Cusco and the sacred valley of the incas

by Fernando E. Elorrieta Salazar, Edgar Elorrieta Salazar, Beverly Nelson Elder (Translator)

Considered the heartland of the Inca Empire, the author gives a detailed account of the valley's history, geography, spiritual traditions, mythology, and much more. Profusely illustrated with color photographs

Genres: History, Nonfiction

160 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1996

Reviews

[Carlos · Rating 1 out of 5]

The best I can say for this book is that it is beautifully illustrated. The prose was just not working for me. Outside of some basic historical facts I found myself doubting the legitimacy of arguments that seemed to relay heavily on what certain topographical features looked like, a llama, a puma, a condor, etc. I also felt that the book meandered too much, conveying some historical information here, some mythological information there and yet more discussions on the shape of this or that hill. The best I can advise is to leave this gorgeously illustrated book as a decoration in a coffee table and don’t bother to actually read it.

[Julian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Examines the terraces and structures of the Inca empire in a way that’s connected with the meaning and cosmology of the Inca. Fernando shows structures and figures that are little-known, and mostly unacknowledged by mainstream history. He brings together bits of history and myths where he can to support what he sees. He’s done his research.

One thing that I would have liked is citations for the myths he references, even if it’s just “in town x, they say this myth”, as I’m left wondering where these myths came from and how I can read more about them.

Some of his conclusions about the meaning of what he finds seem premature, and although reasonable, I think the writing and credibility of the author would benefit from saying when he’s making a guess about potential meaning, and when he’s basing it on historical sources or myth.

Altogether, this provides a very compelling connection between the sites of the Inca and their religious and mythical beliefs about which so little is really known.

[Jess Monnier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent!

[Rebecca Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great reference book for illustration on different Inca sites. It’s not as in depth as other works, but it’s a good reference for visual comprehension.

[pjr8888]

bought in Peru, 2000