Monuments of the Incas

by John Hemming, Edward Ranney (Photographer)

A rich contribution to the understanding of Inca archaeology and architecture and an invaluable guide for visitors to Peru.

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.

157 color, 22 b&w illustrations.

Genres: History, Photography

288 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 1990

About the author

Dr. John Hemming, CMG is one of the world's experts on Brazilian Indians, the Amazon environment, the Incas, Peruvian archaeology, The Royal Geographical Society, and the history of exploration generally. He is also Chairman of Hemming Group Ltd., a company that publishes trade magazines and organises trade exhibitions and conferences.

Reviews

[Wyatt Reu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful photos and good writing. Hemming wrote the important “Conquest of the Incas” so there are many fascinating historical details interspersed with his commentary on the architecture and its function in Inca society. The Incas are a familiar people: their utilitarianism, their bureaucracy, their expansionism — but they are also startlingly foreign: shrines, temples, sculptures, rituals dedicated to we’re-not-quite-sure-what. One colonial Spanish commentator remarked (paraphrasing): “With the Incas there is much ritual and little religion.” But from what is left, merely from their monumental architecture, this seems far from true. We, foreign passersby shuffling amongst their ruins, still participate in the raw wonder engendered by their works — we who have lost not only the secret key of the ritual but our access to the realm of its primal inspiration.

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful (albeit heavy) collection of photographs and stories about some of the greatest examples of Inca architecture. The only negative thing I have to say about it, and it's not about the book itself, is that the spelling of many locations is not completely standard. I went searching to find most of these to add to my travel list and had to try multiple spellings (spanish, quechua, mix of the two) to find them. But even though it might have taken me way too long to get through, this book was fantastic.

[Graham Grady · Rating 5 out of 5]

Johnson Products Company was the first Black company to be publicly traded (American Stock Exchange in 1971). This memoir is not only about the trials and tribulations of a highly successful businessman, but about Black culture, entrepreneurship, family values, politics, and overcoming significant hardships. This is a heartwarming tale of a personal journey of Black migration up from the South, urban experiences in the Bronzeville community of Chicago, and the development of a national haircare brand. Enjoy!

[Ari · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very well documented, though it is worth noting that it is a very European/American viewpoint on South American traditions and culture.

[Will Jeffries · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly break-taking views to look at in this amazing book