Stone Offerings: Machu Picchu's Terraces of Enlightenment [Hardcover]

Mike Torrey (Author), Marie Arana (Introduction)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 2009

Over 100 stunning color photographs of Machu Picchu taken at both the June and December solstices by architectural photographer Mike Torrey. With hardly any visitors evident, these photographs appraise the artistry of the man-made celebrating the natural, as well as the mystery of how, why, when this magical place was constructed. Includes a photographic map of site plus points of interest descriptions, and a complete index of photographs. Marie Arana's passionate introduction appears in both English and Spanish and illuminates the inspirational essence of this wonder-of-the-world. Author's Note describes how photographer created images without showing all the visitors.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Steps carved from huge rocks, boulders used for the sides of buildings, windows precisely aligned to capture the first rays of the solstice sun, and other amazing features of Peru's Machu Picchu are captured in this collection of Torrey's detailed photographs. An architectural photographer, Torrey finds that the ancient Incan city "framed the implicit harmony between nature and humans...forming an underlying skeleton that signifies our interconnectedness. " Approximately 120 pages of photographs from the "Ancient Peak," sometimes called the Lost City of the Incas, will captivate armchair adventurers and spur travelers' imagination. What is known of the city's history is related in the introduction: built in the 15th century, abandoned not long after, "lost" for several centuries, and then rediscovered (and plundered) in the 19th century. To capture the city drenched in sunlight and etched in fog, Torrey visited Machu Picchu at the summer and winter solstices. Dazzling views of stone terraces against the green mountainsides reveal the intricate, mortarless construction of each, built from thousands of stones carried and set by hand. Photo captions are spare and far between, but Torrey concludes with a useful long shot labeling the site's points of interest.
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Review

Steps carved from huge rocks, boulders used for the sides of buildings, windows precisely aligned to capture the first rays of the solstice sun, and other amazing features of Peru's Machu Picchu are captured in this collection of Torrey's detailed photographs. An architectural photographer, Torrey finds that the ancient Incan city "framed the implicit harmony between nature and humans... [forming] an underlying skeleton that signifies our interconnectedness. " Approximately 120 pages of photographs from the "Ancient Peak," sometimes called the Lost City of the Incas, will captivate armchair adventurers and spur travelers' imagination. What is known of the city's history is related in the introduction: built in the 15th century, abandoned not long after, "lost" for several centuries, and then rediscovered (and plundered) in the 19th century. To capture the city drenched in sunlight and etched in fog, Torrey visited Machu Picchu at the summer and winter solstices. Dazzling views of stone terraces against the green mountainsides reveal the intricate, mortarless construction of each, built from thousands of stones carried and set by hand. Photo captions are spare and far between, but Torrey concludes with a useful long shot labeling the site's points of interest. --Publishers Weekly, June 15, 2009

Accomplished architectural photographer Torrey assembles over 100 color photographs of the stone terraces of Machu Picchu, all carefully executed in reasonably good light over the course of a few days during two trips to the site, one during the summer solstice and a subsequent visit during the winter solstice. Torrey manages to capture a sense of solitude in a fairly cohesive photo-essay with images ranging from majestic views to haunting stone formations no small feat given the number of people who swarm to this popular tourist spot. Marie Arana (Lima Nights) provides a worthwhile introduction to Machu Picchu in both English and Spanish. In reading the text and looking through the photographs, however, one longs for greater substance, perhaps a little more insight into the lives of those who once peopled this sacred place. It would have been helpful, at a bare minimum, for each of the photographs to be captioned. Still, this can be recommended as a solid introduction to Machu Picchu. --architectural photographer

This finely crafted book is far more than just a coffee-table book or glossy eye candy. Although, for certain it belongs to be out where it can be seen and lovingly caressed by the eye. For readers who cannot make the trek 50 miles northwest of Cusco, Peru, "Stone Offerings" is the next-best thing. Through the evocative photographs one can almost feel the near-constant cloudy mists that swirl overhead, smell the mountain flowers, and hear the ancient chants rebounding off the perfectly shaped and polished blocks. --architectural photographer

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 144 pages
• Publisher: Lightpoint Press; 1st edition (May 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0981881203
• ISBN-13: 978-0981881201
• Product Dimensions: 11.3 x 10.8 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #274,727 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #34 in Books > History > Ancient > Incan
  • #39 in Books > History > Americas > South America > Peru

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful Images, August 31, 2009

By 

Mark Murray (Southern California) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Stone Offerings: Machu Picchu's Terraces of Enlightenment (Hardcover)

I was looking for a book on Machu Picchu as a birthday present for a friend who had just recently visited the site with his daughter while on a church service trip. I was NOT looking for a guide book or an archaeological history, but rather a book of beautiful photographs,which I thought would instantly remind him of the site and their trip. I was surprised that such a book did not seem to exist,until I found this one from Mike Torrey. The 100 color photographs are stunning,and the thoughtful introduction and notes provide all the context needed. It was particularly interesting to read in Mike's notes how he was able to capture these images as if virtually no one else was present at the site. Looking at the pictures,you are struck by the desolation,mystery,and majesty. If you are looking for a beautiful photographic essay of Machu Pichhu--regardless of whether or not you have even been there--this is the book.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect Pictorial Book of Peru's Machu Picchu, July 11, 2009

By 

Senta A. Kosters (The Woodlands, TX USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Stone Offerings: Machu Picchu's Terraces of Enlightenment (Hardcover)

Being an amature digital photographer, I wanted a book of Machu Picchu that not only showed amazinly beautiful photos, but told where these photos were taken in hopes that I could try and capture the same "look". This book not only shows, but also tells (in some cases) where the photos were taken and what time of day or season. Due to the weather AND my limited ability & knowledge of photography, I also realize that my photos most likely won't look ANYTHING like those in the book (since this is NOT a how-to book on photography)so, I now have a book that shows the beauty of Machu Picchu, just in case my photos fall short :0)

If you are looking for a beautiful, pictoral book of Peru's greatest hidden treasure this book will not disappoint! It also has an introduction and closing notes by Mike Torrey, the photographer, that I personally found to be very interesting. The photographer tells how he took his photos - and his comments are translated in Spanish! In addition, located in the back of the book are detailed Points of Interests.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This beautiful book made me feel like I was back in Machu Picchu again, December 16, 2009

By 

Book worm "Nan" (St. Paul, MN USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Stone Offerings: Machu Picchu's Terraces of Enlightenment (Hardcover)

I have been lucky enough to visit many beautiful places in this world, but Machu Picchu has a majesty and mystical quality, a feeling of sacredness, that I have never encountered anywhere else. Mike Torrey has eloquently captured that essence in his remarkable photographs.