DECIPHERING AZTEC HIEROGLYPHS

A fascinating examination of an ancient language

Author Gordon Whittaker Publisher Thames and Hudson Price £25 Released Out Now

The Nahuatl-speaking Aztecs presided over one of the most magnificent early civilisations ever discovered, and one of their many achievements was the development of a sophisticated and visually captivating hieroglyphic writing system. In Deciphering Aztec Hieroglyphs: A Guide to Nahuatl Writing, Gordon Whittaker provides us with a step-by-step guide to reading and understanding this breathtaking way of writing.

Richly illustrated with examples that bring the hieroglyphs to life, Whittaker succeeds in making these ancient writings accessible. And alongside the guide to the hieroglyphs themselves, he provides us with a history of the discovery and interpretation of the Nahuai language itself, as well as a comprehensive history of the Aztec world.

This is a fascinating book that demystifies what might seem to modern eyes to be a sometimes impenetrable system of language. The vivid, artistically rich hieroglyphs illuminate the text, while Whittaker’s carefully constructed guide to understanding them is always accessible, enthusiastic and compelling. There is nothing dry or dusty about this book at all, nor the ancient language within. It is by turns complex, witty and revealing, and readers will find much to enjoy here. Though this book will obviously appeal to linguists and students of the ancient world and its languages, it has a wider appeal among those seeking an introduction to the Aztecs and their language.