General & Miscellaneous Ancient Art, Latin America & the Caribbean - Antiquities, Pre-Columbian & Native American Architecture, Incas - History, Peru - History, Pre-Columbian Art, Native South American & Caribbean Peoples - History
Available on Bookshop
Write a review
Books.org participates in affiliate programs including Bookshop.org and the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. We may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through links on this page, at no additional cost to you.
Log in to track your reading progress.
Overview
The stone monuments of the Incas, set against the dramatic backdrop of the Andes, are among the most magnificent structures in the world. Originally published in 1982, Monuments of the Incas is the most comprehensive photographic and narrative study of the major sites of the Inca empire, including the famed city of Machu Picchu, the Inca town and sun temple of Ollantaytambo, the mighty temple-fortress of Sacsahuaman, and the steeply terraced ruins of Pisac.This classic book, long out of print, has now been rewritten to incorporate results from the latest archaeological excavations, discoveries about Inca masonry techniques, and updated interpretations of form and function. There are new chapters about Choquequirau, Vitcos, Chinchero, and the ruins along the famous Inca Trail.
Edward Ranney’s photographs convey the extraordinary accomplishments of the Inca masons—from sheer terrace walls and stairways to striking temple buildings and sculpted rock shrines—and the grandeur of their cities. John Hemming makes brilliant use of archaeological and documentary evidence to write a compelling account of each site and to offer insights and speculations on the enigmatic ruins.
Synopsis
The stone monuments of the Incas, set against the dramatic backdrop of the Andes, are among the most magnificent structures in the world. Originally published in 1982, Monuments of the Incas is the most comprehensive photographic and narrative study of the major sites of the Inca empire, including the famed city of Machu Picchu, the Inca town and sun temple of Ollantaytambo, the mighty temple-fortress of Sacsahuaman, and the steeply terraced ruins of Pisac.This classic book, long out of print, has now been rewritten to incorporate results from the latest archaeological excavations, discoveries about Inca masonry techniques, and updated interpretations of form and function. There are new chapters about Choquequirau, Vitcos, Chinchero, and the ruins along the famous Inca Trail.
Edward Ranney's photographs convey the extraordinary accomplishments of the Inca masons--from sheer terrace walls and stairways to striking temple buildings and sculpted rock shrines--and the grandeur of their cities. John Hemming makes brilliant use of archaeological and documentary evidence to write a compelling account of each site and to offer insights and speculations on the enigmatic ruins.
Editorials
Library Journal
British adventurer and researcher Hemming has very effectively collaborated with photographer Ranney on a thoroughly revised edition of their 1982 book. This greatly expanded edition includes data on recently excavated Inca sites and current archaeological and historical interpretation of materials pertaining to the Inca Empire and the devastating effect of the Spanish conquest. Hemming's major focus is on exploring the outstanding architectural design and impressive monumental stone work of the Incas. He seamlessly interweaves details on Inca architecture with the historical background, explaining the Inca use of both polygonal and coursed masonry and providing detailed descriptions of the artistry and precision of the stone masonry of Inca temples, dwellings, agricultural terraces, etc., at major Andean Inca sites, including Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu, and many lesser-known but equally fascinating locales. Hemming's text is impressively complemented by Ranney's 174 stunning black-and-white photographs, which do an excellent job of demonstrating the overall splendor of Inca stone masonry and the uncanny ability of the Inca stone workers to integrate naturally occurring topographical features into their monumental stone construction. Thirty-one maps and site plans are included along with the extensive bibliography and notes. VERDICT Highly recommended for both scholars and lay readers with some knowledge of and interest in Inca culture, architecture, and archaeology.—Elizabeth Salt, Otterbein Coll. Lib., Westerville, OHBooknews
A reprint of the 1982 cloth edition. Black and white photographs show architectural features of Inca temples and their relationship to the landscape. The text describes sites, buildings, and functions. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)Book Details
Published
March 31, 2010
Publisher
Thames & Hudson
Pages
240
Format
Hardcover
ISBN
9780500051634