This superb book was first published as lectures for a course at the University of Trujillo. It was updated and expanded (sixfold) in 1950. As many new discoveries have been made since then, it is no longer the last word on the subject but it continues to be a model of scholarship, erudition and good taste. It is remarkable how much information can be teased out of physical objects (structures, tombs, textiles, ceramics, weapons, tools, etc.) about societies which left no written records whatsoever and Dr. Horkheimer sets a very high standard of distinguishing scrupulously between knowledge, conjecture and myth. He also manages to convey to the reader his aesthetic appreciation and his respect for the people who, in spite of a very challenging environment, managed not only to survive but to create things of beauty. It is deplorable that the book was never translated.