Documents the epic conquest of the Inca Empire as well as the decades-long insurgency waged by the Incas against the Conquistadors, in a narrative history that is partially drawn from the storytelling traditions of the Peruvian Amazon Yora people. Reprint. 20,000 first printing.

Please note: This is a companion version & not the original book. Sample Book Insights: #1 Hiram Bingham, an American explorer, was told that ancient Inca ruins were located on a high mountain ridge. He and his assistant climbed up the trail, and within just a few hours, made one of the most spectacular archaeological discoveries in history. #2 The Incas had a capital city called Vilcabamba, which was located in the eastern part of their empire. It was a rebel kingdom that fought against the Spanish invaders. #3 Bingham had always been determined to climb social and financial ladders. When he was twelve, he and a friend decided to run away from home. They bought a boat ticket and a new suit of clothes, stuffing everything into a suitcase. They planned to somehow make their way to New York City, find a job as a newsboy, and then go to Africa. #4 On July 24, 1911, Bingham and his two companions reached a small hut on a ridgetop 2,500 feet above the valley floor. The setting was magnificent: Bingham had a 360 degree view of the adjacent jungle-covered mountain peaks and clouds.

A profusely illustrated summary of world history from an Euro-centric view but in great detail up to the end of World War II.

The beginning of the expedition -- The gateway to the Amazon -- Manaos, the pearl of the jungle -- The river of vanished glory -- In the pioneer country -- Beyond the last outpost of civilization -- Life among the Indians -- A feast of welcome -- Snakes - and Indian costumes -- Conference - and a peace pipe -- A jungle king -- The Beast Men of the jungle -- Initiation into the holy of holies -- Into hostile territory -- Vampire bats -- Hunting with poisoned arrows -- Wives, slaves, and kings -- The pageant of the demons and of sex -- Cannibalistic orgies -- Danger from beast and man -- The march through the jungle -- The land of naked women -- A meeting with outlaws -- The mysteries of birth and death -- Da Silva makes the supreme sacrifice -- The return to civilization -- To the head-waters of the Amazon -- Scaling the Andes -- Over the passage to the City of the Kings -- In the highlands where the Incas held sway -- The capital of the Sons of the Sun -- The pageant of history told in stone -- The origin of the Incas -- The city of our lady of peace -- A center of Pre-Inca civilization -- A brush with Chileans and with ladies of ill fame -- Grave-snatching amid Inca and pre-Inca ruins -- Wherein a buried city comes to light.