The Incas: People of the Sun

by Carmen Bernand

A narrative history of the great Inca Empire of Peru describes the daily life, innovative agricultural techniques, architectural wonders, metalworking skills, and religious practices of the Incas, as well as the devastating impact of European colonization. Original.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

192 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1988

Reviews

[Julie]

An informative book about the Inca civilization with a lot of photos; also copies of some source documents. I'm glad I read this before our Peru trip; hubby is reading it also.

[Deep Water]

Si tratta di un testo piuttosto corto, nemmeno 200 pagine, ma preciso e completo se preso come introduzione al tema.
L'ho trovato davvero interessante e ben fatto e ho molto apprezzato la citazione di fonti originali dei cronisti del tempo.

[Martyna Witek]

Very informative and pleasant to read. Includes many pictures and quotations which can help you to dive and understand what is being described better. I would say that this book gives you perfect amount of information, not too much, so you will remember most of if after reading.

[Keegan Bucy]

Decent introduction

[Kate Lawrence]

What an astonishing culture the Incas had--the breadth of their empire, their amazing skill in building construction (including massive stones moved without wheels or pulleys), their fine weaving, the "virgins of the sun" (who would be buried alive if they broke their vows), the ritual sacrifice of children, the ability to keep complex accounting records on knotted strings called quipu, the grandeur of Macchu Picchu, and much more.

And then there's the whole colonial narrative that begins in the 16th century with European conquest, the subsequent violence and repression of Inca culture, Hiram Bingham's 20th century discovery and excavation of Macchu Picchu, and on and on. The text was beautifully enhanced with many color photos and drawings; reading it made me want to learn more.

[Glenn Robinson]

Enjoyable small photo book that gives a brief description of Peru, the Incas, the Nascas and other groups in Peru with emphasis of the time of the Spanish conquest. It is too small of a book to go into great details, but gives wonderful oversight and ends with a section of historic letters from the 1500's up to Hiram Bingham's rediscovery of Manchu Pichu. Excellent photos. 4x6, sp it is a small book, but good for an overview.

[Kandise]

This unassuming little book turned out to be the best of the Incan history books I borrowed from the library a few weeks ago. A concise & straightforward history with LOTS of art that isn't in the other books, and includes an appendix of long primary source material.

[Alesia]

Didn't finish it. It's a National Geographic type book rather than academic. I might pick it up again sometime.

[Yukari Watanabe]

I've read this book to get the quick idea of the Inca before I visit Peru. The book is very concise and easy to read.

A perfect book for a tourist.

[Thom]

A good book. I should've read it before I went to Peru.