The Myth of Quetzalcoatl
Through many centuries of prehistory, Quetzalcoatl came to be the most enduring and widespread of the many deities worshiped by the native peoples of Mesoamerica. This mythic figure appeared under a variety of names and guises but was always associated with the warrior spirit and with crop fertility, particularly with regard to the cultivation of maize. Florescano, director of the National Council of Culture and Arts in Mexico, has amassed a wealth of information on the history and cultural significance of Quetzalcoatl. His well-written and scholarly study, nicely translated by Hochroth, presents thorough research into both the archaeological record and pre-Hispanic and Spanish written accounts. His in-depth analysis also provides comparisons between Quetzalcoatl and the prehistoric vegetation gods of Mesopotamia and the Mediterranean. This fascinating work is recommended for academic libraries with collections in Mesoamerican prehistory and religion.AElizabeth Salt, Otterbein Coll. Lib., Westerville, OHCopyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.