"The Mythologies of Ancient Mexico and Peru" by Lewis Spence. Published by Good Press. Good Press publishes a wide range of titles that encompasses every genre. From well-known classics & literary fiction and non-fiction to forgotten−or yet undiscovered gems−of world literature, we issue the books that need to be read. Each Good Press edition has been meticulously edited and formatted to boost readability for all e-readers and devices. Our goal is to produce eBooks that are user-friendly and accessible to everyone in a high-quality digital format.

Almost exhaustive proof of the wholly indigenous nature of the American religions is offered by the existence of the ruins of the large centers of culture and civilization, which are found scattered through Yucatan and Peru. These civilizations preceded those of the Aztecs and Incas by a very considerable period, how long it is impossible in the present state of our knowledge of the subject to say. Those huge, buried cities, the Nineveh's and Thebes of the West, have left not even a name, and of the peoples who dwelt in them, we are almost wholly ignorant. That they were of a race cognate with the Aztecs and Toltecs appears probable when we consider the similarity of design which their architecture bears to the later ruins of the Aztec structure. Nevertheless, there is equally strong evidence to the contrary. At what epoch in the history of the world these cities were erected, it would at present be idle to speculate. The recent discovery of a buried city in the Panhandle region of Texas may throw some light upon this question and indeed upon the dark places of American archæology as a whole. In the case of the buried cities of Uxmal and Palenqüe, great antiquity is generally agreed upon. Indeed one writer on the subject goes so far as to place their foundation at the beginning of the second Glacial Epoch!

In Lewis Spence's book, 'The Myths of Mexico & Peru', readers are taken on a captivating journey through the rich mythologies of these ancient Mesoamerican and South American cultures. Spence expertly delves into the intricate stories of gods and goddesses, creation myths, and traditional beliefs, drawing parallels between the two civilizations. His narrative style combines academic research with a storytelling approach, making the myths accessible to a wide audience while maintaining scholarly credibility. This book serves as a valuable resource for understanding the cultural and religious practices of these societies, shedding light on their worldview and beliefs. Lewis Spence, a renowned Scottish folklorist and writer, was driven by a fascination with mythology and folklore from a young age. His extensive research and passion for these subjects are evident in 'The Myths of Mexico & Peru', where he showcases his deep knowledge and understanding of ancient civilizations. Spence's expertise makes this book a cornerstone in the study of Mesoamerican and South American mythology. I highly recommend 'The Myths of Mexico & Peru' to readers interested in exploring the mythologies of ancient cultures and gaining insights into the religious beliefs of Mesoamerican and South American civilizations. Lewis Spence's meticulous research and engaging writing style make this book a must-read for anyone curious about the mythic traditions of Mexico and Peru.