A useful if somewhat condensed review of American archæology. Chapitre iv, livre ii, gives a short and not very thorough account of the gods, rites, priesthood, and magic of the ancient Mexicans. Chapitre v deals with the Calendar, and chapitre vi is useful for reference regarding the manuscripts and writing. There is a good bibliography.
Brasseur de Bourbourg, E. C., Histoire des nations civilisées du Mexique et de l’Amérique Centrale durant les siècles antérieurs à Christophe Colomb. 4 vols. (Paris, 1857–1859.)
The Abbé Brasseur’s idea was to explain American mythology as the apotheosis of history. But he unearthed many priceless materials, some of which are included in this work.
Brinton, Daniel Garrison, American Hero Myths (Philadelphia, 1882); “Were the Toltecs an Historic Nationality?” (Proc. Am. Phil. Soc., xxiv, pp. 229–241, 1887); Essays of an Americanist (Philadelphia, 1890); The Myths of the New World (3rd edition, revised) (Philadelphia, 1905).
Brinton’s books are all well written, but his ideas regarding mythology generally are now a little out-of-date. His works, [[376]]however, will repay perusal. The student must be on his guard against Brinton’s etymologies, as his knowledge of the native languages, though extensive, was not exact.
Charency, H. de, Le Mythe de Votan, étude sur les origines Asiatiques de la Civilisation Américaine. (Alençon, 1871.)
Charnay, Désiré, Les anciennes Villes du nouveau monde. (Paris, 1885.) English translation as Ancient Cities of the New World. (London, 1887.)
Charnay’s acquaintance with Mexican archæology and mythology was elementary.
Chavero, Alfredo, Mexico a traves de los siglos, tom. i; Historia antigua y de la Conquista. (Barcelona, 1884.)
This enthusiastic and painstaking antiquary did much for the elucidation of all subjects relating to ancient Mexico, especially as regards the discovery and criticism of ancient works and manuscripts. But his zeal frequently betrayed him into somewhat fanciful explanations.