Prescott's classic history of the Andes empire, its culture, and its demise. This absorbingly readable narrative begins with a broad overview of the country and its people. The author, without the benefit of generations of archaeological and historical research, paints an extraordinarily accurate picture of the Empire of the Incas and the daily lives and customs of its people. The author concentrates on the exploits of Fernando Pizarro and his successors as they loot, pillage and dismantle one of the world's great civilizations.Originally published in 1847, Prescott's "Conquest of Peru" is considered one of the great classics of historical writing. It was the first work in the English language on the subject, and achieved wide circulation - both as a historical treatise and as novel entertainment. Although much has been written on the subject since then, this work is still the starting point for all cultural and historical discussion of the Incan world.This masterfully crafted eBook is a faithful presentation of the first edition, and includes the hundreds of footnotes which the author felt were necessary to substantiate his facts and opinions (each is placed on the page on which it is referenced). Revisions from later editions are also included. The eBook is fully-searchable and fully printable. (597pp, 4.86 Mb)