The Olmec Riddle: An Inquiry into the Origin of Pre-Columbian Civilization

THE OLMEC RIDDLE: An Inquiry into the Origin of Pre-Columbian Civilization i an enjoyable book that reflects scholarly research - based on comparative mythology, theology, archeology (including recent discoveries), and theories of the evolution of cultures worldwide.

Written by James C. Gruener, THE OLMEC RIDDLE offers a balanced view of intertwined discvoveries, and bridges seemingly divergent fields of academic study. This limited edition hard bound book is 544 pages , with a comprehensive bibliography, 20-page glossary, and a complete subject and cross-reference index. The book features 11 color plates, 10 black-and-white photographs (from the archives of the National Geographic Society and the Smithsonian Institution), and 35 beautiful line drawings by William Holmes.

James C. Gruener, author of The Olmec Riddle, is a graduate of Yale University and a postgraduate of Western Reserve University. In the 1930's, he began his practice in law in Cleveland at the same time developing his interest in Pre-Columbian civilization. He and his wife began aquiring some pieces of Pre-Columbian art and, over time, their's grew to be one of the largest private collections in the United States (now at the Cleveland Museum)

In pursuing his interest he found that Pre-Columbian civilization began in the Olmec culture some 3,500 years ago, apparently without any precedent cultural development. What inspired the Olmecs to develop the culture which gave birth to the the civilization is a riddle which led Mr. Gruener to devote years to academic research, consultations with respected authorities, and logical deductions.

The unfolding mystery and its unarguable solution gives an answer to the riddle and represents a significant scholastic achievement.