Anyone interested in Meso-American civilization will enjoy this delightful book. A National Geographic Society book that informs in magnificent color photographs, over 150 in all and specially commisioned paintings. The text is not overly scholarly and is easy to read by the layman or amateaur anthropologist. The text covers the Olmecs and culminates with the Maya's history through modern times. The commisioned painting are truly works of art and they bring the Maya to life. Great stuff for anyone intersted in one of the least understood pre-columbian groups, the Maya. Any known visible cosmetic blemishes in images.