A compilation of the teachings of Quetzalcoatl; avatar of the Toltecs; reconstructed from original source texts and the legends told at his birthplace in Amatlan; Morelos; Mexico.• The first complete historical account of the life and teachings of Quetzalcoatl; the most important figure in Mesoamerican spirituality.• Includes 86 chronological teaching stories accompanied by 27 codex illustrations.Quetzalcoatl Ce Acatl (born in A.D. 947)--whose stature has been compared to that of Christ; Buddha; and Krishna--was the key figure in the development of the spiritual culture of the Toltecs. In The Gospel of the Toltecs the author has gathered Nahua and Maya codexes; Spanish chronicles of conquest; and native oral tradition to recount the life of Quetzalcoatl: his temptation and fall; his initiation with sacred mushrooms; his long journey in search of spiritual enlightenment; his triumphant return to the Toltec land; and his subsequent teaching; self-immolation; ascension; and promise of return.Quetzalcoatl's teachings make up the Toltecayotl; or Toltequity--the art of intentional doing--which provides an initiatic guide for the transformation of individuals and society; while his personal history is a guide for the development of Nahualli; the magical side of human awareness. For all those who wish to deepen their knowledge of the roots of Toltec spirituality or who wish to grow from the teachings of one of the world's great spiritual leaders; The Gospel of the Toltecs offers a unique and authentic access to the life and ministry of one of the most important figures in the ancient world.
#1991460 in Books I. B. Tauris 1995-11-15Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 10.11 x .92 x 10.09l; 3.08 #File Name: 185043963X240 pages
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Great book on early Islamic firearmsBy James D. CrabtreeI was fortunate enough to visit the Tareq Rajab Museum when I was last in Kuwait and saw most of the weapons in this book. Robert Elgood does an excellent job of putting these gunpowder guns in their historical perspective; especially as it divides the guns into various points of origin. The photographs of the weapons (augmented by various illustrations) really show how these firearms are works of art.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Adventures in HistoryBy McDougallAs a lifelong researcher on historic antique arms and armour; I believe my earliest interests were brought about in my youth watching the thrilling adventure movies which were centered in exotic places and made from the Golden Age of Hollywood into the years of the classic stars. While these were extensions of the also classic literature on which they were based; the romanticism and excitement led to the deepest desire to learn more about these mysterious places and what the people in them were really like.This book reflects the tenacious scholarship that has become the hallmark of its author; Dr. Robert Elgood; and presents itself beautifully to both serious scholars of these fascinating arms; as well as to the world of armchair adventurers; to which I proudly claim myself included.It presents the breathtaking weapons of the Taraq Rajeb Museum in Kuwait; which are included throughout the deftly crafted text which is a fact filled narrative of pure adventure through these exciting times. The weapons themselves are noted briefly on the pages; but expertly described in detail at the back of the book. Here also is a superb bibliography which presents the reader with a myriad of intriguing titles to pursue these subjects further; and best of all; what I regard as the treasure chest!! the footnotes.......fantastic!1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Firearms of the Islamic WorldBy BI am slightly confused by the one poor review; as the reader had issues with the lack of engraving reference(?) This book has nothing to do with engraving; and is a very well written and researched study on oriental firearms; as stated in the title. And as such; it excels in every way. Whilst European arms have been covered in many publications; the East is a subject with little known reference. The author has delved deep into historical research and provided a great overview of the Arab world; with good images and copious reference notes. In the 15 years since it was first published; this still remains a seminal study and essential for any library on the subject of arms.
