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Incidents of Travel in Central America, Chiapas, and Yucatan, Vol. 1

1840 was a pivotal year for Central American exploration due to the travels and accounts of one John Lloyd Stephens and his trusted friend, artist Frederick Catherwood. Together, the two had set out to explore the Yucatan jungle and find the lost remnants of the ancient Maya civilization, documenting their discoveries through a two-volume book, the first of which is presented here.

Incidents of Travel in Central America is an extensive, well-written book recounting the two men's perilous travels and containing detailed information about the Maya, the local indigenous population of the time and their traditions, as well as 127 stunning engravings, many of which were authored by Catherwood himself.

The two explorers have visited dozens of ancient sites depicted in this book - a total of 44 Mayan locations documented and spoken about in detail. Stephens' drive toward exploration and his spirit of adventure takes him on a real adventure that will captivate the minds and hearts of archaeologists and history enthusiasts from any time and place. His passion for discovering and seeing the Mayan ruins for the first time is inspiring, and can clearly be seen through his compelling writing style.

The book also describes everything from the thick Yucatan jungle, volcanoes and thunderstorms, to the local people's customs, way of life and tradition, in an unbiased and non-judgmental manner. Stephens proves himself to be a master of the Victorian travel account, and his vivid portrayal of the local countryside is equally fascinating as his discovery of the Mayan ruins and his archaeological deductions.

John Lloyd Stephens was a famed explorer, writer and political diplomat who was even recommended for a post as Minister to the Netherlands, shortly prior to his embarking on this great adventure. His most important accomplishment, however, was his crucial role in rediscovering the Mayan civilization and its many notable secrets.