Edgar Allan Poe called it perhaps the most interesting travel book ever published. Here, complete in one volume, is the classic real-life adventure originally published across two volumes in 1841 that mesmerized readers with its evocative descriptions of journeys in Mesoamerica. With a wandering spirit mellowed by an analytic eye, American diplomat and writer JOHN LLOYD STEPHENS (1805 1852) introduced Westerners to the mysteries of the Yucatan in this contemporary bestseller, riveting armchair explorers with his lyrical account of visits to 44 Maya sites, including the then-unknown Chichen Itza and Uxmal. Complete with all the beautiful original illustrations by English artist and architect FREDERICK CATHERWOOD (1799 1854), this is essential reading for those fascinated by Mesoamerican culture as well as those under the thrall of an itch to see the world."