Mark Adams (1) (1967–)

I visited Machu Picchu in my early 20s and ever since, I have been fascinated by its history and its mysteries. I have read several accounts of Hiram Bingham III's life and his "discovery" of what many termed the Lost City of the Incas. (We all know that Bingham discovered the archeological site in the same manner that Columbus "discovered" America, as if no indigenous people ever lived in either place.) This book caught my eye at the library because of my prior interest in the show more subject.

Author Mark Adams worked for several adventure publications, but never engaged in any adventure of his own. But after reading the controversy over whether Bingham, the "discoverer" of Machu Picchu, had stolen important Peruvian artifacts and whether or not Yale was obliged to return them to Peru, he decided to research the matter and follow in Bingham's footsteps.

Adams writes: “Have you ever seen Mr. Travel Guy? He's the fellow who strides through international airports dressed like he's flying off to hunt wildebeests - shirt with dozens of pockets, drip-dry pants that zip off into shorts, floppy hat with a cord pulled tight under the chin in case a twister blows through the baggage claim area. All of this describes exactly what I was wearing. I could have been trick-or-treating as Hemingway."

The book tells the tale of Adam's physically-demanding trek through Peru with an Australian guide, John Leivers, who seemed to be Hiram Bingham's kindred spirit. Adams interspersed his own story with the history of the Spanish takeover of the Incan Empire and Bingham's own treks through Peru in search of important archeological finds.

Adams has an entertaining writing style that makes this book both an informative and a humorous read. show less

If I come at this review saying Adams is a travel writer, then my review of this book says that it's an accessible and charming travel book that creates vivid scenery without being hackneyed or overwrought. It's a pleasure to read after having begun, and abandoned, other Mediterranean travelogues.

If I come at this review as a classicist, then my review says something more like this book is a charming and accessible approach to a little-known yet much-discussed part of the classical canon. show more Coming at such obscure topics and complex questions as an "outsider" means that Adams brings fresh eyes and a fresh way of thinking to a topic that's plagued classical scholars for two millennia. I read the chapter "The Plato Code" three times in a row for sheer pleasure, my classicist's head spinning with joy and possibility.

Go read this book. Now. show less

A little gem of a travel book. And the author is also a gem, a rare one - a self-deprecating American.
Tells the story of the author's exploration of Incan Peru, set against the explorations and publications of Hiram Bingham, the man who brought Machu Pichu to the attention of the world.
The whole thing is simply charming. The author is likeable, the characters of the guide and cooks and mule wranglers are generously reported, and the controversies that beset Bingham's legacy are well show more described but without unnecessary unpleasantness.
If only all travel books could be as enjoyable show less

Mark Adams, while following roughly the same path as Hiram Bingham III, comes to realize both the context and the magnitude of the discoveries. He also learns the value of wearing two pairs of socks while hiking in the jungle. His guide, John Leivers, helps him literally and figuratively navigate the world of the Inca Trail. His help in the author’s journey creates some of the most poignant and humorous anecdotes while they trek through the jungle.

The twin stories of the author and Bingham show more are also set against a third strand of history—that of the original Inca and the Spanish conquistadors. This triple history further enriches the adventure as we learn how Pizarro, Bingham, and the author interact with both the people and the environment of South America. Interwoven with each of these strands are bits and pieces of Peruvian politics, ethics, society, and culture. I thought the humor in this history book was well-timed and very engaging. This makes for a great weekend read. show less