Pre-Columbian Art

This is a very easy to read yet comprehensive survey of Pre-Columbian art. Pasztory has the rare gift of conveying complex ideas clearly and concisely in a style that is a pleasure to read. The book is a general survey of Pre-Columbian art as a whole, with separate sections on Mesoamerican and Andean art, further broken down into chapters on each of the major components in both traditions. I know Mesoamerican art very well, and found her writeups to represent the current state of knowledge, while still providing insights into newer interpretations. This book is a pleasure, and ranks with her study of Teotihuacan (Experiment in Living).

Professor Pasztory is a wonderful lecturer with an in-depth knowledge of the subject material. This comes through in her fine book, simply entitled Pre-Columbian Art. The pictures and the comments and descriptions that follow them clearly explain the information in a way that anyone can understand, whether one is a long-time student of pre-columbian art or the first-time viewer of the incredible works. Easy-to-read without being oversimplified, this work is a must-read for anyone with an interest in indigenous lifestyles.