Customer Reviews

Stone Offerings: Machu Picchu's Terraces of Enlightenment

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

Perfect complement to our recent trip to PERU and Machu Picchu!

We can look at the pictures and feel like we are there.

It was so great that the author used many different seasons for the book.

Mike Torrey has captured a segment of man's history imposed on earth history bringing alive the past and present.

If you have visited Machu Picchu, you will be awash in memories; if you plan to visit, you will have a guide of what to look for; for everyone else, this photo album is a wonderful armchair traveling experience.

Beautiful pictures! The book was a disappointment, to me at least, because it didn't provide captions to any of the pictures. There was an overview picture at the back of the book that could have had key numbers to the beautiful pictures. A big disappointment, I resold the book on Amazon within a few weeks. Would suggest checking a library copy before purchasing.. I gave it 4 stars for the pictures, not the text or descriptions which rate about 1 star.