Maya Cosmogenesis 2012: The True Meaning of the Maya Calendar End-Date : Book Review

"Maya Cosmogenesis 2012" by John Major Jenkins takes readers on a fascinating journey into the ancient Maya civilization and their profound understanding of cosmology. Through a thorough examination of the Mayan calendar system and its connection to the year 2012, Jenkins provides readers with a well-researched and comprehensive analysis of the Maya's cosmological beliefs and their predictions for the future.

One of the key focuses of the book is the Mayans' long-count calendar, where Jenkins offers a detailed explanation of its functionality and how they measured time. Contrary to popular belief, Jenkins dispels the notion that the Mayans predicted the end of the world in 2012, instead presenting an alternative interpretation rooted in their belief of a time of transition and rebirth.

The strength of this book lies in Jenkins' ability to meld various sources together, including archaeological findings, ancient Mayan texts, and contemporary research. By incorporating these diverse sources, the author provides readers with a nuanced and comprehensive understanding of the Mayans' cosmological beliefs.

Moreover, "Maya Cosmogenesis 2012" delves into the cultural and historical context in which the Mayans developed their cosmology. Jenkins explores the political and social factors that shaped the Mayans' perception of time and their understanding of cosmic cycles. By delving into this contextual information, the book enhances readers' appreciation and comprehension of the ancient civilization.

In conclusion, "Maya Cosmogenesis 2012" offers a thought-provoking exploration of the ancient Maya civilization, their intricate calendar system, and their cosmological beliefs. John Major Jenkins challenges common misconceptions about the Mayan prophecy of 2012 and provides a compelling argument rooted in extensive research. With its well-rounded content and engaging narrative, this book serves as a valuable resource for anyone interested in Mayan culture and ancient cosmology.

What are readers saying?

Maya Cosmogenesis 2012, written by John Major Jenkins, delves into the profound link between the ancient Maya civilization and the astronomical event known as the 2012 date. This book has garnered a mixed response from readers, with some praising its comprehensive research and insightful exploration, while others criticize its speculative nature and lack of accessibility.

Many readers commend John Major Jenkins for the extensive research and wealth of knowledge displayed in Maya Cosmogenesis 2012. They find his analysis of ancient Maya texts and his examination of their complex cosmology to be thought-provoking and enlightening. These readers believe that Jenkins offers valuable insights into the Maya worldview and their understanding of celestial occurrences.

However, some readers express reservations about the speculativeness of the book. They argue that Jenkins heavily relies on interpretation and hypotheses, lacking concrete evidence and making his conclusions subjective and debatable. These critics assert that the book lacks scientific rigor and may be difficult for readers without prior knowledge of Maya history and cosmology to comprehend.

Another point of contention among reviewers is the accessibility of the book. While some readers appreciate Jenkins' clear and concise writing style, finding it engaging and easy to follow, others find the book dense and overly academic, posing a challenge for casual readers to grasp its concepts. These readers suggest that a basic understanding of the subject matter or prior research might be necessary to fully appreciate the content.

Despite these criticisms, many readers acknowledge the significance of Maya Cosmogenesis 2012 as a valuable contribution to the study of Maya civilization and their understanding of astronomy. They believe that the book raises important questions and encourages further exploration into the relationship between ancient cultures and celestial events.

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