Foreword. The Four Heavens

Decades of pioneering research, led by David Stuart—a prominent Mayanist and MacArthur Genius award recipient—have unlocked the decipherment of Maya hieroglyphs at Copán, Honduras. This breakthrough allows scholars to read and interpret the historical narratives inscribed on ancient monuments, revealing a fascinating civilization previously shrouded in mystery. The study builds on advancements in glyph interpretation, providing unprecedented access to Maya history through epigraphic analysis. Stuart's contributions, beginning in his teenage years, have been instrumental in this scientific achievement, offering a synthesis of knowledge that bridges gaps for both academic experts and general readers.

(Ed.). (2026). Foreword. The Four Heavens, xi–xii. https://doi.org/10.1515/9780691280660-002