Unlike most studies of the Incas; this book reconstructs the daily life not only of the ruling Inca elite but also of the rest of the society; including the conquered peoples. From food and drink to religious rituals; the major aspects of life at all levels in the Inca empire are here described and explained in a clear; accessible way. Over fifty illustrations are included; as are a historical timeline of the Inca empire; a glossary; and a bibliography.
#363327 in Books Atlantic 2006-10-10Ingredients: Example IngredientsOriginal language:EnglishPDF # 1 1.30 x 6.40 x 9.04l; #File Name: 0871139464416 pages
Review
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. Anzio: One of Churchill's Biggest MistakesBy Brian HawkinsonI knew little of the Italian Campaign simply because the focus in general; and mine specifically; has been on the Normandy invasion. Wanting to dig deeper I picked up Anzio by Clark. I was not disappointed and came away with a better grasp of the bloody campaign on Italian soil.Clark does an excellent job in setting up the scene; showing who spearheaded this invasion (Churchill) and who commanded the army (Lucas). What I took away most was that this was an ill fated campaign that was hurriedly pushed through planning; which caused the inevitable oversight of the minor details that would have canceled the campaign. None the less; the attack on Anzio went on despite Clark and Alexander not pushing through the German defenses farther south. Clark details the size of each army facing each other and; quite surprisingly; describes the two conservative and reluctant generals facing each other; Lucas and von Mackensen. This really is why the two sides battled it out like two equals; instead of the unequal might of the combined Allied forces. Lucas not capitalizing and thrusting forward; and von Mackensen not counterattacking to take the advantage away. Once both finally decided to take the plunge they had already lost their advantage. What resulted was one of the few battles in World War II where the two sides were equal in number and slugged it out between each other.I enjoyed Clark's narrative; although it was a little dry at times. He relied heavily on personal memoirs and narratives in order to get the feel of not only the generals but of the soldiers as well. I couldn't help but come away from Anzio feeling unsure. Unsure on the unnecessary bloodshed and loss of life on a campaign that didn't do much; and unsure because ultimately Anzio did draw a large amount of forces away from France and the Normandy invasion. On the one side it was pointless; on the other it may very well have insured the success of teh Normandy invasion. On a side note I couldn't believe that the Allies had put over all command with Mark Clark; who only seemed to want to receive the glory of capturing Rome; even if it was at the expense of letting divisions of the German army escape. Such a decision did nothing but make Clark into one of my least favorite generals of World War II.Although Clark's Anzio was a little dry at times I would definitely recommend it. Anzio deserves the attention and Clark does a decent job of shedding light on this controversial campaign. A recommend.4 stars.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. LOVED< LOVED it. I fully expected for the material to ...By S. JettLOVED< LOVED it. I fully expected for the material to be too technical and dry to keep me interested; so; I was surprised that some days; I just couldn't put it down. My father was in this battle; thus my interest. This is the 1st of 4 books I ordered. Great choice!3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. A Tragic CircumstanceBy Dave SchranckMr Clark has produced an excellent; well rounded story of one of the most controversal campaigns in World War II. He places the campaign within the overall context of the war and the controversy that this campaign ignites and with his narrative being both informative and engaging; most people will think highly of his book. Mr. Clark's description of the principle commanders on both sides helps the reader understand the campaign by seeing what each side is trying to accomplish as well as seeing the inner strength or weakness of each key person. The author does well in balancing the tactical with the human element. Using personal interviews and diaries; the author weaves many personal accounts and memories within the telling of the actions on the battlefield.I would've scored 4 1/2 stars if possible and while scoring 5 stars would not be outrageous; there are several small complaints which; from my perspective; detracts from a perfect score.My biggest concern is that the battlefield description is not complete. The author gives only key engagements and while the discussion is good; its not in depth; also the analysis of these tactical engagements are minimal. The maps are good but in the paperback version are too small to be quickly assimilated. There are also a few photos.Though the author has a deliberate introduction; explaining the political controversy and the troubles the 5th Army is having at the Gustav Line and how it relates to the Anzio landing; I feel he wasn't critical enough or descriptive enough on the Allied commanders - Churchill; Brooke; Alexander; Clark and indirectly Eisenhower with regards to Clark. These "faults" are minor and do not detract greatly from the book; most people who are not deeply interested with the tactical or operational will not see these arguments as a problem.Its one of the best on the market and with the touching closing; its highly recommended.
