Handbook of Inca Mythology (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9781576073544)

The first introduction to the Incas and their myths aimed at students and general readers, bringing together a wealth of information into one convenient resource.

Full of hard to find information, Handbook of Inca Mythology provides an accessible introduction to the rites, beliefs, and spiritual tales of the Incas. It provides a concise overview of Incan civilization and mythology, a chronology of mythic and historical events, and an A-Z inventory of central themes (sacrifice, fertility, competition, reversaldualism, colors, constellations, giants, and miniatures), personages (Viracocha, Manco Capac, Pachackuti Inca), locations (Lake Titicaca, Corickancha), rituals, and icons.

The last Native American culture to develop free of European influence, the Incas, who had no written language, are known only from Spanish accounts written after the conquest and archaeological finds. From these fragments, a vanished world has been reborn and reintroduced into modern Andean life. There is no better way into that world and its mind-bending mythology than this unique handbook.

Author: Paul Richard Steele
ISBN-10: 1576073548
ISBN-13: 9781576073544
Publisher: ABC-CLIO
Language: English
Published: 11/01/2004
Pages: 336
Format: Hardcover
Weight: 1.67lbs
Size: 10.42h x 7.28w x 0.94d

Review Citation(s):
American Reference Bks Annual 01/01/2005 pg. 551
Choice 06/01/2005 pg. 1806
School Library Journal 02/15/2005 pg. 86
Booklist 05/01/2005 pg. 1605