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The Art of Mesoamerica is a scholarly survey book by art historian Mary Ellen Miller, first published in 1986 and widely used as an introductory text on pre-Columbian art. It presents a comprehensive overview of the visual cultures of ancient Mesoamerica—from the Olmec to the Aztec—emphasizing style, symbolism, and historical context. The book traces artistic development across major Mesoamerican civilizations, including the Olmec, Maya, Zapotec, Mixtec, Toltec, and Aztec. Organized chronologically, it integrates art history with archaeology, religion, and political history, illustrating how visual culture shaped regional identity. Numerous maps, site plans, and photographs support the text. Recognized as a foundational reference in the World of Art series, Miller’s volume distills decades of research into an accessible narrative for students and specialists alike. It contextualizes artworks—sculpture, mural painting, ceramics, and architecture—within religious and cosmological systems, emphasizing the interplay between ritual and aesthetics. Successive editions have incorporated updated archaeological findings and interpretive advances, particularly regarding Maya epigraphy and urban planning. The 5th edition (2012) refined dating frameworks and expanded coverage of central Mexican sites, maintaining the book’s status as a standard classroom and museum resource. Critics and educators praise The Art of Mesoamerica for balancing scholarly rigor with clarity. Its concise synthesis and extensive illustrations have made it a mainstay in art history curricula and a gateway text for understanding ancient American civilizations.