George C. Vaillant (1901–1945)

Though this is a 1962 edition, the bulk of the text is from the first 1944 edition. I would think that a contemporary work would be a better bet if you're interested in Aztec culture, since it would build on a further 70 plus years of research. The writing can be cringeworthy in its paternalism and eurocentrism. Occasional sections hint that the author is starting to break free of this worldview, but I found it jarring to read.