Rabinal Achi

A Mayan Drama of War and Sacrifice

Nonfiction, Entertainment, Drama, Greek & Roman, Fiction & Literature
Cover of the book Rabinal Achi by Dennis Tedlock, Oxford University Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Dennis Tedlock ISBN: 9780190286163
Publisher: Oxford University Press Publication: September 4, 2003
Imprint: Oxford University Press Language: English
Author: Dennis Tedlock
ISBN: 9780190286163
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Publication: September 4, 2003
Imprint: Oxford University Press
Language: English

Here is one of the most important surviving works of pre-Columbian civilization, Rabinal Achi, a Mayan drama set a century before the arrival of the Spanish, produced by the translator of the best selling Popol Vuh. The first direct translation into English from Quiché Maya, based on the original text, Rabinal Achi is the story of city-states, war, and nobility, of diplomacy, mysticism, and psychic journeys. Cawek of the Forest People has been captured by Man of Rabinal, who serves a ruler named Lord Five Thunder. Cawek is a renegade, a warrior who has inflicted much suffering on Rabinal. Yet he is also the son of the lord of the allied city of Quiché--a noble who once fought alongside Man of Rabinal. The drama presents the confrontation between the two during the trial of Cawek, who defies his captors and proudly accepts death by beheading. Dennis Tedlock's translation is clear and vivid; more than that, it is rooted in an understanding of how the play is actually performed. Despite being banned for centuries by Spanish authorities, it survived in actual practice, and is still performed in the town of Rabinal today. Tedlock's photographs and diagrams accompany the text, capturing nuances not apparent in the dialogue alone. He also provides an introduction and commentary that explain the historical events compressed into the play, the Spanish influence on the Mayan dramatic tradition, and the cultural and religious world preserved in this remarkable play. Rabinal Achi ranks as a classic of Mayan literature--and a rare window on a world that had yet to be invaded by Europeans. Dennis Tedlock brings this drama to life in all its richness.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Here is one of the most important surviving works of pre-Columbian civilization, Rabinal Achi, a Mayan drama set a century before the arrival of the Spanish, produced by the translator of the best selling Popol Vuh. The first direct translation into English from Quiché Maya, based on the original text, Rabinal Achi is the story of city-states, war, and nobility, of diplomacy, mysticism, and psychic journeys. Cawek of the Forest People has been captured by Man of Rabinal, who serves a ruler named Lord Five Thunder. Cawek is a renegade, a warrior who has inflicted much suffering on Rabinal. Yet he is also the son of the lord of the allied city of Quiché--a noble who once fought alongside Man of Rabinal. The drama presents the confrontation between the two during the trial of Cawek, who defies his captors and proudly accepts death by beheading. Dennis Tedlock's translation is clear and vivid; more than that, it is rooted in an understanding of how the play is actually performed. Despite being banned for centuries by Spanish authorities, it survived in actual practice, and is still performed in the town of Rabinal today. Tedlock's photographs and diagrams accompany the text, capturing nuances not apparent in the dialogue alone. He also provides an introduction and commentary that explain the historical events compressed into the play, the Spanish influence on the Mayan dramatic tradition, and the cultural and religious world preserved in this remarkable play. Rabinal Achi ranks as a classic of Mayan literature--and a rare window on a world that had yet to be invaded by Europeans. Dennis Tedlock brings this drama to life in all its richness.

More books from Oxford University Press

Cover of the book Quality Peace by Dennis Tedlock
Cover of the book The Sociological Imagination by Dennis Tedlock
Cover of the book Conquest by Law by Dennis Tedlock
Cover of the book Seneca and the Idea of Tragedy by Dennis Tedlock
Cover of the book Exorbitant Privilege:The Rise and Fall of the Dollar and the Future of the International Monetary System by Dennis Tedlock
Cover of the book Realistic Decision Theory by Dennis Tedlock
Cover of the book The Tough Luck Constitution and the Assault on Health Care Reform by Dennis Tedlock
Cover of the book The Missing Martyrs by Dennis Tedlock
Cover of the book A Better Way to Think About Business by Dennis Tedlock
Cover of the book Soldiers in Revolt by Dennis Tedlock
Cover of the book Spy Watching by Dennis Tedlock
Cover of the book A Farewell to Ice by Dennis Tedlock
Cover of the book The Prisoner of Zenda - With Audio Level 3 Oxford Bookworms Library by Dennis Tedlock
Cover of the book The Oxford Guide to Library Research by Dennis Tedlock
Cover of the book Dementia with Lewy Bodies and Parkinson's Disease Dementia by Dennis Tedlock
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy