In 1562, Friar Diego de Landa conducted an 'Auto de fé' in Maní where in addition to 5000 'idols,' he burned 27 books in Maya writing. The document translated here is his apology, and one of the few remaining contemporary texts which describe pre-conquest Mayan society, science, and art in detail. The translator, William Gates, provides background on de Landa, the decline of the Maya, and what is today known about their ancient culture.