Monuments of the Incas

Monuments of the Incas is the most comprehensive photographic and narrative survey of the major sites of the Inca empire, including the famed city of Machu Picchu, the Inca town and sun temple of Ollantaytambo, the mighty temple-fortress of Sacsahuaman, and the steeply terraced ruins of Pisac. This classic book, first published in 1982 and long out of print, has now been thoroughly rewritten to incorporate results from the latest archaeological excavations, discoveries about Inca masonry techniques, and updated interpretations of form and function. Completely redesigned throughout, it includes new chapters about Choquequirao, Chinchero,Vitcos, and the ruins along the famous Inca Trail. John Hemming makes brilliant use of archaeological and documentary evidence to write a compelling account of each site and to offer insights into the enigmatic ruins. Edward Ranney’s photographs convey superbly the Inca masons’ extraordinary accomplishments and the grandeur of the landscape in which they were built.