The Incredible Incas and Their Timeless Land [antikvár]

Foreword at home in Lima, Peru, I go into my study every day, open a volume of history, and lose myself in reflections about other ages. At such times, I have studied and written about ancient Peru, impressed by the arts and accomplishments of early cultures as well as the magnitude and grandeur of the Inca Empire. I marvel at the sweep of lands the Incas overran —mountains, jungle, coastal deserts —and at the diversity of nations they welded into a unified state. I admire the Incas' splendid craftsmanship — particularly their monumental works in stone. Their cunning in war and administrative power in peace were astonishing. For years I have surveyed this unique American Indian empire that had its genesis in a secluded mountain valley high in the Andes of Peru. From that small beginning, the Incas embarked on conquests that gave them dominion over an immense area in western South America. My studies have also focused on another equally great people, the Spaniards, who succeeded in bringing down the Inca Empire. The intermingled descendants of the Incas and the Spaniards now constitute the dominant population of Peru. During my research work I encountered an enthusiastic Inca scholar, Loren Mclntyre. Mac is author and photographer of this book —and a good friend. He has lived and worked since 1947 in all the Andean countries where the Incas left their stamp: Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, Colombia, Chile, Argentina. He and I have spent enjoyable evenings talking about Inca culture, history, and religion. We have discussed early chroniclers who erroneously recorded that the Inca nation emerged at the height of its power from a land inhabited by scattered, backward peoples. We have delved into modern writings, based mainly on archeological findings, that reveal several millenniums of development which culminated with the Inca civilization. As a result of our talks, I have come to know Mac as a dedicated reporter and scholar and as a lively storyteller. Members of the National Geographic Society know from his magazine articles that he is an excellent photographer and writer. In this book he combines his talents to produce an exciting, compelling, and informative account of the Inca Empire. He has synthesized legend with scientific evidence and has interwoven history with personal experience. The result brings the Incas to life once again. Now I am pleased to add this fine volume to my bookshelves. Eugenio Alarco Recipient of Inca Garcilaso Award National Institute of Culture, Peru