Aztec Thought & Culture

...of aztec history. this book is very complex and very intriguing at the same time. portilla offers an extensive background and the significance of the creation myth of the aztecs and their history through the use of histories that were taken from the priest who interviewed key priest/teachers in the aztec culture. portilla takes the information that is known through the written and oral history of what is left of this amazing civilization and puts it into a book for people who know enough to understand the basics and the deeper aspects of the nahuac philosophy. this book is very complex, however, is very enlightening if you take the time to understand what is being said.

This book should be among the first books to read if anyone is trying to learn the true Anahuaca (Mexican and "Central American") history. Portilla does a good job in mentioning important theological aspects of our people, in that what Europeans interpreted as "Gods" are actually manifestations of one creator.

I first bought this book thirty years ago. I now use it as a text book for my Mexican American Culture and Society Class and for my Pre Hispanic life and Religion Class. This book is basic in understanding the depth of philosophical and religious thought of the ancient Mexican. Portilla is is primarily instruemental in all of his writings in intoducing the reader to the ancient civilizations of this hemisfaire....that was in exsisitance at the same time of the old world....and which we have been so ignorant of for too long.

I have read quite a few books on the Aztecs and this is one of my favorites. It provides great insight into the Aztecs thought, culture and language. I am also reading one of the authors other books, titled "Fifteen poets of the Aztec world" which I also recommend. These books are great for anyone who is interested in the Aztecs.

I don't think this book was a "waste of time" in fact this depicts true Mexica historical, cultural and linguistic facts and interesting details the way they are meant to be told. The truth!