The Lost Cities of the Mayas: The Life, Art, and Discoveries of Frederick Catherwood - Hardcover

Bourbon, Fabio

4.31

45 ratings by Goodreads

9780789206237: The Lost Cities of the Mayas: The Life, Art, and Discoveries of Frederick Catherwood

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0789206234 ISBN 13: 9780789206237

Publisher: Abbeville Press, 2000

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This lavishly illustrated volume recounts the adventurous life of Frederick Catherwood, the 19th-century English artist who discovered lost Mayan cities in the jungles of Central America and the Yucatan plateau. In 1839 Catherwood and his American companion, John Lloyd Stephans, were the first Westerners to view the immense terraces, fabulous temples, and elaborate palaces that had been inexplicably abandoned ten centuries earlier. Superbly illustrated by Catherwood, Stephen's lively travel diaries recounting their extraordinary archaeological discoveries were published in 1841 and 1843. Using these journals and his own extensive research, the author, Fabio Bourbon, has pieced together Catherwood's fascinating biography, which until now has been shrouded in mystery.

Illustrating this handsome, large-format book are more than 200 engravings made from Catherwood's original drawings. Also reproduced is Catherwood's Views of Ancient Monuments in Central America, Chiapas and Yucatan -- a rare color portfolio considered to be his best work. Catherwood's other adventures are also described -- his first trips to Europe and Egypt, his later expeditions to Central America, and finally his experiences in California. This intriguing book about an intrepid adventurer/artist will appeal to anyone interested in exploration, architecture, and archaeology.

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About the Author:

Fabio Bourbon, who lives in Italy, specializes in writing and editing books about art and ancient civilizations.

From Library Journal:

Part adventure story, part archaeological study, part travel sketchbook, this handsomely illustrated book chronicles the discoveries of respected London artist Frederick Catherwood. In 1839, Catherwood and his American companion, John Lloyd Stephens, were the first Westerners to view the "lost" Mayan cities of the Yucatan Peninsula. Stephens's lively travel diaries, superbly illustrated by Catherwood, were then published in 1841 and 1843. Based on these journals and extensive research, Bourbon (coauthor of Ancient Rome: History of a Civilization That Ruled the World) has pieced together Catherwood's fascinating biography. Illustrated with more than 200 engravings, taken from Catherwood's original drawings, this work also reproduces Catherwood's Views of Ancient Monuments in Central America, Chiapas and YucatanDa rare color portfolio considered to be his best work. Catherwood's other adventures are detailed, including his trips to Europe and Egypt, as well as what is known of his personal life. Very few books have been written about Catherwood, and this one is reasonably priced, especially for its quality and size. It will appeal to anyone interested in exploration, architecture, or archaeology and is recommended for larger public libraries, academic libraries, and specialized collections.DSylvia Andrews, Indiana State Lib., Indianapolis
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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