This sounds like an excellent and intriguing book. I feel like I live in Aztec country, but only because I work at a university where everything is Aztec or Azteca. So it would be interesting to learn more about the Aztec civilization. Thanks for the tip!
I read “Aztec” many,many years ago. As I remember, there were some severely bloody scenes of sacrifice amid his extremely descriptive passages. It is a fascinating book.
Research to support a historical novel is essential to creating a credible story. Aztec sounds like a great read. Thank you for the recommendation.
Right now I’m focusing on fiction and nonfiction about art history. I finished Blue Balliet’s YA (Young Adult) Lit stories, “Chasing Vermeer,” “The Calder’s Game,” and “The Wright 3.” Next, nonfiction: “The Monuments Men” by Robert M. Edsel. 😉
Did not see the movie, but MONUMENTS MEN sounds like a fascinating read. The Italians did not hide much art from the Germans. They hid all the best quality wines instead.
The fact that Gary Jennings researched the subject for so many years has me impressed, Carl. This shows the author is concerned about the facts more than himself.
I kept asking myself “How can this guy know this stuff?” From raising, educating and punishing children to the inner workings and intrigue of politics to cooking food and making clothing, the particulars of the weather and entire topography of Mexico back then – it is as though he transported himself back 500 years ago and made lots of notes prior to his return to our time.
Many thanks for this Carl. As a frequent visitor to Mexico I think I need to read Aztec, especially after such a strong recommendation from you. As an ex Brit I want to read Whyte’s book also…will be checking these out this summer…
My understanding of ancient people has been modified so much by reading things like this. They are so much like ourselves but so admirable because no matter what the setting of centuries past, life was so hard and tragic , unpredictable with death ever present in so many ways.If you read Whyte’s books, read Skystone first.
i read aztec by gary jennings years ago, and was absolutely captivated by him. you did not mention the author so i googled him and was surprised to see he wrote a lot of other novels on the aztec theme. looking at his other works, i was reminded of raptor.it was another favourite of mine.
23 responses to “Books I read”
Sharmishtha
June 26th, 2014 at 04:09
which publishing? i will certainly love to check out the book, red indian culture was one of greatest and totally unsung.
LikeLike
Carl D'Agostino
June 26th, 2014 at 10:46
go to: aztec amazon books gary jennings
LikeLike
monicastangledweb
June 26th, 2014 at 00:54
This sounds like an excellent and intriguing book. I feel like I live in Aztec country, but only because I work at a university where everything is Aztec or Azteca. So it would be interesting to learn more about the Aztec civilization. Thanks for the tip!
LikeLike
Carl D'Agostino
June 26th, 2014 at 10:31
What university?
LikeLike
monicastangledweb
June 26th, 2014 at 11:00
San Diego State University. We are known as Aztecs.
LikeLike
pattisj
June 25th, 2014 at 13:13
I’m impressed with the amount of research that went into this book. Thanks for sharing.
LikeLike
Carl D'Agostino
June 25th, 2014 at 18:58
Give new weight to the term scholar/author.
LikeLike
Let's CUT the Crap!
June 25th, 2014 at 13:11
Sounds fascinating.
LikeLike
Carl D'Agostino
June 25th, 2014 at 18:59
At over a thousands pages it is rare for me to want to read more.
LikeLike
Let's CUT the Crap!
June 25th, 2014 at 19:22
When the reading is good, it’s not so hard, is it? 😛
LikeLike
http://theenglishprofessoratlarge.com
June 25th, 2014 at 12:01
I read “Aztec” many,many years ago. As I remember, there were some severely bloody scenes of sacrifice amid his extremely descriptive passages. It is a fascinating book.
LikeLike
Carl D'Agostino
June 25th, 2014 at 19:00
Yes, even as sophisticated as were the Romans, they had a brutal side to them as well.
LikeLike
earthriderjudyberman
June 25th, 2014 at 08:11
Research to support a historical novel is essential to creating a credible story. Aztec sounds like a great read. Thank you for the recommendation.
Right now I’m focusing on fiction and nonfiction about art history. I finished Blue Balliet’s YA (Young Adult) Lit stories, “Chasing Vermeer,” “The Calder’s Game,” and “The Wright 3.” Next, nonfiction: “The Monuments Men” by Robert M. Edsel. 😉
LikeLike
Carl D'Agostino
June 25th, 2014 at 10:07
Did not see the movie, but MONUMENTS MEN sounds like a fascinating read. The Italians did not hide much art from the Germans. They hid all the best quality wines instead.
LikeLike
earthriderjudyberman
June 26th, 2014 at 12:54
Smart! Although art and wine do go together … a little chianti with a Michelangelo … 😉
LikeLike
Maxi
June 25th, 2014 at 06:54
The fact that Gary Jennings researched the subject for so many years has me impressed, Carl. This shows the author is concerned about the facts more than himself.
Great post.
blessings ~ maxi
LikeLike
Carl D'Agostino
June 25th, 2014 at 07:15
I kept asking myself “How can this guy know this stuff?” From raising, educating and punishing children to the inner workings and intrigue of politics to cooking food and making clothing, the particulars of the weather and entire topography of Mexico back then – it is as though he transported himself back 500 years ago and made lots of notes prior to his return to our time.
LikeLike
clinock
June 25th, 2014 at 05:29
Many thanks for this Carl. As a frequent visitor to Mexico I think I need to read Aztec, especially after such a strong recommendation from you. As an ex Brit I want to read Whyte’s book also…will be checking these out this summer…
LikeLike
Carl D'Agostino
June 25th, 2014 at 06:18
My understanding of ancient people has been modified so much by reading things like this. They are so much like ourselves but so admirable because no matter what the setting of centuries past, life was so hard and tragic , unpredictable with death ever present in so many ways.If you read Whyte’s books, read Skystone first.
LikeLike
Ankur Mithal
June 25th, 2014 at 02:51
Thanks for the recommendation.
LikeLike
Carl D'Agostino
June 25th, 2014 at 06:19
Would value your opinion/review if you get around to reading.
LikeLike
alifesgayventure
June 25th, 2014 at 02:33
i read aztec by gary jennings years ago, and was absolutely captivated by him. you did not mention the author so i googled him and was surprised to see he wrote a lot of other novels on the aztec theme. looking at his other works, i was reminded of raptor.it was another favourite of mine.
LikeLike
Carl D'Agostino
June 25th, 2014 at 02:45
Yes, I see he has written others and will check them out.
LikeLike