Reis naar Yucatan : De Aarde en haar Volken, 1886

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Charnay, Désiré, 1828-1915

Language:

Dutch

Physical Description:

1 online resource : multiple file formats

Place of Publication:

Salt Lake City, UT : Project Gutenberg,

Summary:

"Reis naar Yucatan" by Désiré Charnay is a travelogue and historical account written during the late 19th century. This work chronicles the author's explorations of the Yucatan Peninsula, focusing on the remnants of ancient civilizations and the cultural history of the region prior to European conquest. Charnay aims to unravel the mysteries of the Mayan civilization, providing insights into their architecture, customs, and the impact of Spanish colonization on indigenous populations. The opening of the work sets the stage for the journey, beginning with the arrival of Charnay and his party in Progreso, the modern harbor of Yucatan. The narrative includes vivid descriptions of the landscape, the ancient ruins, and the challenges faced in navigating the region. Charnay reflects on historical accounts of early explorers and the significance of Yucatan-which was noted for its unique geography devoid of rivers and characterized by its limestone bedrock. As he introduces the journey into the interior, he notes various historical observations regarding the Mayas and their interactions with the Spanish, emphasizing the intricate details of their civilization and the ruins that serve as a testament to their past. Overall, the beginning sets a tone of exploration and scholarly inquiry into the rich history of the ancient Americas. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Credits:

Produced by Jeroen Hellingman and the Distributed Proofreaders Team

Notes:

Many of the photographs after which the woodcuts are made after can be seen at http://www.amphilsoc.org/library/mole/a/abbot.htm

Reading ease score: 58.4 (10th to 12th grade). Somewhat difficult to read.

Release date is 2004-09-01