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Picture-writing Books
Best books
Daniel G. (Daniel Garrison) Brinton
A Primer of Mayan Hieroglyphics
"A Primer of Mayan Hieroglyphics" by Daniel G. Brinton is an instructional text written in the late 19th century. This work serves as an essential guide for those interested in learning the intricacies of the Mayan hieroglyphic writing system, providing insights into both its historical context and structural components. Brinton aims to equip readers with the foundational tools necessary for the study of this ancient script, which remains a vital part of aboriginal American civilization. The opening of this treatise introduces the audience to the complex world of Mayan hieroglyphics, describing the significance of recent archaeological explorations in Central America that have prompted scholarly inquiry into these inscriptions. Brinton emphasizes the variances in the hieroglyphs found across different regions inhabited by the Mayans, while outlining the nature of the written forms they employed. He notes that key gains in deciphering these scripts are scattered across various works, setting the stage for his compilation of knowledge meant to foster understanding among learners. With clear references to previous studies and theories of interpretation, he establishes a framework that aims to clarify how these glyphs function as a system of communication, which is foundational for the reader's further exploration of the subject.
Arthur Evans
Anthropology and the Classics Six Lectures Delivered Before the University of Oxford
"Anthropology and the Classics" by Arthur J. Evans, Andrew Lang, Gilbert Murray, F.B. Jevons, J.L. Myres, and Warde Fowler is a collection of scholarly lectures delivered at the University of Oxford in the early 20th century. The work delves into the intersection of anthropology and classical studies, focusing on how anthropological insights can illuminate the understanding of ancient Greek and Roman cultures. The book aims to encourage classical scholars to engage with the anthropological perspective, highlighting the significance of lower cultures for a comprehensive view of social evolution. The opening of the text presents a detailed preface that outlines the authors' intentions and the overarching themes of the lectures. It discusses the relationship between anthropology and the humanities, arguing for cooperative exploration of cultural dimensions from both fields. It introduces key figures in the lectures and emphasizes the need to bridge the knowledge of simpler cultures with the complex legacies of ancient Athens and Rome. By laying this foundation, the opening sets the stage for subsequent analyses of topics, such as the evolution of writing systems and ancient rituals, which will be explored in the following lectures.
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