This book examines the development of the principal styles of ancient American architecture, sculpture, and painting until the end of the Aztec and Inca empires in the 16th century. The book tries to explain works of art as such, rather than dwelling upon those ideas about civilization which art is often made to illustrate in books of a more archaeological character. The book is arranged by geographical regions in three main divisions: Mexico, Central America and western South America. Architecture, sculpture and painting occupy most of the volume, but town planning, pottery, textiles and jewellery are also discussed. Many of the illustrations portray little known sites, buildings and objects.