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The author's voice, as the naive hiker wrenched through the Peruvian highlands on his steep path to goggle-eyed adventure, is a congenial one. Lots of interesting history here on the machinations behind the "discovery" of Machu Picchu, as well as a broad overview of the Incas, with the most popular speculations about the culture and its demise. The work lost some steam for me about 75% of the way through, after the citadel had been breached, so to speak. Still, some good value for anyone with an interest in a fascinating place and time, and some warmth and laughs from the author along the way.
Jeff says:Besides being a history of Machu Picchu in Inca times and in Hiram Bingham’s time of discovery, this also gives a fascinating view of Peruvian life and culture which includes the concept of Peruvian time which usually means a few hours or days later than expected and exaggerated stories of siphoned fat from murder victims sold to cosmetic companies. These hilarious stories offset the serious history lessons and the grueling trek across the various climate and terrain of Peru to possibly rediscover the lost city of the Incas.
h 20.3w 13.6d 2.1new, gift, finished reading on the plane to Peru