Despite the name, Smith is one of the leading experts on Aztec culture and wrote a book based on both documentary and archaeological evidence on…Aztec culture.

Not history. Let’s be clear on this: only a couple pages at beginning and end are devoted to the history of Central Mexico. The rest of the book is an in-depth, thorough look at the culture there, how ordinary people lived. What they ate, spoke, knew, and made. Who ruled them and what they were called. What wars looked like, what trade was like.

For someone who wants to write about a fantasy Aztec-like culture, this book was invaluable.