Nelson Reed's "Caste War of Yucatan" tells the story of an obscure Maya rebellion in Mexico in the 1840's with vigor and a style that makes this history come alive. This is a history that most Yucatecan ladinos didn't want told for many years. But in a masterful way, Reed has put life into one of the most interesting corners of the history of the Americas...the only successful native American rebellion...one that ended in disaster for all concerned.

The story covers the 53 year struggle of the communities of Yucatec Maya that rebelled against intolerable oppression in 1847 and whose events snowballed to an all out race war which raged on and off until its flame was finally extinguished due more to illness and exhaustion than to the resolve of the participants. This gripping tale of battles and desperation has enough horror and action to cause the reader to ponder who these Maya are that today greet the Cancun visitors with warm smiles and hospitality.

Mike Reed

I'm the author of books and articles about Mexico, Cancun and the Yucatan Peninsula. I've lived in Cancun since 1983 and I find the The Caste War of Yucatan by Nelson Reed the most useful and fascinating book about this area.

The modern history of the North American continent began here in Quintana Roo, the site of the first Spanish landing on the mainland. The story of Quintana Roo is the story of Mexico in miniature. Nelson Reed's book is by far the most authoritative history of Quintana Roo ever published in English.

Although closely focused on the Maya rebellion that began in 1847 and continued well into the 20th Century, The Caste War of Yucatan presents a sensitive, accurate and comprehensive picture of the entire history of the Yucatan Peninsula, with many important insights into the history of Mexico as well.

Meticulously researched but written in a gripping narrative style that reads like a popular novel, this book is entertaining, horrifying, sad and always profoundly fascinating. Very highly recommended.

jules_siegel@hotmail.com

This book is a basic text that would be useful for a public speaking class or training seminar. This textbook covers all the important tools and techniques that would be helpful in preparing informative, persuasive and argumentative speeches. The book also includes excellent examples and illustrations. This should be a required book for every public speakers bookshelf

Ms. Nelson-Reed's Visions of the Shaman calendar offers the viewer a portal into their imagination, tapping ancient wellsprings of knowledge and emotion. The vibrancy, depth and intricacy of the water color images are breathtaking. Additionally, Helena writes complementary monthly text that explores the heart and experience of shamanism. Her art reflects the wisdom and strength that come from an obvious devotion to research and detail and a sincere understanding and respect for indigenous shamanic practice. You will find that the Visions of the Shaman paintings have an eternal quality that make the beauty within this calendar something time will not diminish.