Of necessity, a writer’s work is often conducted in solitude. Yet, it can be fascinating to meet the people behind the words.

Much of what is known of Aztec society comes from a book written by Bernardino de Sahagún, a Spanish friar living near what is now Mexico City. During the second part of the 16th century ...

What it is: A turquoise-encrusted wooden mask from the Aztec civilization Where it is from: Somewhere in Mesoamerica When it was made: Between 1400 and 1521 Related: Book of Kells: A 1,200-year ...