The Ice Maiden: Inca Mummies, Mountain Gods, and Sacred Sites in the Andes

There were things I enjoyed about this book; however, I felt that not enough attention and detail were paid to describing the wondrous finds of Inca mummies. The discoveries seemed to get pushed to the wayside as Reinhard embarked on paragraph upon paragraph of self-absorbed prose, promulgating his many achievements, hardships, accolades, and "brilliant ideas." He attempted to wedge into this text as many important names and contacts as humanly possible, stressing his ties with those people and societies; which, of course, detracted from the story itself. It's more of an autobiography of Reinhard as opposed to any semi-convincing study of Inca culture surrounding the mummy finds, not to mention the mummies themselves. A brief chapter is devoted to the bare outlines of Inca culture and history, but it culminates to nothing more than a few lines summarizing dates and periods. I was disappointed in the text, not only because it did not provide enough information on the subjects that REALLY matter (like Incas, not Reinhard), but Reinhard came across as arrogant and self-aggrandizing as he recounted his interactions with others. Reinhard repeatedly mentioned his "annoyance" with others, and strived as hard as he could to present those who did not win his favor (or bow to his presence) in an extremely negative light. He also spends valuable space talking about how his "companion" and "lady friend" Jackie would accompany him; this is the fluff that would be better excised and left on the cutting room floor. It contributed nothing to the story.As I am serious about studying Native American cultures, most especially pre-Inca and Inca, I will look elsewhere for the knowledge that I expected Reinhard to at least make a enthusiastic attempt to supply.I will say: the pictures were nice.(...)

Prior to seeing Juanita in her museum in Arequipa I had no idea she existed. I became fascinated by her and wanted to learn more. This book took me through johan's discovery of her but also her preservation and the research done and knowledge acquired through it. I had no idea how much more I could learn when the llullaillaco mummies were discovered in Argentina and are even more preserved than Juanita. I can't wait to learn more about these incredible discoveries and more discoveries to come and what they can teach us in the future.

Reinhard has done a masterful job of writing up a fantastic archaeological find for the layman who is without formal anthropological education. The mountaineering aspect of both Reinhard and friends and the Inca 500 years ago is beyond ordinary. The politics of trying to do a scientific adventure in a third world country is described very well. I recently (Nov '08) did similar work; volunteer conservation trail work, teaching mountain rescue to local rangers/police, ruin and trail stabilization, etc. in Peru and can fully appreciate his descriptions of the surroundings. I recommend this book for anyone planning a trip to the Arequipa and Cuzco areas.

This explained so much more about Andean culture from today and Inca time. So amazing to read about the finds and the lives of all the children.

A well-written firsthand of a high-altitude archaeologist, not a career I knew existed before! I haven't finished it yet, but so far it's an interesting study not only of archaeology and ancient Inca human sacrifices, but of the logistics and politics that go into this kind of research.

I read Ice Maiden before a trip to Peru. This book gives much information-not only about the actual ice maiden herself, but related discoveries including the difficulties, both physical and political, of such types of archaeology. It is also readable and provides sources, references. Intriguing and moving at times, it inspired me to read more. Wish there were more pictures and maps. Certainly worthy.

Just bought it to read on airplane ride and it's fascinating stuff. Surprising, current, was completely unaware of the Incan sacrifices. Glad I bought it.

The title of this book is a little misleading, but the fact that most of the book is about experiences other than the ice maiden does not detract in any way. The writer does a great job and the subject is gripping. Wonderful.

Book arrived in very good condition, arrived on time. I read it from cover to cover in one afternoon fascinating. The author takes you through how he found the first mummy, clearly written not too many academic phrases or works to look up, thoughts of the author, colour pictures and illustrations to bring the mummies and landscapes to life. Johan Reinhard also notes the problems he encountered within the profession and authorities, and National Geographic whom he was Explorer -in_residence with.

A real bargain!! Excellent reading and very interesting topic. Have read this gentlemans work before and to get the book at such a low price was brilliant. Thanks.

amazing value