Review (PDF) Forgotten Vilcabamba: Final Stronghold Of The Incas (None, 1)
Book by Lee, Vincent R.
Series: None, 1
Paperback: 515 pages
Publisher: Six Pac Manco Pubns; First Edition edition (June 1, 2000)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0967710901
ISBN-13: 978-0967710907
Product Dimensions: 1.2 x 6 x 10 inches
Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds
Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
Best Sellers Rank: #1,579,311 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #148 in Books > History > Ancient Civilizations > Incan #673 in Books > Travel > South America > General #2015 in Books > History > Americas > South America
It is hard to imagine any serious exploration into the Vilcabamba without first reading Vincent Lee's seminal book on the region. His extensive forays into this amazing corner of Peru are documented here in hugely readable style. Important historical breakthroughs, such as the discovery of the exact site of the final and decisive battle between the Incas and the Spanish, are intermixed with fascinating anecdotes about the difficulties of travelling in an area that, in the 1980's, was a hotbed of `Shining Path' terrorist activity. The post-conquest history of the Incas is well dealt with, but it is the maps that make this book so indispensable. As a trained architect Lee's plans of ruins such as Vitcos and Espiritu Pampa are so accurate and easy to follow that they have become the favoured guides used by both archaeologists and amateur visitors alike. Undoubtedly one of the most important books ever written about the Incas.
Even though its a massive volume of information, I was hooked and sat down and read it in a day. I have been to Ecuador, Peru and the many times and have always had a fascination with the Inka. I've read everything that I could find from Garcilaso, Cobo, and all the way to contemporary authors. Lee writes in a gripping narrative style that grabbed my attention from the first page. If you have any intention of seeing Machu Picchu and extending your vision beyond the normal tourist venues in the area then you must have this book as a reference.
forgotten Vilcabamba is the first hand story of the exploration of a remote region of the Andes driven by curiosity to complete one of history's unfinished puzzles - the lost last capitol of the Inca empire in exile. Vincent Lee's story of his research and expeditions in search of the people, places and ruins found in the Vilcabamba is a readable page turning tale of adventure and discovery. Profession skills developed guiding climbing trips and designing architecture in the Rockies of North America became the perfect tools used to explore and map the historically rich but since lost sites in this mountainous region of Peru. His extensive maps and drawings give life to the Inca settlements and are the standard used by archaeologists researching the region and have enabled my personal exploration of sacred sites associated with sun worship. Guided by the available literature and with the council of prominent Andean scholars, Lee has become one of the world's experts on Vilcabamba. This book is his and his wife Nancy's tale of their quest to understand the Inca province of Vilcabamba, the historical conquest of the Inca there, the adventures had and friendships made along the way. If you are thinking to go, this book is must reading. If you are looking for a tale of adventure and discovery in South America this is it.
Forgotten Vilcabamba: Final Stronghold of the Incas is a narrative of Vincent R Lee's detective work into finding the Incas final stronghold. Many to this day have believed it to be the famed Machu Picchu, which Vincent R. Lee shows it was not. Forgotten Vilcabamba: Final Stronghold of the Incas was especially exciting to the historian in me. Having the book include pictures, maps and drawing makes you feel as if you are on this journey of discovery right along with them. The history of the Incas has always been an interest to me and so I felt honored to read Forgotten Vilcabamba: Final Stronghold of the Incas and to write a review. This is a wonderfully written book.
Vince Lee has all the qualities of a true explorer and discoverer. He's a scholar who does meticulous research that has led him to undiscovered places. He's very tough, cheerful and determined, in plunging into the rugged hills of the Vilcabamba region beyond Machu Picchu in Peru. He's an architect, so when he finds a ruin he makes a fine survey and plan of it. So in a series of expeditions he has located every important unknown ruin in that difficult area. This book tells the exciting, sometimes scary, also funny, tales of the expeditions by this real explorer. It's a great read because it's authentic.
I picked up this book a couple of years ago but held on to it for quite a while before starting it with low expectations. It turned out to be one of my favorite reads in a long long time. It borders on a professional archaeology text and a frightening and exciting travel adventure. I learned much about Peru and history from the book, but enjoyed the wonderful descriptions of the part of the world I can never see. I have recommended this book to anyone who will listen. It is just hard to put down because of the excitement and beauty. Have fun with this book.
Finally, a well-researched and well-written book on Vilcabamba, the region occupied by the Incas for over thirty years before they were finally exterminated by the Spanish invaders. There are many crazy theories about the last/lost city of the Inca but Vincent Lee is totally convincing as he describes his many years of expeditions and historical research. Plus, it's impossible to argue with his maps and reconstruction drawings.
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