELD GUIDE
  • 1995
  • PAPER
  • 80 PAGES

Humann's compact guide illustrates Caribbean fishes, corals, invertebrates and plants commonly encountered in shallower water. (DIV02, $14.95)

Sonora Map


by Guia Roji

  • MAP

A road map of Sonora at the excellent scale of 1:200,000. (MEX74, $7.95)

South Mexico Map


by ITMB

  • MAP

A double-sided map covering Mexico from Mexico City to Merida at a scale of 1:1:350,000. (MEX65, $10.95)

T. Rex and the Crater of Doom

T. Rex and the Crater of Doom


by Walter Alvarez

  • NATURAL HISTORY
  • 2008
  • PAPER
  • 208 PAGES

A new edition of Alvarez's landmark account of the famous impact crater found in the Yucatan. (CAM68, $16.95)

Travelers' Tales Mexico

Travelers' Tales Mexico


by James O'Reilly | Larry Habegger

  • ANTHOLOGY
  • 2001
  • PAPER
  • 404 PAGES
  • OUT OF PRINT

Outstanding stories and essays on the culture, politics and people of Mexico. A highly readable introduction to the country, organized by topic and featuring Carlos Fuentes, Octavio Paz and excerpts from dozens of travelogues. (MEX03, $17.95)

A World of Butterflies


by Brian Cassie | Robert Michael Pyle

  • NATURAL HISTORY
  • 2004
  • HARD COVER
  • 432 PAGES

Vivid color images and short descriptions of some the world's most beautiful butterflies fill this photographic celebration. (BST102, $22.99)

Yucatan Before and After the Conquest

Yucatan Before and After the Conquest


by Diego de Landa | William Gates

  • HISTORY
  • 1978
  • PAPER
  • 162 PAGES

A 16th-century report by the first bishop of Yucatan, a dedicated ethnographer who has provided the most complete early European account of the Maya. With maps and handsome line drawings. (MYA15, $8.95)

Yucatan Map

Yucatan Map


by ITMB

  • 2008
  • MAP

A detailed travel map of the Yucatan, covering Tikal, Copan, Belize, Chiapas and more at a scale of 1:500,000. Printed on tear proof, waterproof paper. (MEX04, $12.95)

 

Longitude provides recommended reading for travelers in partnership with the leading tour operators and travel programs for hundreds of destinations worldwide. We've got the classic, new and hard-to-find books and maps to help you get the most out of your adventures.