An Album of Maya Architecture  •  Tatiana Proskouriakoff ARCHAEOLOGY •  1976 •  PAPER  • 164 PAGES A classic work, first published in 1946. Combining her talents as a scholar, artist and architect, Proskouriakoff presents breathtaking artistic reconstructions of what the Maya sites may have looked like more than 1,000 years ago. The text summarizes the archeological findings at each site. This gorgeous book evokes daily life at the sites. (MYA06, $29.95)
Alexander of Macedon, 356-323 B.C.  •  Peter Green BIOGRAPHY/MEMOIR •  1992 •  PAPER  • 617 PAGES An outstanding biography of the complex ruler, this book combines great storytelling, adventure, romance, brutish violence, historical accuracy -- and vivid character sketches of Darius, Aristotle and other famous personalities. With his commanding knowledge and his way with words, Alexander of Macedon is a scholarly book that you can't put down. (GRE56, $22.95)
Alexander the Great  •  Robin Lane Fox BIOGRAPHY/MEMOIR •  2004 •  PAPER  • 568 PAGES A popular biography of Alexander the Great, noteworthy for its scholarship, great descriptions and psychological insight. This enormously readable book succeeds in bringing the man and his era to life. (GRE17, $16.00)
Ancient China, Life, Myth And Art  •  Edward L. Shaughnessy HISTORY •  2005 •  PAPER  • 144 PAGES A brief survey of the artistic, social, cultural, scientific, mathematic, musical, and literary achievements of ancient China. Shaughnessy presents, through informed text, 80 photographs and 30 illustrations, Buddhist cave paintings, the Terracotta Army, examples of calligraphy and silks, and many more fine examples of the marvels of the ancient Chinese world. (CHN285, $23.00)
The Ancient City, Life in Classical Athens and Rome  •  Peter Connolly CULTURAL PORTRAIT •  2000 •  PAPER  • 256 PAGES This is a panorama of life in the ancient world, masterfully documented in painstaking, beautiful illustrations by Connolly. The stunning volume examines architecture and culture of each city -- a fascinating exploration. With excellent maps, site plans, Connolly's famous reconstructions, and modern photographs. (ITL82, $26.95)
Ancient Egypt  •  David P. Silverman HISTORY •  2003 •  PAPER  • 256 PAGES An up-to-date, handsomely illustrated survey of ancient Egyptian history, featuring contributions by 12 scholars. It covers the culture and archaeology of the region with essays on topics including language, ritual, economy and society. With 200 color photographs, maps and charts. An excellent reference book for the traveler's library. (EGY37, $24.99)
Ancient Egypt, Cultural Atlas for Young People  •  Geraldine Harris HISTORY •  2007 •  HARD COVER  • 96 PAGES • MIDDLE READERS (Age 9-12) An illustrated survey of the history and culture of ancient Egypt for middle schoolers, featuring excellent maps, color drawings and photographs. Divided into two parts: everyday life and customs of ancient Egypt; and a journey down the Nile with a double-page spread on key sites. Outstanding. (EGY36, $35.00)
Ancient Greece  •  Anne Pearson CULTURAL PORTRAIT •  2007 •  HARD COVER  • 72 PAGES • MIDDLE READERS (Age 9-12) A visually rich survey of ancient Greece, this book in the excellent Eyewitness series explores daily life and history in Hellenistic Greece. It covers fun and games, power, politics and myth. Geared for kids ages 9-12. (GRE59, $15.99)
The Ancient Greece of Odysseus  •  Peter Connolly ARCHAEOLOGY •  1999 •  PAPER  • 80 PAGES • YOUNG ADULTS An illustrated retracing of the legendary hero's journey through the ancient Mediterranean world, much enhanced by site reconstructions and photographs depicting archaeological discoveries. Written for ages 12 to 14, the book includes detailed asides about Trojan history, Greek costume, the Greek art of war and other relevant topics. (GRE33, $15.95)
Ancient Iraq  •  Georges Roux ARCHAEOLOGY •  1993 •  PAPER  • 546 PAGES A thorough introduction the ancient Mesopotamian, Babylonian, Sumerian and Akkadian peoples of modern-day Iraq. Roux surveys available archaeological evidence to provide an engaging account of these important past Western civilizations. (IRQ01, $17.00)
The Ancient Mediterranean  •  Michael Grant CULTURAL PORTRAIT •  1990 •  PAPER  • 374 PAGES Grant, a well known classical scholar, draws on archaeology, geography, art, and economics to paint a vivid picture of ancient cultures, from prehistory through the Roman Imperium, and their influence on western civilization. Illustrated with black-and-white photographs, and 19 maps of the region. (MED10, $18.00)
An Archaeological Guide to Northern Central America  •  Joyce Kelly ARCHAEOLOGY •  1996 •  PAPER  • 352 PAGES The clear descriptions, site plans, maps and photographs of 38 archeological sites and 25 museums throughout Central America make this book an ideal travel companion. While the book includes general information and road directions, its real value is the detailed site information, background on ancient history and recent archeological activity. (MYA04, $24.95)
Art & Architecture of Cambodia  •  Helen Ibbitson Jessup ART & ARCHITECTURE •  2004 •  PAPER  • 224 PAGES This compact, illustrated volume in the "World of Art" series focuses on the breathtaking Hindu and Buddhist temples of Cambodia and the Khmer civilization. Helen Ibbitson Jessup, curator of Sculpture of Angkor and Ancient Cambodia, includes both well-known sites like Angkor Wat and Banteay Srei and lesser-known recent discoveries in the surrounding jungle. With 195 illustrations, 96 in color. (CBD41, $16.95)
Art of the Andes, from Chavin to Inca  •  Rebecca Stone-Miller ARCHAEOLOGY •  2002 •  PAPER  • 224 PAGES This authoritative and concise illustrated survey of Andean art and architecture covers not only Machu Picchu and additional Inca monuments, but also Chan Chan, Nasca and other archaeological sites and cultures. With 183 illustrations, maps and site diagrams. Revised edition. (PRU05, $18.95)
The Aztecs  •  Richard F. Townsend HISTORY •  2000 •  PAPER  • 224 PAGES This entry in the "Ancient Peoples and Places" series follows the Aztec civilization from its origins in the 12th century to its defeat at the hands of Cortes. It is a clear, well researched survey of the Aztecs' history and culture from a curator at the Art Institute of Chicago. Illustrated with maps, site plans and hundreds of photographs, it opens with a vivid account of the Spanish conquest. (MEX54, $24.95)
The Byzantines  •  Guglielmo Cavallo  •  Thomas Dunlap HISTORY •  1997 •  PAPER  • 294 PAGES A collection of essays from scholars worldwide focusing on the people of the Byzantine empire. (TKY66, $26.00)
Celebrating Homer's Landscapes, Troy and Ithaca Revisited  •  John Victor Luce ARCHAEOLOGY •  1998 •  HARD COVER  • 224 PAGES A study of Aegean landscapes with reference to the geography of the great poet's "The Iliad" and "The Odyssey." The author recreated the voyage of Odysseus, illustrating Troy, Ithaca and other sites with gorgeous color photographs. (GRE80, $50.00)
The Children's Homer, The Adventures of Odysseus and the Tale of Troy  •  Padraic Colum  •  Willy Pogany LITERATURE •  2004 •  PAPER  • 256 PAGES • MIDDLE READERS (Age 9-12) Three-time Newbery Award-winning author Padraic Colum retells the great adventure stories for young readers. From the face that launched a thousand ships to the battle with the Cyclops, this book is a captivating introduction to the world of Homer for the whole family. (GRE46, $9.95)
Chronicle of the Pharaohs, The Reign-by-Reign Record of the Rulers and Dynasties of Ancient Egypt  •  Peter A. Clayton HISTORY •  2006 •  PAPER  • 224 PAGES An illustrated biography of the pharaohs, including a useful chronology, architectural plans and portraits. This book will help you to sort out who's who in ancient Egypt, what they built, what they did and what they looked like. It contains 350 illustrations, many in color. (EGY32, $24.95)
The Cities of Ancient Mexico  •  Jeremy Sabloff ARCHAEOLOGY •  1997 •  PAPER  • 224 PAGES A portrait of ancient civilizations in Mexico with chapters on the Oaxaca Valley, Teotihuacan and Palenque. Written by a renowned Mayanist, it also features insightful chapters on how archaeologists have reconstructed the past in Mexico. With 152 black-and-white photographs, illustrations and site diagrams. (MEX41, $18.95)
A City Through Time, The Story of a City -- from Ancient Colony to Vast Metropolis  •  Philip Steele  •  Steve Noon HISTORY •  2004 •  HARD COVER  • 32 PAGES • YOUNG READERS (Age 4-8) This new addition to the Through Time series offers an engaging journey through the development a fictional Greek colony that ends in modern times. Colorful panoramic illustrations and facts about history and architecture make this an informative look at the history of urban development. (GRE199, $17.99)
Classic Myths to Read Aloud  •  William F. Russell LITERATURE •  1989 •  PAPER  • 264 PAGES • FAMILY This lively compendium of short Greek and Roman myths, designed to be read to children, is presented in crystal-clear language. Each is introduced by highlights, reading time and commentary on Greek words that have found their way into our everyday language. Makes for good reading by adults too. (GRE19, $13.95)
The Code of Kings, The Language of Seven Sacred Maya Temples and Tombs  •  Linda Schele  •  Peter Mathews ARCHAEOLOGY •  1999 •  PAPER  • 432 PAGES A vivid guided survey 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. Mayanists Schele and Mathews draw on recently found hieroglyphic writing to reveal the life -- and individual personalities -- of the ancient cities. Although it's not a beautiful book, marred by small print and lack of color, this book is still an essential companion to visiting Tikal, Palenque, Copan, Seibal, Chich'en Itza, Uxmal or Iximche'. (MYA13, $22.00)
The Complete Pyramids  •  Mark Lehner ARCHAEOLOGY •  2008 •  HARD COVER  • 256 PAGES A fully illustrated compendium of every major pyramid in Egypt by the director of the Giza mapping project. With 450 maps, photographs, reconstructions and site diagrams. (EGY33, $26.95)
Conquest of the Incas  •  John Hemming HISTORY •  1970 •  PAPER  • 641 PAGES A masterful, prize-winning history of the Inca struggle against the Spanish invasion. This classic account, by one of the best writers on South America, brings together wide-ranging scholarly material in the interests of telling a good story. With a chronology, family tree, bibliography, notes and references. (AND04, $25.00)
Curse of the Pharaohs, My Adventures with Mummies  •  Zahi Hawass ARCHAEOLOGY •  2004 •  HARD COVER  • 160 PAGES • MIDDLE READERS (Age 9-12) Zahi Hawass, the Head of Egyptian Antiquities and Director of the Giza Pyramids Excavation, recounts his own experiences working with the tombs of ancient Egypt. Hawass seeks to debunk the myths surrounding the ancient tombs and to focus upon the artifacts themselves, but this book is not without a spirit of mystery and adventure which will engage and inform young readers. (EGY114, $19.95)
D'Aulaires' Book of Greek Myths  •  Ingri D'Aulaire  •  Edgar D'Aulaire LITERATURE •  1992 •  PAPER  • 192 PAGES • FAMILY An oversize and vividly illustrated collection of Greek Myths for children. This is the classic that many of us remember from our own childhoods -- still considered by many the best. Intended for children ages 9-12, but you may want to read it yourself or read it to younger children. (GRE75, $19.95)
Daily Life in Ancient Rome  •  Florence Dupont  •  Christopher Woodall CULTURAL PORTRAIT •  1994 •  PAPER A glimpse into the days of the Roman Republic, a portrait of the people and their customs, drawn from ancient writings. The book's scholarship does not overshadow the fascinating insight into minute details of the society, making it accessible to a general audience. (ITL333, $40.95)
Early Cycladic Sculpture  •  Pat Getz-Preziosi ART & ARCHITECTURE •  1994 •  PAPER  • 86 PAGES A comprehensive introduction to the remarkably modern-looking ancient stone sculptures of the Cyclades. With two maps, 17 color plates and 90 -illustrations. (GRE72, $27.50)
Easter Island, Mystery of the Stone Giants  •  Catherine Orliac  •  Paul Bahn ARCHAEOLOGY •  1995 •  PAPER  • 143 PAGES • HARD TO FIND ELSEWHERE A pocket-size encyclopedia of archaeology and culture. This slim volume features color photographs and illustrations, excerpts from key works and a good synopsis of the archaeological history. Part of the acclaimed "Discoveries" series, it is a concise overview of the magnificent archaeological finds at Easter Island. (EIL01, $12.95)
Easter Island, The Ceremonial Center of Orongo  •  Alan Drake  •  Georgia Lee GUIDEBOOK •  1992 •  PAPER An illustrated guide to this important site and its iconography. (EIL07, $15.00)
The Egyptians  •  Sergio Donadoni CULTURAL PORTRAIT •  1997 •  PAPER  • 360 PAGES A vivid collection of essays by renowned Egyptologists on life in ancient Egypt. Each of the 11 chapters is devoted to a specific role in Egyptian society (Peasants, Slaves, Scribes, Priests, the Pharaoh, Women, etc.). Together, the essays provide an intriguing look at daily life in ancient Egypt. (EGY20, $20.00)
The Egyptians  •  Cyril Aldred HISTORY •  1998 •  PAPER  • 224 PAGES A volume in the "Ancient Peoples and Places" series, this classic book is an outstanding account of the history and culture of ancient Egypt for the curious traveler. With hundreds of illustrations and maps. (EGY26, $18.95)
Gilgamesh, A New Rendering in English Verse  •  David Ferry LITERATURE •  1993 •  PAPER  • 92 PAGES A lyrical translation of the ancient Mesopotamian story of Gilgamesh, the King of Uruk, and his attempt to recover his dead friend Enkidu. Taking interesting liberties with the fragmentary original, Ferry recovers the spirit of the text, crafting a warm, poetic rendering of the timeless epic. (IRQ02, $12.00)
Gods and Heroes, A Family Tree of Greek Mythology  •  University of North Carolina REFERENCE •  1996 •  POSTER • MIDDLE READERS (Age 9-12) A guide to who's who in the world of the ancient Greeks in the form of a stunning four-foot by three-foot poster, handsomely printed in red, back and gold. (GRE34, $35.00)
The Gods and Symbols of Ancient Egypt, An Illustrated Dictionary  •  Manfred Lurker ARCHAEOLOGY •  1996 •  PAPER  • 142 PAGES A compact overview of the spiritual and symbolic world of the Ancient Egyptians, with 114 illustrations and 100 dictionary entries (from Acacia to Wreath). It's an essential guide to understanding the meaning of Egyptian art and architecture. (EGY21, $18.95)
Greek Art  •  John Boardman ART & ARCHITECTURE •  1996 •  PAPER  • 304 PAGES A standard brief survey of classical Greek art and architecture, revised to reflect recent archaeology, this book presents hundreds of paintings, frescoes and other objects from antiquity, each in its spiritual and cultural context. A volume in the "World of Art" series. With 300 illustrations, 73 in color. (GRE12, $21.95)
Greek Civilization, An Introduction  •  Brian A. Sparkes HISTORY •  1998 •  PAPER  • 256 PAGES An overview of the ancient Greeks and their world, this comprehensive, illustrated book includes chapters on the physical environment, archaic and classical periods and legacy of classical Greece for western civilization. With 100 maps and black-and-white photographs. Written for a college audience, it serves equally well as survey for the interested traveler. (GRE54, $34.95)
Greek Homosexuality  •  Kenneth Dover CULTURAL PORTRAIT •  1989 •  PAPER  • 246 PAGES The classic history of homosexuality in ancient Greece, with all the scholarly apparatus including an extensive bibliography and documentary sources. While intended for an academic audience, the interested general reader with some background in classical literature will find it rewarding. (GRE66, $25.50)
The Greeks  •  Kenneth Dover HISTORY •  1995 •  PAPER  • 146 PAGES From the BBC television series, this book originated in the classroom of Kenneth Dover. Thematic in approach, Dover conveys what the ancient Greeks were like and what they accomplished in the realms of sculpture, poetry, philosophy, and paintings. Profusely illustrated and readable. (GRE15, $14.95)
A Handbook of Greek Art: A Survey of the Visual Arts  •  Gisela M. A. Richter ART & ARCHITECTURE •  1994 •  PAPER  • 432 PAGES Arranged by subject, this illustrated handbook covers in depth the whole range of Hellenic art, from architecture to sculpture, furniture, ornament and pottery. With 520 black-and-white illustrations. (GRE16, $22.95)
The Hellenistic World and the Coming of Rome  •  Erich S. Gruen HISTORY •  1986 •  PAPER  • 800 PAGES An academic study of Roman imperialism in Greece, arguing that the influence of Greek culture and ideas was far more substantial than once thought. Well researched, detailed and thought-provoking, it is a much lauded addition to scholarship on the ancient world. (MED67, $50.00)
Herculaneum: Italy's Buried Treasure  •  Joseph Jay Deiss HISTORY •  1989 •  PAPER  • 222 PAGES An artful and wonderfully written description of ancient Herculaneum. The book concentrates on daily life of the Romans at the time of Herculaneum's destruction (Herculaneum is on a separate flank of Mt. Vesuvius, and also perished on August 24, 79 A.D.). Chapters cover various aspects of life in the town, from the poor to the rich, from the baths to the theatre. A marvelous evocation of ancient life, enlivened by careful consideration of the archeological evidence. (ITL41, $18.95)
History of Private Life, From Pagan Rome to Byzantium  •  Paul Veyne HISTORY •  1992 •  PAPER The first volume in a series charting the social history of Western Europe, this volume focuses on the rise and fall of the Roman Empire, with much information on Greece and France as well. (MED65, $28.00)
The History of Rasselas, Prince of Abyssinia  •  Samuel Johnson  •  J.P. Hardy LITERATURE •  1999 •  PAPER  • 216 PAGES Johnson drew upon the journals of a Jesuit priest to weave this ironic tale of earthly paradise in the "happy valley of Abyssinia," originally published in 1759. While hardly a guidebook to the real nation of Ethiopia, the tale captures the European fascination with this ancient land. It's Dr. Johnson's answer to the tradition of Eastern story books -- a thought-provoking meditation on the big questions of happiness, love, solitude and what it means to be great. (ETP12, $9.95)
The Hittites and Their Contemporaries in Asia Minor  •  J. G. MacQueen HISTORY •  1996 •  PAPER  • 176 PAGES A solid introduction to the Hittites, an ancient culture of modern-day Turkey. MacQueen surveys the rise and fall of this Anatolian people, their relations with other ancient populations such as the Babylonians and Mycenaean Greeks, and recent archaeological findings. With 149 illustrations, maps and plans. (TKY46, $22.50)
The Iliad of Homer  •  Homer  •  Robert Fagles LITERATURE •  1990 •  PAPER  • 704 PAGES Acclaimed translator Robert Fagles captures the poetry and power of Homer's "Iliad," the astonishing tale of the Trojan war and rage of Achilles that is one of the foundations of western literature. This 1990 version has been much praised for its expressiveness and clarity. A talented and adventurous writer, Fagles has just completed a lively new translation of the Odyssey, the "sequel" to the Iliad focusing on Odysseus' ten-year adventure home. (GRE20, $14.00)
In an Antique Land  •  Amitav Ghosh CULTURAL PORTRAIT •  1994 •  PAPER  • 393 PAGES In this heady book, the author-historian combines his own journey as a student from India at Oxford with the tale of a South Indian slave who lived along the ancient Nile. It's invaluable for understanding the history of the Malabar coast and relations between the Indian subcontinent and the Middle East. Not exactly historical fiction, the book artfully interweaves personal history, travel writing and philosophical meditation. (EGY18, $15.95)
In Search of the Trojan War  •  Michael Wood ARCHAEOLOGY •  1998 •  PAPER  • 288 PAGES This handsomely illustrated book examines the archaeology, history and legends of Troy -- a vivid analysis of the ancient world by the peripatetic anthropologist and documentary filmmaker Michael Wood. With the remarkable Heinrich Schliemann (who discovered Troy in 1873) as his point of departure, Wood takes the reader along on a remarkable story of archaeological adventure. (GRE52, $22.95)
In the Shadow of Olympus, The Emergence of Macedon  •  Eugene Borza HISTORY •  1992 •  PAPER  • 347 PAGES Detailed, scholarly and of general interest, this book traces the history of Macedonia from prehistory to Greek city-state and major kingdom on the stage of ancient history. (GRE57, $21.95)
The Incas and their Ancestors, The Archaeology of Peru  •  Michael Moseley ARCHAEOLOGY •  2001 •  PAPER  • 288 PAGES An outstanding survey of the archaeology of the Inca, Moche and Nasca civilizations. With hundreds of color illustrations and line drawings, it's an in-depth look at the ancient cultures and history of Peru. The best general introduction to the subject. (AND06, $33.95)
The Incas, People of the Sun  •  Carmen Bernard  •  Paul Bahn EXPLORATION •  1994 •  PAPER  • 192 PAGES • BEST SELLER A pocket-size encyclopedia in the acclaimed "Discoveries" series, this jewel of a book features hundreds of archival drawings and photographs, a chronology and long excerpts from the journals of early explorers. It's a guide to the ancient monuments, daily life of the Incas, and history of exploration. (AND03, $12.95)
Incidents of Travel in Central America, Chiapas and Yucatan: Volume Two  •  John Lloyd Stephens ARCHAEOLOGY •  1969 •  PAPER  • 474 PAGES Volume Two of Stephen's classic account of archeological discovery, originally published in 1843 -- and called by Edgar Allan Poe "perhaps the most interesting travel book ever published." This second volume covers Stephens and Catherwood's further adventures, including the Yucatan (to which they returned) and Palenque. (MYA05, $14.95)
Incidents of Travel in Yucatan  •  John Lloyd Stephens  •  Karl Ackerman  •  Frederick Catherwood ARCHAEOLOGY •  1996 •  PAPER  • 286 PAGES A classic, first published in 1841. Stephens chronicles in rich detail his rediscovery of 44 Maya sites in the Yucatan, among them Chichen Itza, Uxmal, Kabah and Tulum. This new one-volume edition, organized geographically, is especially abridged for the visitor. Edgar Allan Poe called the book "perhaps the most interesting travel book ever published." Dozens of modern and archival photographs complement Frederick Catherwood's original drawings. (MEX02, $16.95)
Insight Guide Israel  •  Insight Guides GUIDEBOOK •  2008 •  PAPER  • 367 PAGES This guide brings Israel to life with hundreds of color photographs, excellent maps and travel essays by a team of experts. It includes a brief history of the country along with an overview of archaeology, language and culture. Much of the book is devoted to a region-by-region survey of attractions. (ISR01, $23.95)
The King Must Die  •  Mary Renault LITERATURE •  1988 •  PAPER  • 330 PAGES The tale of Theseus, slayer of the Minotaur and king of Athens, including his Cretan adventures. Known for her exhaustive research, Renault is an acknowledged master of historical fiction. (GRE23, $14.95)
Knopf Guide Athens and the Peloponnese  •  Knopf Guides GUIDEBOOK •  2006 •  PAPER  • 404 PAGES This stunning volume in the "Knopf" series is packed with color photographs, maps and illustrations. Designed for heavy use, it's stitched, glued, and comes in a durable plastic cover. It presents a wealth of background information on history and the arts, along with elaborate street maps and a practical section on restaurants, shopping and excursions. (GRE10, $26.00)
Knopf Guide Egypt  •  Knopf Guides GUIDEBOOK •  2007 •  PAPER  • 560 PAGES A lavishly illustrated compact guide featuring 1,000 color photographs, innovative architectural diagrams and extracts from classic travel literature. It captures the thrill of ancient and modern Egypt, with a long section on Cairo (and a selection of maps). (EGY23, $29.95)
Lascaux: Movement, Space, and Time  •  Norbert Aujoulat ARCHAEOLOGY •  2005 •  HARD COVER  • 208 PAGES A striking, oversize tour of the magnificent prehistoric cave of Lascaux, discovered by accident in 1940. With 100 stunning full-page color photographs, maps and explanatory diagrams by Nicolas Aujoulat, a geologist and art historian who directed the research on the cave from 1989-1999. (FRN232, $65.00)
Life in the Ancient Near East, 3100-332 B.C.  •  Daniel C. Snell HISTORY •  1997 •  PAPER  • 288 PAGES From the dawn of the written word to conquest by Alexander the Great, the history of the ancient Middle East is traced in this readable, thoroughly researched overview of economic, social and cultural development in the world of the Bible. It's a concise and intriguing study from a professor of history. (MDE56, $22.00)
The Literature of Ancient Egypt: An Anthology of Stories, Instructions, Stelae, Autobiographies, and Poetry  •  William Kelly Simpson ANTHOLOGY •  2003 •  PAPER  • 624 PAGES A collection of translated texts from Ancient Egypt, updated in 2003 with 25 new selections. (EGY153, $25.00)
Lost Cities of the Maya  •  Claude Baudez  •  Sydney Picasso ARCHAEOLOGY •  1992 •  PAPER  • 175 PAGES • HARD TO FIND ELSEWHERE A pocket guide to Maya archaeology. This lavishly illustrated small book features hundreds of color photographs and illustrations -- along with excerpts from key works and a brief guide to Maya arithmetic, their calendar and inscriptions. (MYA01, $12.95)
Lost City of the Incas, The Story of Machu Picchu and its Builders  •  Hiram Bingham EXPLORATION •  2003 •  PAPER  • 224 PAGES • BEST SELLER • FAVORITE A first-rate tale of adventure by the man who rediscovered Machu Picchu in 1911. This classic account is a gripping story of exploration, archaeology and natural history -- and still an outstanding overview of the site itself. With original expedition photographs. Originally published in 1952, the book is still an excellent account, not only of the expedition but also of the site itself. (AND05, $12.95)
The Maya  •  Michael Coe ARCHAEOLOGY •  2005 •  PAPER  • 272 PAGES A clear, concise introduction to Maya archaeology and culture by a leading authority. A volume in the series, "Ancient Peoples and Places," this short book highlights the chronology, accomplishments and legacy of the Maya. Seventh edition. (MYA10, $22.50)
Medea and Other Plays  •  Euripides  •  Philip Vellacott LITERATURE •  1976 •  PAPER  • 199 PAGES Euripides' classic drama of jealously and vengeance is brought to life in a modern translation by Philip Vellacot, who provides critical commentary as well. This book also includes three other staples of Greek theatre -- "Hecuba," "Electra" and "Heracles." (GRE90, $11.00)
Mexico, From the Olmecs to the Aztecs  •  Michael Coe ARCHAEOLOGY •  2002 •  PAPER  • 248 PAGES A classic survey of Mexico's ancient civilizations by a leading archaeologist, Coe covers in concise, illustrated detail the Olmec, Zapotec, Toltec and Aztec civilizations. He does not include the Maya (presented in a companion volume).With 74 illustrations, 19 in color. Fifth edition. (MEX53, $22.50)
Minoan and Mycenaean Art  •  Reynold Higgins ART & ARCHITECTURE •  1997 •  PAPER  • 216 PAGES A survey of the ancient art of Crete, Mycenae and the Cyclades in its cultural context, revised to include recent archaeology. With maps and 241 illustrations. (GRE61, $18.95)
Minoans, Life in Bronze Age Crete  •  Rodney Castleden ARCHAEOLOGY •  1993 •  PAPER  • 210 PAGES An intriguing, scholarly study of the ancient civilization of the Minoans based on recent archaeological research. In this re-evaluation, Castleden places emphasis on Minoan religion, battle tactics, architecture and daily life. With site plans, maps, photographs and drawings. (GRE83, $39.95)
The Naked Olympics, The True Story of the Ancient Games  •  Tony Perrottet HISTORY •  2004 •  PAPER  • 214 PAGES This entertaining, short account uncovers the naked truth behind the brutal, decidely offbeat ancient Olympics. From the painful initiation for athletes to the debauchery outside the stadium, Perrottet covers the history of the games in a style which combines frank humor with the immediacy of sports writing. (GRE196, $13.95)
National Museum of Anthropology, Mexico City  •  Felipe Solis ARCHAEOLOGY •  2004 •  HARD COVER  • 436 PAGES A beautifully illustrated, oversized survey of the spectacular National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City. The volume highlights the museum's impressive pre-Columbian collection with 450 illustrations. Edited by the museum's director, Felipe Solis, it also includes essays by leading Mexican art historians and archeaologists. (MEX146, $85.00)
Norwegian Folk Tales  •  Peter Asbjornsen ANTHOLOGY •  1982 •  PAPER  • 188 PAGES This rich collection of stories, interpreted by a leading scholar on ancient traditions and tales, will delight both adults and children. (NOR06, $14.95)
The Odyssey  •  Homer  •  Robert Fagles LITERATURE •  1997 •  PAPER  • 541 PAGES Translator Robert Fagles captures the poetry and power of The Odyssey in this translation, celebrated for its clarity and expressiveness. (GRE45, $16.00)
Odyssey Guide Angkor, Cambodia's Wondrous Khmer Temples  •  Dawn Rooney GUIDEBOOK •  2006 •  FLEXI-BOUND  • 488 PAGES An indispensable guidebook, encompassing Khmer culture and history; detailed descriptions of the monuments; and practical information about Siem Reap. With temple plans and photographs. This edition includes 10 new temple sites and an additional 180 pages of new information with 86 new photographs along with updated practical details. (CBD05, $27.95)
Odyssey of Homer  •  Robert Fagles LITERATURE •  1996 •  HARD COVER  • 560 PAGES Translator Robert Fagles captures the poetry and power of The Odyssey in this new translation, celebrated for its clarity and expressiveness. We also carry the Fagles translation of The Iliad. (GRE30, $35.00)
The Pocket Timeline of Ancient Egypt  •  Helen Strudwick HISTORY •  2005 •  HARD COVER  • 32 PAGES • YOUNG ADULTS A colorful pocket-sized history of Ancient Egypt for young adults, featuring a (twelve page!) pull-out timeline. (EGY158, $19.99)
The Pocket Timeline of Ancient Greece  •  Emma McAllister HISTORY •  2005 •  HARD COVER  • 32 PAGES • YOUNG ADULTS A colorful introduction to ancient Greek history that will appeal to preteens, but is great for the whole family. Full of clear and interesting facts, it also features a (twelve page!) pull-out timeline. (GRE242, $19.99)
Pompeii, Public and Private Life  •  Paul Zanker  •  Deborah Schneider CULTURAL PORTRAIT •  1999 •  PAPER  • 250 PAGES A comprehensive guide to the architecture, people and culture of Pompeii, focusing on both grand public spaces and private villas. Zanker, a professor of classical archaeology, traces the evolution of Pompeii from country backwater to Roman imperial city in three long essays in this handsome book. With 21 color illustrations and 55 halftones, including site plans, models, mosaics and sculpture. A "New York Times" Book Review Notable Book, 1999. (ITL114, $28.00)
Pomponius Mela's Description of the World  •  F. E. Romer  •  Pomponius Mela EXPLORATION •  1998 •  PAPER  • 165 PAGES Pomponius Mela traveled throughout Europe, Africa and Asia in the first century A.D. These are his observations of the geography, history and culture of near and then distant lands of the Roman Empire. A modern English version by F. E. Romer, who also provides helpful commentary. (MED53, $30.00)
Pyramid  •  David MacAulay ARCHAEOLOGY •  1982 •  PAPER  • 80 PAGES • MIDDLE READERS (Age 9-12) In this best-selling volume, master draughtsman David MacAulay tackles the pyramids. Intended for young people, but Egyptologists of all ages will enjoy this look at the building of the pyramids. (EGY29, $9.95)
The Ramayana  •  Ramesh Menon LITERATURE •  2003 •  PAPER  • 160 PAGES An excellent translation by the Indian novelist of the ancient Hindu epic poem about the adventures of the god Vishnu incarnated as Prince Rama. An absorbing tale of heroism, love and fate. (IDA88, $40.00)
Reading Egyptian Art: A Hieroglyphic Guide to Ancient Egyptian Painting and Sculpture  •  Richard Wilkinson ART & ARCHITECTURE •  1994 •  PAPER  • 224 PAGES A guide to making sense of the symbols and hieroglyphic images of Egyptian art., filled with 350 illustrations. You'll want to take this book along. (EGY39, $19.95)
Religion in Roman Egypt: Assimilation and Resistance  •  David Frankfurter HISTORY •  2000 •  PAPER  • 336 PAGES A scholarly history of the influence of Christianity in Egypt from its first appearance in approximately 100 A.D. to its dominance in the region by 600 A.D. (EGY155, $27.95)
The Riddle of the Pacific  •  John Macmillan Brown CULTURAL PORTRAIT •  1996 •  PAPER  • 312 PAGES A facsimile of the original 1924 edition, this book is an illustrated survey of ancient civilizations of the Pacific, written during a five-month stay on Easter Island. MacMillan Brown, a historian in Christchurch and an early proponent of the idea of a lost continent in the Pacific, isn't much of a writer; but if you can wade through his convoluted syntax and stilted prose, this book is a comprehensive portrait of Easter Island. (EIL11, $16.95)
The Rise of Christianity  •  Rodney Stark RELIGION •  1997 •  PAPER  • 272 PAGES The subtitle to this book says it all: "How the Obscure, Marginal Jesus Movement Became the Dominant Religious Force in the Western World in a Few Centuries." More a sociological study than a religious history, the book delves into what compelled so many people to convert to the then infant religion. (MED64, $14.95)
Royal Tombs of Sipan  •  Walter Alva CULTURAL PORTRAIT •  1993 •  PAPER  • 229 PAGES This thoroughly illustrated, authoritative overview of Moche culture, pottery and iconography was originally conceived as the companion book to a traveling exhibition. (PRU06, $35.00)
Scribes, Warriors and Kings: The City of Copan and the Ancient Maya  •  William L Fash ARCHAEOLOGY •  2001 •  PAPER  • 192 PAGES A revised edition of the comprehensive, illustrated overview of the great city of Copan, its rise to power, history and mysterious collapse in the ninth century. Fash pays particular attention to the role of recently deciphered inscriptions in our changing understanding of the Maya. (MYA11, $24.95)
The Search for Ancient Egypt  •  Jean Vercoutter ARCHAEOLOGY •  1992 •  PAPER  • 207 PAGES • BEST SELLER • HARD TO FIND ELSEWHERE A pocketsize encyclopedia of archaeology and history, packed with illustrations, maps and archival photographs. An entry in the acclaimed "Discoveries" series, this slim paperback is a tale of Greek travelers, buried treasure, international intrigue and dedicated scholarship. It documents our rediscovery and changing understanding of ancient Egypt. (EGY02, $12.95)
The Search for Ancient Greece  •  Roland Etienne  •  Francoise Etienne ARCHAEOLOGY •  1992 •  PAPER  • 175 PAGES This portrait of the history of archaeology features hundreds of color photos and paintings, a chronology and excerpts by the great archaeologists. It's a pocket-size encyclopedia, part of the "Discoveries" series, and a fascinating look at the meaning of ancient Greece to our civilization -- quite an accomplishment for such a slim book. (GRE01, $12.95)
The Search for Ancient Rome  •  Claude Moatti ARCHAEOLOGY •  1993 •  PAPER  • 207 PAGES • HARD TO FIND ELSEWHERE A volume in the lavishly illustrated "Discoveries" series, this pocket-size volume features hundreds of color photos and paintings, a chronology and excerpts by the great archaeologists. It's a portrait of the history of archaeology and a fascinating look at the meaning of ancient Rome to western civilization -- quite an accomplishment for a slim book. (ITL18, $12.95)
The Seventy Wonders of the Ancient World  •  Chris Scarre ARCHAEOLOGY •  1999 •  HARD COVER  • 304 PAGES A comprehensive, illustrated overview of the great monuments of the ancient world, much expanded from the original seven wonders to include other significant structures. With a dual focus on the monuments themselves and how they were built, the book includes among others: Petra, the Giza plateau, the Parthenon, Abu Simbel, Nazca, Easter Island, and the Great Wall. With maps, "fact files," diagrams, and photographs. (GEN92, $40.00)
Spend the Day in Ancient Greece  •  Linda Honan CULTURAL PORTRAIT •  1998 •  PAPER  • 113 PAGES • MIDDLE READERS (Age 9-12) Subtitled "Projects and Activities that Bring the Past to Life," this book zooms in on the life of a family in ancient Greece, presenting their diet, clothing and way of life through 30 hands-on activities. Geared for kids ages 8-12. (GRE60, $12.95)
Spirits of the Jaguar  •  BBC NATURAL HISTORY •  2006 •  DVD Billed as "The Definitive Portrait of the Land, Wildlife and Peoples of Central America, this four-part BBC television series is an excellent introduction to the region. It includes the programs: The Forging of a New World, Forest of the Maya, Hunters of the Caribbean Sea and The Fifth World of Aztecs. (CAM59, $19.98)
Stonehenge Complete  •  Christopher Chippindale ARCHAEOLOGY •  2004 •  PAPER  • 296 PAGES An excellent introduction to Europe's most mysterious ancient site. Written by a curator in the Cambridge University Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology and fully illustrated, this award-winning book includes everything important, interesting or odd ever written, painted, discovered, or felt about Stonehenge since its rediscovery in A.D. 1130. With 266 maps, illustrations and photographs. (GBR13, $24.95)
Strolling Through Athens, Fourteen Unforgettable Walks Through Europe's Oldest City  •  John Freely GUIDEBOOK •  2004 •  PAPER  • 361 PAGES Part guidebook, part history, this guide puts the reader in the able hands of John Freely, who has written extensively about both Greece and Turkey. Not exactly a walking guide (the text is too dense to follow easily on foot), the book focuses on the ruins of important historical sites like the Agora and the Parthenon as well as the theater of Dionysus and other sites immortalized by art and mythology. He includes too detailed information on modern attractions. Freely offers both archaeological information and historical anecdotes which invoke the ghosts of Athens with every step. With 32 black-and-white photographs. (GRE201, $21.95)
Temples, Tombs and Hieroglyphs, A Popular History of Ancient Egypt  •  Barbara Mertz HISTORY •  2007 •  PAPER  • 324 PAGES An updated classic history of ancient Egypt by the author of the best-selling Amelia Peabody mysteries draws on archaeological reporting, historical speculation and recent scholarship. Mertz's great enthusiasm and formidable scholarship brings ancient Egypt to life for the general reader. (EGY27, $26.95)
These Were the Romans  •  Graham I. Tingay  •  John Badcock CULTURAL PORTRAIT •  1990 •  PAPER  • 234 PAGES A social history of the ancient Romans at home and abroad, focusing on aspects of daily life, historical developments and the reach of the empire. With appendices featuring helpful charts, tables and a language guide. (ITL334, $27.95)
Think Like an Egyptian, 100 Hieroglyphs  •  Barry Kemp LANGUAGE & PHRASEBOOKS •  2005 •  PAPER  • 256 PAGES Here's a short book that will help you understand the ancient Egyptian language. Take it along if you'd like to learn to read the hieroglyphs. (EGY25, $15.00)
Three Kingdoms, A Historical Novel  •  Lo Kuan Chung  •  Moss Roberts ANTHOLOGY •  1990 •  PAPER  • 500 PAGES First published in the 14th-century, this epic saga is a compilation of fact and fiction based on ancient storytelling traditions. It's a fantastic tale of heroes and villains, monsters and wizards, fighting for the control of China during the last days of the Han Dynasty (150 AD). Much of the action centers on the middle and upper Yangtze -- and some familiarity with the rival kingdoms of Wei, Shu and Wu will much enhance your appreciation of a voyage along its banks. This abridged edition is translated and edited by Moss Roberts, who also translated the full three-volume edition. (CHN57, $25.95)
The Voyage of Argo  •  Apollonius of Rhodes  •  Emil V. Rieu LITERATURE •  1977 •  PAPER  • 224 PAGES The story of the voyage of Jason and the Argonauts on their quest for the Golden Fleece. Aided by a map and a glossary, Emil V. Rieu's translation of the original epic by Apollonius of Rhodes, is readable and informative. A classic in the works of Greek mythology. (GRE91, $14.00)
The Yellowstone Story, A History of Our First National Park, Volume 1  •  Aubrey L. Haines HISTORY •  1996 •  PAPER The first entry in a two volume history of the park, covering prehistoric times through early exploration and on to the late 19th century. Volume two is also available (USW384). (USW383, $22.95)