Customer Reviews

Machu Picchu Revealed

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Seeing Where The Condors Dwell
Review by Greg and Bobbie Hobbs
of Ruth M. Wright's Machu Picchu Revealed
(Johnson Books 2008)

December 10, 2008

What a beautiful little photo-story book Ruth Wright presents to the high marks of Machu Picchu. On two different journeys, we've had the opportunity to use Ruth's much more detailed Machu Picchu Guidebook, co-authored with Alfredo Valencia, for exploring the vistas and hidden niches of this incomparable place.

Now with condor eyes and a poet's voice, Ruth reveals the spirit within these storied stones: "Here all the elements of Inca cosmology came together in one place--the mountains, the holy Urubamba River, melted snows from Mt. Salcantay, the heavens and the Pleiades."

Through years of field work since 1994, Ruth has mastered the archeology of Machu Picchu with the help of Peruvian archeologist Valencia. During that time, she and her water engineer husband, Ken, have helped restore ancient fountains and trails lost for five-hundred years.

This just isn't a pretty picture book, it's a showcase of understanding--spectacularly photographed--from the Gate of the Sun to the summit of Huayna Picchu.

Many of the best shots look you through rock windows Inca artisans designed lovingly for viewing "apus, the mountain gods of the high Andes, with their snow-covered peaks and glaciers."

Illustrating the utilitarian purpose of water, a sacred resource, Ruth shows how the Quechua people "captured the water and brought it to the center in a creatively designed canal, on its own terrace and at just the right grade. From there it flowed freely down through sixteen fountains for ceremonial purposes and as a domestic water supply for the inhabitants, who would fill their aryballos (pottery bottles)."

Contemporary Quechuans have a place of honor in this book. Ruth celebrates their handsome faces, their hard-working hands, and the love of their children swaddled in hand-woven carrying blankets.

This lovely, little, inexpensive book really sums up the beauty and mystique of Machu Picchu. I consider it a coffee-table book that doesn't cause a storage problem, because it would fit on most bookshelves. On the other hand, you will be in no hurry to put it away.

The National Geographic-quality photos literally take your breath away as you turn each page. The book is arranged in a comprehendible fashion, with just enough text to give context and flavor. It would make a great memento for people who have been to Machu Picchu or a perfect gift for the traveler who hopes to visit soon.

Very interesting book. Highly recommend reading works and listening to any online lectures by both Ruth and Ken Wright before visiting Machu Picchu. Pre-readings really enriched the on-site experience.

No one has spent more time in the Peruvian ruins known as Machu Picchu than Ruth Wright
and her husband Ken. Therefore it makes sense to me that any book either of them might
write about Machu Picchu would be incredible both in photos and in knowledge of the history and description of the ruins. Having visited Machu Picchu a half dozen times, when I saw Ruth Wright's Machu Picchu Revealed book my first thought was that it was about time. There has not ever been a thorough English guide book to Peru's fabulous ruin.....Machu Picchu, until now. If you are planning to visit for the first time this book will tell you everything you want or need to know about what you are seeing. Take for instance the many small streams of water that are now running through the ruinS. On my first visit there was no water. It was Ruth and her husband Ken who discovered where the occupants of this immense ruin got their water. And it was the Wrights who got it to run again. (See the section on Water). The chapter on the Temple of the Condor describes in detail the rock carving and shows you where to find "the wings" of the condor. The photography is especially detailed showing how the mammoth stones were put together without using mortar. You will see the Temple of the Sun, but not from the vantage point of Ruth's pictures from above. If you have already been to Machu Picchu or know someone who has, but without this book, here is your opportunity to buy one for yourself and another for a friend. You will find out what you were looking at and feel like you were there again. J.Johnson

Machu Picchu is a gorgeous and astonishing place. It is one of the most memorable places I have ever visited. Ruth Wright's photographic essay, Machu Picchu Revealed, is the best brief introduction to this unforgettable site I have ever encountered. The book is clearly written, well organized, chock full of beautiful pictures, and exceedingly concise. I read it at a leisurely pace in under two hours. The text is really a commentary upon the numerous and well chosen photographs.

The book is presented as a guided tour of Machu Picchu as if the reader approached along the Inca Trail and first saw the place through the famous Gate of the Sun. The pictures and brief commentary lead the reader past the Guard House and through the Main Gate all the while highlighting the spectacular face of sacred Huayna Picchu Mountain. Subsequent sections present the Sacred Plaza, the Intiwatana Pyramid, Sacred Rock, the Temple of the Condor, Temple of the Moon, and several other components of this astonishing place.

Despite its brevity, Machu Picchu Revealed is much more than a tourist enticement. The book reveals the artistic, architectural and engineering achievements of the Incas. Although I spent two full days in Machu Picchu accompanied by a Peruvian guide, I learned important new things from this short photographic essay. Ruth Wright and her husband Ken are perhaps the world's foremost scholars of the architectural and engineering design of Machu Picchu. Among other things they are largely responsible for the discovery of a lost trail on the east flank of Machu Picchu that is graced with fountains equal in beauty and efficiency to those in the central sectors. I found Ruth Wright's photographs of and discussion about the Inca water system particularly enlightening. One sees in the water system how the builders of Machu Picchu were able to unite aesthetics with practical utility.

Whether you are seeking a crutch for a beautiful memory (as am I), or an enticement to embark upon a rewarding adventure, or an understanding of a unique place you may never visit Machu Picchu Revealed has a great deal to offer. The reading time required is very short and the knowledge gained very considerable. I doubt that anyone with a some cash in her pocket would regret buying this book.

First of all, I love the size of this book. It is perfect for my nightstand.

I'll never get to Peru, so this book is very interesting to me. It includes so many different things there such as the temples, the way the water was collected, how the stones were placed for collecting the water for use elsewhere, terracing and much more. This has a wealth of information for those of us who do not travel.

The short descriptions are so easy to read and to understand. The photographs are very clear and amazing. Imagine hiking everywhere the pictures were taken. I especially enjoyed the very colorful photographs of the native people.

I'm so happy the author and her husband were honored with the Order of Merit for Distinguished Service to the Republic of Peru award since much of their lives have been spent doing research, organizing archeological digs, discovering the Long Lost Trail, and how about that gold bracelet - what a passion they must have for the work they do.

I have very, very much enjoyed this book.

Ruth Wright's "Machu Picchu Revealed" book is the perfect book to have both before and after visiting the ruins of Machu Picchu. With the great photographs and nice descriptions "Machu Picchu Revealed" really helps you understand how the ruins are laid out and the most significant parts of Machu Picchu that you should visit. Reading this book will help give you a much better appreciation for what you are seeing once your are there. In addition, it is a great coffee table piece, that easily entices those who have not been to Machu Picchu to begin thinking about planning a trip to visit this amazing place.

Being the owner of Peaks and Places Travel I have organized and guided trips to Peru, Cuzco and Machu Picchu for over 20yrs, I have decided this the perfect book for my clients to buy either before or after their trip to M.P. or for anyone planning a trip to M.P. on their own.

I read one review of this book where the writer commented on the book having many blurry photos. Out of the 132 lovely photos in the book I found there to be only 2 photographs out of focus. I would not let this deter you from buying this great little guide/history book, which also has a reasonable price tag.

I liked the way the author lets you share in the journey of discovery that is Machu Picchu. Right from the entry of the Main Gate, through the Temple of the Sun and on to the Sacred Plaza. Each step makes you feel as if you too are experiencing the trail that leads to Machu Picchu. The photography is spectacular while still being informative. Beautiful pictures showed the intricate system of terraces and fountains that the Incas used to receive their drinking water. Of particular interest are photos of the "Long Lost Trail" a place that is not accessible to the general public. I found this book not just a picture book but rather an informative look at the Emperors royal estate that was built over 500 years ago. I throughly enjoyed this book.

Machu Picchu Revealed provides a wonderful, photographic essay of the wonders and joys of Machu Picchu. For me, since I have been there, it was a reminder of the great experience we had visiting this wonderful place. The photographs are magnificent and well organized with well written dialogue. I, also, highly recommend this book to those who are planning a trip to Machu Picchu for the first time - to get a sense of what to expect and what to be sure to see. Or, if one just wants to dream of a beautiful and mysterious, far-away place, this little book is for you!

This is the perfect travel book for me. It has fabulous pictures paired with just enough descriptions to make you want to call your travel agent and book a trip. Machu Picchu is truly spectacular and this little book shows off it's magnificent beauty in a compact form, perfect to take along on your travels and help guide you as you tour this incredible man-made wonder.