gems, jade, jadeite, fei cui, Mesoamerica, Mexico, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Mayans, Olmecs, Aztecs, archaeology, history, archaeogemology, Pre-Columbian jade; Costa Rica; Maya; exchange; iconography, lapidary

Several years ago, the manuscript of the first edition of Ancient Mexico and Central America was completed. Since that time, continuing research into the ancient past of Mexico and Central America has produced remarkable new discoveries and reinterpretations of existing evidence. Because of the popularity of the first edition, a new printing became necessary, and Thames & Hudson decided that the text should be updated to reflect developments in the field. Yet although many fascinating details have been added to our overall understanding of this cultural region, it is a tribute to the strength of modern scholarship that the broader narrative has remained substantially unchanged. The publisher and author present this second edition of Ancient Mexico and Central America so that readers may appreciate new discoveries and updated references within the framework of the original volume’s strong organization and excellent illustration program. The favorable reception accorded to the first edition was especially gratifying, particularly its recognition by the Society for American Archaeology, which honored the book with its 2005 Book Award.