Customer Reviews (2)

Household Ecology
Despite the opaque, academic name, this book is very readable and provides a lot of insight into the economic and cultural life of the Kekchi people in a respectful way.It is good to read a book that both honours the uniqueness of an indigenous people while at the same time recognizing them as creative human beings who respond to life pressures according to internal values like everyone else, and not as some sort of artifact of the past.

Household ecology
Wilk develops an excellent model for talking about social organization.Based around an ethnography of the Kekchi Maya, household ecology presents a model that allows the anthropologist to deal with such issues as history, gender relations, markets, subsistence and political organization (and that is easily transferred to different settings for comparative work).This is a book for readers interested in understanding how households function as social institutions, it is replete with information and useful data.Not for a beginner, but for the student of anthropology and ecology, this is an important text. ... Read more

Product Description
INTRODUCTION

Wedged into the northeastern corner of Central America, Belize offers some of the most breathtaking coastal scenery – both above and below water – in the Caribbean. Add to this magnificent inland landscapes, archaeological ruins and wildlife to rival any destination in the region, and it’s easy to see why the number of visitors to this tiny country increases every year. Despite its small size – roughly that of Wales or Massachusetts – Belize has the lowest population density in Central America, a fact that contributes to its easygoing, friendly and, with the exception of bustling Belize City, noticeably uncrowded character.

Belizean territory comprises marginally more sea than land, and formost visitors it’s the sea that’s the main attraction. Lying justoffshore is one of the country’s, and the continent’s, mostastonishing natural wonders – the dazzling turquoise shallows andcobalt depths of the longest barrier reef in the Americas. Beneath thesurface, a brilliant technicolour world of fish and corals awaitsdivers and snorkellers; while scattered along the entire reef likeemeralds set in sapphire, a chain of islands, known as cayes, protectsthe mainland from the ocean swell and holds more than a hint oftropical paradise. Beyond the reef lie the real jewels in Belize’snatural crown – three of only four coral atolls in theCaribbean. Dawn here is a truly unforgettable experience as thered-gold disk of the sun rises over the foaming white reefcrest. These reefs and islands, among the most diverse marineecosystems on the planet, are increasingly under threat; Belize,however, is at the forefront of practical research to developeffective protection for the entire coastal zone, which for visitorsmeans a chance to explore some of the best marine reserves in theworld.

In fact, Belizeans’ recognition of the importance of their naturalheritage means that the country now has the greatest proportion ofprotected land (over 40 percent) in the hemisphere. As a result, thedensely forested interior with its plentiful natural attractions,including the highest waterfall in Central America and the world’sonly jaguar reserve, remains relatively untouched. The rich tropicalforests support a tremendous range of wildlife, including howler andspider monkeys, tapirs and pumas, jabiru storks and scarlet macaws;spend any time inland and you’re sure to see the national bird, theunmistakable keel-billed toucan. Although it’s the only CentralAmerican country without a volcano, Belize does have some ruggeduplands – the Maya Mountains, situated in the south-central regionand rising to over 1100m. The country’s main rivers start here,flowing north or east to the Caribbean, and forming some of thelargest cave systems in the Americas along the way. Few of thesecaves have been fully explored but each year more become accessible tovisitors.

In addition to these natural attractions, Belize boasts a wealth ofarchaeological remains. Rising mysteriously out of the forests are theruins of the ancient cities of the Maya, the civilization thatdominated the area from around 2000 BC until the arrival of theSpanish. Traces of this astonishing culture have been found all overthe country; Maya ceremonial artefacts have even been discovered deepin caves. And although only a few sites in Belize have been asextensively restored as the great Maya cities in Mexico’s Yucatánpensinsula, many are at least as large and in their forest settingsyou’ll see more wildlife and fewer tour buses.

Culturally, Belize is as much a Caribbean nation as a Latin one, but with plenty of distinctively Central American features – above all, a blend of races and cultures that includes Maya, Mestizo, African and European. English is the official language – Belize only gained full independence from Britain in 1981 – and Spanish is equally common,but it’s the rich, lilting Creole, based on English but typically Caribbean, that’s spoken and understood by almost every Belizean, whatever their mother tongue. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

Wait until the next edition comes out.
This book, though it has many excellent sections and qualities, has one short-coming: its accommodations and restaurants are dated (published 2001 but most establishments were reviewed in 2000 or 1999).There are many new establishments that have opened and a bunch that have closed. I knocked on the door of the "Trends Guest House" in Belize City only to be told by the neighbor, "Its closed.Been closed for two years", "Oh", I replied."Yea man, there was a murder" the neighbor said."Oh?" I replied. "Yea, the owner was murdered by a guest." Oh! I replied.So the recommendations are hit and miss,but for those that which were open, the comments are reliable (most have raised their prices) and worth pursuing.

If you are going to snorkel or dive, you should know that much of the reefs in the Northern Cayes (Ambergris & Caulker) are 65-85% dead. This is because of the three hurricanes in the last 5 years.According to one marine expert, it will take 20 years or more of them to return.Nothing is said about the destruction to the coral reefs in this guide.

On the plus side this guide has excellent Internet references.Almost every hotel has email addresses and many of them have webpage addresses.Maps are clear, concise and easy to use.Tons of references that point you to a plethora of information on Belize. (most with web address).Belize is completely covered, no area of interest is omitted, and Peter Eltringham has include a very good section on TIKAL, Flores (across the boarder in Guatemala) and the Bay Islands (Roatan).

His bibliography on recommended books to read is valuable and solid for anyone that wants to know more on Belize.

All Rough Guides have a difficult to use number system to quote the price range of a hotel, i.e. one hotel is a number '6' which means between BZ$110-150 that scale is back on page 28 of the guide, then you convert the BZ$ to $US.This system is a pain when it is so much easier just to say $75 dollars.

Bottomline: WHEN the new edition comes out, Rough Guide to Belize will be at the very top of the Belize guides but, until then, you will be best served by another guide.

A recommended purchase for your trip to Belize
My wife and I went to Belize in April 2002. I reviewed several books of Belize, of which there were few. This one seemed to be the book to buy. I wasn't disappointed. It had very good restuarant recommendations for Ambergris Caye as well as hotel info. Some information was not updated (internet cafe in Cayo had moved, [an inexpensive] great internet connection place was not mentioned also, a series of cabins that were listed as in business in Crooked Tree were *completely* run-down and *nowhere* near being in business) but this didn't hamper our vacation very much. It had good info on stuff to do in and near Cayo. Bottomline: buy this guide if you're going to Belize.

Recommended
(Planeta.com Journal) - This 300-page book is a superb second edition that details the best of ways of exploring Belize (and nearby Tikal and the Bay Islands). What Belize First calls "a tour de force" is a must-read for travelers heading to this country. Author Eltringham's first visit was during his tour of duty by the UK's Royal Air Force. He's returned numerous times and covers community tourism issues with the same clear-spoken authority of trekking and diving. Independent travelers will relish the detailed information, practical advice and helpful maps.

We tried others - but Rough Guide came through.
We had Lonely Planet "Central America" and Fodor's "Guatemala and Belize", but it was Rough Guide we kept coming back too.In our trip to Guatemala and Belize we spent 4 days in Belize, but only out on the Cayes. Most of the time was spent on Caye Caulker (a very laid back and relaxing escape) staying at Mara's Place which was listed in the guide without much fanfare, but hit the spot.

If you need low budget (~25US per room - no tax!) stay with Mara.She is right near the swimming spit and has lovely cabins(no A/C, but ceiling fans) that are simple, but clean. You'll always notice Mara driving around town in her sporty ATV.

For the sizeof the Caye the restaurants are plentiful with most listed in the guide.

The one short coming was scuba info.Belize barrier reefs are known for their great scuba and snorkeling and the island has plenty of shops - but only 1 is listed.They will refer you elsewhere if they can't accomodate you, but I am surprised that Rough Guide didn't dedicate more space to this popular sport.I assume the writer either a) didn't spend much time on the Cayes or b) didn't care much for water sports.Might have been both, but this is a huge oversight given that the Cayes are one of the most popular destinations in Belize.

Despite this shortcoming - you won't be disappointed.

Very Good Guide-Needs Update
After looking at several other books we chose this one for our 14 day trip in January of 2001.It was an excellent resource for important info and interesting tid-bits.It is a little old now and some information is out dated at this point.It could really use an update.My husband and I would volunteer to go again!!We had a great time and higly recomend Belize for the less mainstream traveler.Go now though, it is definatly changing!Don't miss Hol Chan marine reserve snorkeling and Placencia village.Also, we loved Crooked Tree and Tikal.Have a great time and take this book with you!!! ... Read more

Product Description
The prevailing view of the lowland Maya during the Postclassic period (A.D. 1050-1500) has been one of an impoverished, "degenerated" society devoid of cultural accomplishment. However, Marilyn A. Masson offers a fresh interpretation of this society as one that represented a complex, sophisticated, extensive organization of semiautonomous units that were closely integrated, yet embraced a decentralized political economy.In the Realm of Nachan Kan opens a window on Postclassic Maya patterns of cultural development and organization through a close examination of the small rural island of Laguna de On, a location that was distant from the governing political centers of the day. Using diachronic analysis of regional settlement patterns, ceramic traditions, household and ritual features, and artifacts from the site, Masson tracks developmental changes throughout the Postclassic period. These data suggest that affluent patterns of economic production and local and long-distance exchange were established within northern Belize by the eleventh century, and continued to develop, virtually uninterrupted, until the time of Spanish arrival.

In addition, Masson analyzes contemporary political and religious artistic traditions at the temples of Mayapan, Tulum, and Santa Rita to provide a regional context for the changes in community patterns at Laguna de On. These cultural changes, she maintains, are closely correlated with the rise of Mayapan to power and participation of sites like Laguna de On in a pan-lowland economic and ritual interaction sphere. Offering a thoroughly new interpretation of Postclassic Mayan civilization. In the Realm of Nachan Kan is a must for scholars of Mesoamerican history and culture. ... Read more

Product Description
This is an investigation of the origin and growth of the colony of British Honduras and an analysis of the diplomatic controversies to which that growth, together with the overthrow of Spanish dominion in the New World, gave rise.The narrative ends in 1901 because at that date the Anglo-Guatamalan dispute ceased, for the next thirty years, to be active. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

One of the only books you'll find with in depth info
If you're looking to travel to Belize for lesisure or study, this book is a required read.With much more information than you can find in ANY travel guide, this book was used for a college class I took in 1997-98.This book includes information on politics & government, the economy, society & ethnicity, social forces, environment and foreign influences!Thats quite a bit of info for such a tiny country, and Barry tells it well.In my opinion, this book is the best reference available on Belize.Even if you're just a casual traveler to this country, you can benefit from knowing so much about it.If you've ever travelled somewhere and wondered about that places' political or historical background, a book like this will answer all of those questions and probably more.And as for the country of Belize, it's truly a gem! ... Read more

Product Description
This classic handbook delivers the most information available on the extraordinary Central American nation of Belize. Covering every corner -- from wildlife preserves and Maya ruins to palm-fringed beaches -- Chicki Mallan and Patti Lange offer all the facts you need to enjoy the ultimate Belizean experience. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (16)

Alot of Information
I bought this book a couple years ago when we couldnt decide on the Yucatan or Belize, we still havent went but this book was put together really well. Maybe here sometime we'll get around to going to Belize. When that day comes i'll picking up the newest Moon book on this country for sure.

Best advice, although a little out of date
My husband and I just returned from a 16 day trip to Belize, and this was definitely our favorite guidebook on the trip! We bought this book as well as Fodor's Belize, and together they were the perfect combo. The Moon book was right-on for budget travelers who want to be more than a tourist--the authors' sense of humor & interest in getting to experience new cultures really made the book. We used the local buses for transportation and tried to stay in places under $50 US (which isn't hard in Belize!), and this book was right-on with recommendations and descriptions. The only negative was that it is getting a little more out of date in regard to lodging, restaurants, and prices, but that's why we bought the Fodor's book as well (Fodor's Belize 2007 edition). Overall, this book is 5 stars, and because of it, we had an awesome trip!

great handbook
i found this handbook absolutely fantastic during my 4-weeks' travel through belize! the authors really know their stuff. every recommendation was great. i found it much better compared to the lonley-planet non-up-to-date version.

An Award-Winning Guidebook
It's fitting that this 6th edition of Moon Handbooks Belize has won the prestigious Lowell Thomas Award granted by the Society of American Travel Writers (SATW) in the Best Guidebook category. Joshua Berman has done a splendid job adapting and updating a previous edition by Chicki Mallan - Moon Handbooks Belize has been reborn! It's a state-of-the-art example of Moon's new book design, and you won't find a better guide to Belize than this.

Simply perfect
Really perfect for all trips to Belize. Was very helpful and complete. Nice job.
J. ... Read more

Product Description
Completely updated and revised for this new edition, our unique electronic book on two CD-ROMs has an amazing collection of the finest federal documents and resources about Belize, providing encyclopedic coverage of all aspects of the country. This disc set provides a truly fantastic reference source, with over one hundred thousand pages reproduced in Adobe Acrobat format! There is complete coverage of newsworthy material about Belize, including doing business, country commercial guide, Half Moon Caye National Monument; USAID reports, Agriculture.This incredible and comprehensive series on the countries of the world contains material from the State Department, Department of Defense, White House, and cabinet agencies including Agriculture, Energy, and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.There is complete information about geography, people, government, the economy, communications, transportation, military, and transnational issues.In addition to the nation-specific material, as a bonus we have included reports about every country on the globe, with 271 nations, dependent areas, and other entities identified by the Central Intelligence Agency. The CIA World Factbook is considered an invaluable "world encyclopedia" reference book. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Fun & informative collection of information!
We carried this all over with us on our trip to Belize.
Great tidbits on out-of-the way places!

Not what I expected from a "Hidden" book
We had a fabulous time on the French Polynesian islands with "Hidden Tahiti". That book took us to out-of-the-way natural beauties, great local-style restaurants and shops, etc. So, when we were set to travel to Belize, we expected more of the same.

Hidden Belize was NOT the same. We found nothing hidden in the book that wasn't over-publicized by local tour agencies, hotels, etc. The great little local-cuisine restaurants of the Tahiti book instead was replaced with all the expensive restaurants catering to wealthy US citizens wanting gourmet dinners. We found great local establishments featuring great local cuisine and culture all on our own. We actually used the recommendations of this book as places to stay away from.

The one redeeming feature of this book was a good overview of the geography of the different areas of the country.

So, as I said, my wife and I like to experience a lot of local flavor on our trips, and this book showed us none of that. ... Read more

Product Description
Featuring all-new material on Mayan ruins, diving, snorkeling, fishing, river trips, and nature tours, the latest edition of Belize: A Natural Destination remains "the best guide to both practical and historical information" (Outside). 55 photos, 20 in color. 40 line drawings. 10 maps. ... Read more

Product Description
This digital document is an article from Dictionary of American History, brought to you by Gale®, a part of Cengage Learning, a world leader in e-research and educational publishing for libraries, schools and businesses.The length of the article is 292 words.The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase.You can view it with any web browser.Focuses on cultures and countries around the world, specifically what is and is not shared culturally by the people who live in a particular country. Entries contain descriptive summaries of the country in question, including demographic, historical, cultural, economic, religious, and political information. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (1)

I am revising this work
I assert my moral right to be identified as the author of this history.

I have just revised and republished it through another publisher and would like to replace this "unavailable" early version and the later version (1983) with my name misspelled. The updated third edition is now available through Lulu and the title has been changed slightly to better reflect the time period covered.

The Early History of Orange Walk Town, Belize. . . by Charles Emond

I am working at making this new edition available here on Amazon. ... Read more