Machu Picchu: The History and Mystery of the Incan City by Jesse Harasta

by Jesse Harasta

In 1911, American historian Hiram Bingham publicized the finding of what at the time was considered a “lost city” of the Inca. Though local inhabitants had known about it for century, Bingham documented and photographed the ruins of a 15th century settlement nestled along a mountain ridge above the Urubamba Valley in Peru, placed so perfectly from a defensive standpoint that it’s believed the Spanish never conquered it and may have never known about it.

Genres: Travel, History, Nonfiction

Paperback

First published June 3, 2013

Reviews

[Auggy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yesterday, I ended up watching a Nova program about Machu Picchu and that sparked my interest. When I saw this free on Kindle Unlimited, I thought, "Sure, why not?"

Overall, it's not a bad book. It's a little dry at times and a bit like reading a college term paper but it's relatively short and had information that I didn't learn from the Nova show. It does, however, need a gentle editorial clean up (ironic since the book states that the Charles River Editors was founded to "provide superior editing and original writing services"). There are just too many repetitive spots. Usually it is simple - like stating that an explorer was born in Honolulu then, in the next sentence, saying again he was born in Honolulu - but there was at least one spot where a long sentence was repeated verbatim two pages later. Things like that as well as the mild choppiness in transition and glossing over of larger topics are what made it read like a college paper to me. (Of course, you can't really blame them for glossing over some things - the book is only 42 pages long. I'm sure an in-depth study of these glossed over topics would have greatly multiplied the pages needed.)

Moderately good as a free read though.

[Thomas Armstrong · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was pretty lame. I got it for my trip to Machu Picchu, but it just gave a few facts that I could have gotten from the Internet just as easily. Also, it duplicated information word-for-word from a companion book ''The Mythology and Religion of the Inca'' which I thought was kind of a joke when I read about their Charles River Editors publishing company and ''the superior editing'' that they provided.

[Luis Delgado · Rating 5 out of 5]

Machi Picchu: The History and Mystery of the Incan City

Es un libro que de manera directa, interesante, y ajustándose a la verdad de la historia describe la belleza de Machu Picchu para gozo de quienes ya la visitamos y para aquellos que aún no lo han hecho, podrán recrearse con los ojos de un experto.

[Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love these "quick" history books. Lots of great info in a short read. Thank you Charles River Editors!

[Tasha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Small but concise book on Machu Picchu. Would have liked to see more maps and explanations for the structure as it now stands.

[Rosey Higgins · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good but too short!

Good book! Not as in depth as I would've liked! I wish it would have covered more of the discovery by Bingham.

[Kevinch417 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of information on the inca civilization and the famous site. All crammed into a brief book. Perfect.

[Jeanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Manchu Picchu

An interestingly written history and mystery. This historical site has been fascinating subject for many people and here is an absorbing account, interestingly told.

[Chrissy Coonce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great historical background for our upcoming trip to Peru and Machu Picchu!

[Sarah - All The Book Blog Names Are Taken · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent enough introduction to the site but not particularly in-depth. Needs some editing clean-up, too many grammar and punctuation mistakes.

[Ellie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting book but far to short for my liking.

[Beverly · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick fact filled read about the ever intriguing Machu Picchu...lots of pictures.