Tipon: Water Engineering Masterpiece of the Inca Empire
by Kenneth R. Wright, Gordon Francis McEwan, Ruth M. Wright
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Book Summary Information
Author: Gordon Francis McEwan, Kenneth R. Wright, Ruth M. WrightEdition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2006-08-08
ISBN: 0784408513
Number of pages: 168
Publisher: American Society of Civil Engineers
Book Reviews of Tipon: Water Engineering Masterpiece of the Inca Empire
Book Review: Disappointing
Summary: 2 Stars
Having read the earlier two reviews of this book I was disappointed with what I found. The earlier reviewers had access either to a 'draft manuscript' (Gregory Hobbs), or an 'advance copy' (Sally Kribs), so presumably they have some connection with the author/publisher, which I suspect (intentionally or not) may have influenced their opinion of this work, and perhaps explains the difference in ratings.
The first thing that struck me is that whilst this book boasts alot of photographs not many of them are especially good, either in their composition (often amateurish) or quality. Almost all are in black and white. Some of the photos are so dark as to be almost black with all detail lost do to the photographer not compensating for lighting conditions. Some features which are especially noted in the text of being of interest are frustratingly not illustrated whilst others are illustrated again and again often just with different team members from the engineering crew in the frame.
I found the maps to be of average quality. For example in the map of the Intiwatana complex several buildings (10, 11 and 12) are shown with surrounding walls but no entrance or exit to the outside world. This is obviously a mistake on the map makers part or requires explanation (where is the doorway?. This was disappointing given the books engineering bent and left me with as many questions as answers as to how well measurements had been taken.
Finally the text - about half the chapters are general comments on the Inca and ancient man in the Andes and not specific to Tipon. If you know anything on the Inca you will have heard all this stuff before and it adds little value to the work.
On the positive side the information on the hydrology of the site was of interest to me as a general reader and well written. I think it is very useful to recognise how important water was to the Inca both functionally and aesthetically, and how adept they were in designing the structures required to control it. The walking tour information (though brief) is also of use if you intend to visit the site, but not of much help otherwise to the armchair traveller as it is so brief and glosses over the details - disappointing if you are not able to visit Tipon in the near future and given that there seemed to be architectural features of significance there that are not given the depth of treatment they probably deserve.
Summary of Tipon: Water Engineering Masterpiece of the Inca Empire
Tipon: Water Engineering Masterpiece of the Inca Empire reveals the beauty and the ingenuity of this little-known jewel of the Inca Empire. Located down the Huatanay River Valley by the Inca capital of Cusco, Tipon is a 500-acre, self-contained, walled settlement that served as an estate for Inca nobility. This historic agricultural site, which has been farmed and partially irrigated for more than 450 years, is a stunning civil engineering achievement by the Inca, who were masters of irrigation and hydraulic technology. They designed buildings, waterworks, and massive structures to be visually and functionally in harmony with the natural environment. In planning a place that would integrate water, soil, agriculture, and topography, the Inca created a virtual water garden that impresses all who visit. Kenneth R. Wright takes readers on a tour of Tipon's canals, plazas, aqueducts, and fountains-infrastructure that transformed a remote mountainside into a true engineering marvel. Along with a detailed walking guide and beautiful photographs, this book provides modern engineers and casual tourists alike with an appreciation of the Inca civilization through the great works they left behind.Peru Books
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