The Aztecs

The Aztecs were a people with two distinct sides to their culture: the architectural, scientific and creative prowess that stunned the Conquistadors, and the brutal human sacrifice at the heart of their beliefs. Townsend provides a complete and detailed overview of all aspects of their social structure and religion, offering an incredible insight into this rich and sophisticated civilisation. From their great temples and pyramids to their exceptional mosaic work and sculpture, the Aztecs' incredible achievements are illustrated through 84 integrated photographs in the first volume, including diagrams, maps and photographs of ancient sites, images of engravings and intricate relief work, examples of sculptural monuments, and views of temple sites such as the Templo Mayor in Mexico City, the ruins of Xoxichalco and the great ceremonial centre at Malinalco.

A vast number of Aztec artefacts survive and their legacy is dramatically showcased in this edition's pictorial companion volume. There are 90 colour plates, many sourced from the National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico, and each painstakingly reproduced to ensure exceptional quality. There are jewelled skulls – including the Skull of the Smoking Mirror, which was famously used in rituals – basalt sculptures of gods and goddesses, details from the carved reliefs on the Sun Stone and pages from the Codex Mendoza, as well as the exquisite turquoise two-headed serpent that is perhaps the greatest example of the Aztecs' artistic prowess.

Each volume includes a decorated title page with motifs inspired by the Sun Stone, and an intricate foil-blocked binding that replicates Aztec inscriptions. This unique collector’s set brings together a highly respected text on the subject and images of some of the most spectacular artefacts, architecture and archives from this remarkable civilisation.