Description: Men of Maize by Miguel Angel Asturias1975 Written by the 1967 Recipient of the Nobel Prize in Literature First Edition ThusFirst U.S. Printing: Stated 335 pages including glossary Originally written in 1949, is considered by many to be Asturias' masterpiece. The title Hombres de maíz refers to the Maya Indians' belief that their flesh was made of corn. The novel is written in six parts, each exploring the contrast of traditional Indian customs and a progressive, modernizing society. Asturias's book explores the magical world of indigenous communities, a subject about which the author was both passionate and knowledgeable. The novel draws on traditional legend, but the story is of Asturias's own creation. The plot revolves around an isolated Indian community (the men of maize or "people of corn") whose land is under threat by outsiders, with the intent of commercial exploitation. An indigenous leader, Gaspar Ilom, leads the community's resistance to the planters, who kill him in the hope of thwarting the rebellion. Beyond the grave Ilom lives on as a "folk-hero"; despite his efforts, the people still lose their land. In the second half of the novel, the central character is a postman, Nicho, and the story revolves around his search for his lost wife. In the course of his quest he abandons his duties, tied as they are to "white society", and transforms himself into a coyote, which represents his guardian spirit. This transformation is yet another reference to Mayan culture; the belief of nahualism, or a man's ability to assume the shape of his guardian animal, is one of the many essential aspects to understanding the hidden meanings in the novel. Through allegory, Asturias shows how European imperialism dominates and transforms native traditions in the Americas. By the novel's end, as Jean Franco notes, "the magic world of Indian legend has been lost"; but it concludes on a "Utopian note," as the people become ants to transport the maize they have harvested. --Wikipedia See photos for a better idea of item's actual condition. The Fine Print: - Please see photos for a better idea of item's actual condition. - All items are sold in "as is" condition. - Descriptions of items' conditions include obvious defects. Additional minor defects may be present. - Multiple shipping options are usually available. If customer chooses a less expensive shipping service they agree to accept full responsibility for mishaps if that service does not include tracking and/or insurance. - International shipping is usually available. When it is, the only services offered are USPS First Class Package International (for items weighing four pounds or less) and/or USPS Priority International. No exceptions. Be aware, these services tend to be expensive. - Items may be shipped in clean reused packaging to reduce waste. - Please do not whine, whinge, complain, lament, whimper, grumble, fuss, bitch, piss, or moan to me about shipping rates. I do not make money from shipping. If the total cost of an item, including shipping, is more than your willingness to pay, please don't buy it. - Return policy varies by type of item listed. - Your satisfaction is important. Please contact me with any issues. - Items ship within one business day. - Please ask questions prior to the sale if anything is not clear. ---------- Check out my other listings. New items added every week.- Vintage Detective & True Crime Magazines from the early 20th century through the 1990s including more than three dozen titles.- Vintage Old West Magazines. - Ephemera related to the History of Crime in the Western U.S.- Quality books, some rare, ranging a wide variety of genres including: - American Literature - Latin American Literature - European Literature - Asian Literature - Large Format Art Books - Cultural History - Outlaws, Gangsters, and Law Enforcement: History of Crime in the Western U.S.- Random items of interest. And more! This is a side hustle, not a full-time business. I intend to have at least 20 to 30 items available at auction at a time for the foreseeable future with additional items being listed every week. Come back often to see what's new.
Price: 149 USD
Location: Volcano, California
End Time: 2024-12-20T03:04:03.000Z
Shipping Cost: 6.13 USD
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Item Specifics
Return shipping will be paid by: Seller
All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
Item must be returned within: 30 Days
Refund will be given as: Money Back
Binding: Hardcover
Language: English
Translator: Gerald Martin
Size: Approximately 5-3/4" x 8-1/2" x 1-1/4"
Special Attributes: 1st Edition, Dust Jacket, Nobel Laureate
Author: Miguel Ángel Asturias
Region: Guatemala
Publisher: Delacorte Press/Seymour Lawrence
Topic: Literature
Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
Subject: Literature & Fiction
Year Printed: 1975