"Engagingly written revisionist argumentation regarding the ancient origins of the 'Maya' calendars, which this author posits to have originated in Izapa, Soconusco, and then spread to other peoples of Mesoamerica. Draws from intensive interdisciplinary research in astronomy, history, and geography to identify the 'calendars' cradle' on the Pacific slope and to trace their diffusion over time and space. Also relies on extensive 'alignments and orientation' analyses made across Mesoamerica, plus linguistic and pottery distribution patterns. Impacts Olmec studies, among others. Refutes Chinese and East Indian origins for the Mesoamerican calendar"--Handbook of Latin American Studies, v. 58.