Men of Maize

Men of Maize
Author(s)	Miguel Ángel Asturias
Original title	Hombres de maíz
Country	Guatemala
Language	Spanish
Publication date	1949
Media type	Print

Men of Maize (orig. Spanish title Hombres de maíz) is a 1949 novel by Guatemalan Nobel Prize in Literature winner Miguel Ángel Asturias. Its title originates in the Popol Vuh, one of the sacred books of the Maya.

Plot introduction

The novel deals with the conflict between two types of men: the ones who consider maize to be a sacred food (the indigenous people of Guatemala); and those who view it simply as a commercial product. It exposes the devastating effects capitalism and international companies had on the lives of Guatemalan maize growers, having a profound effect on their customs, ancestral beliefs and cultural identity. The novel is generally considered to be part of the literary genre known as Magic Realism. As such, it delves into the richness of native culture and oral tradition and touches themes such as: myths and legends, songs, native wisdom and lore, nahualism, magic and animal spirits.

See also

Novels portal

• Literature of Guatemala