Narrative of the Incas (Paperback)

by Juan de Betanzos (Author), Dana Buchanan (Editor), Roland Hamilton (Translator)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal
De Betanzos, an interpreter who married the Inca princess Dona Angelina Yupanqui, was a little-known contemporary recorder of Peru's Incan heritage. His narrative of the Incas begins with Viracocha's peopling of the world and continues to the Spanish conquest. For over 400 years, de Betanzos's work was known only in an 18-chapter fragment, but recently the translators of this volume have discovered the complete manuscript. Their translation and compilation of several old variants provides the most accurate and intelligible version available of de Betanzos's narrative. As a literal translation of a 16th-century manuscript, and even with punctuation inserted to improve its readability, it retains a long-winded quality characteristic of Spanish from that era. This translation is a triumph of historical scholarship and a treasure for scholars, but it isn't likely to hold the interest of the average reader. Recommended for academic libraries only.?Ken St. Andre, Phoenix P.L.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review
For over 400 years, de Betanzos's work was known only in an 18-chapter fragment, but recently the translators of this volume have discovered the complete manuscript. Their translation and compilation of several old variants provides the most accurate and intelligible version available of de Betanzos's narrative. . . . This translation is a triumph of historical scholarship and a treasure for scholars . . . (Library Journal )

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: University of Texas Press; First Edition edition (1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0292755597
• ISBN-13: 978-0292755598
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6.1 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #842,780 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars History and Conquest of Peru from Inca point of view., April 12, 1999

By A Customer

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.

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful to Read, September 9, 2008

By	Richard4286 "Richard4286" (Houston) - See all my reviews

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.