First published in 1980, "Aztec" reached No.1 position on the "New York Times" bestseller list. "Aztec" - The extraordinary story of the last and greatest native civilization of North America, at the very height of its magnificence, was told by a novelist working at the very height of his powers. It is a story told in the words of one of the most robust and memorable characters of recent fiction. His name is Mixtli - Dark Cloud. Born the son of a provincial quarrier, Mixtli rises far above his station. He becomes, first, a scribe; he goes on to distinguish himself as a warrior, earns a fortune as a travelling merchant and explores every part of what the Aztecs called - The One World - the far lands of mountains, jungles, deserts, seacoasts. His courage and resourcefulness earn him a knighthood and, eventually, elevation to the nobility. "Aztec" is a novel of heroic dimension in every respect. Twelve years in the making, it is compelling in story, in its feel of history happening and in its tumult of events. It is rich with memorable characters and brilliantly colourful exoticism. It is an epic tale, full of power and surprise that will leave its readers wishing it would never end.