The Popol Vuh: The Mythic and Heroic Sagas of the Kichés of Central America

The Popol Vuh
The Mythic and Heroic Sagas of the Kichés of Central America
By Lewis Spence
Published by David Nutt, at the Sign of the Phœnix, Long Acre, London 1908


The “Popol Vuh” is the New World’s richest mythological mine. No translation of it has as yet appeared in English, and no adequate translation in any European language. It has been neglected to a certain extent because of the unthinking strictures passed upon its authenticity. That other manuscripts exist in Guatemala than the one discovered by Ximenes and transcribed by Scherzer and Brasseur de Bourbourg is probable. So thought Brinton, and the present writer shares his belief. And ere it is too late it would be well that these—the only records of the faith of the builders of the mystic ruined and deserted cities of Central America—should be recovered. This is not a matter that should be left to the enterprise of individuals, but one which should engage the consideration of interested governments; for what is myth to-day is often history to-morrow.
LEWIS SPENCE.
July 1908.