Edgar Allan Poe called it "perhaps the most interesting travel book ever published." Here, complete in one volume, is the classic real-life adventure-originally published across two volumes in 1841-that mesmerized readers with its evocative descriptions of journeys in Mesoamerica. With a wandering spirit mellowed by an analytic eye, American diplomat and writer JOHN LLOYD STEPHENS (1805-1852) introduced Westerners to the mysteries of the Yucatan in this contemporary bestseller, riveting armchair explorers with his lyrical account of visits to 44 Maya sites, including the then-unknown Chichen Itza and Uxmal. Complete with all the beautiful original illustrations by English artist and architect FREDERICK CATHERWOOD (1799-1854), this is essential reading for those fascinated by Mesoamerican culture as well as those under the thrall of an itch to see the world.