Customer Reviews

Narrative of the Incas

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Account translated from a manuscript that was only discovered in the 80's. It records the descent of the Incas from the creation of the world through the conquest by the Spaniards. The focus is kept on the Inca's (kings) and their ceremonies and conquests from one of their descendents (whom the author used as his source), who also lived through the conquest. This is a good book to read after reading Discovery and Conquest of Peru, recently published, since you get behind the thoughts of the Spanish in the one and the Incas in the other. In this case we get those first impressions the natives had when they first encountered the Spanish and their horses. Contains maps, illustrations, and glossary.

I recently finished reading "Narrative of the Incas" and found it one of the most fascinating books in years. Having read "1491 - New Revelations Americas Before Columbus"
http://www.amazon.com/1491-Revelations-Americas-Before-Columbus/dp/1400032059/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1220994331&sr=1-1
also a good read, I picked this up somewhat by accident. It reads almost like a mystery novel or fairy tale, covering how the Incas tell of their development from a nomadic tribe into the regional powerhouse. It is a sad read, knowing how it is going to end when the Spanish arrive. It gives the reader insight into what a portion of the Americas looked like before the Spanish arrived - their economic surplus, enginnering abilities, war, politics and religion. I highly recommend it.