Inca Apocalypse develops a new perspective on the European invasions of the Inca realm, and the way that the Spanish transformation of the Andes relates to broader changes occurring in the transition from medieval to early modern Europe. The book is structured to foreground some of the parallels in the imperial origins of the Incas and Spain, as well as some of the global processes affecting both societies during the first century of their interaction. The Spanish conquest of the Inca empire was more than a decisive victory at Cajamarca in 1532-it was an uneven process that failed to bring to pass the millenarian vision that set it in motion, yet it succeeded profoundly in some respects. The Incas and their Andean subjects were not passive victims of colonization, and indigenous complicity and resistance actively shaped Spanish colonial rule. As it describes the transformation of the Inca world, Inca Apocalypse attempts to build a more global context than previous accounts of the Spanish Conquest, and it seeks not to lose sight of the parallel changes occurring in Europe as Spain pursued state projects that complemented the colonial endeavors in the Americas. New archaeological and archival research makes it possible to frame a familiar story from a larger historical and geographical scale than has typically been considered. The new text will have solid scholarly foundations but a narrative intended to be accessible to non-academic readers.

About the Author
R. Alan Covey is a professor of anthropology at the University of Texas at Austin, and a research associate at the American Museum of Natural History.

Reviews
Alan Covey has vividly and painstakingly traced Inca history from Mama Ocllo to the 'last coya', always with an eye to cosmic consciousness. * Kris Lane, Bulletin of Spanish Studies *
A compelling, readable history of the Spanish conquest of the Incas. * CHOICE *
The latter part of Covey's fascinating book deals with the four decades it took Spain to subdue rogue invaders and independent Incas. Especially good is his discussion of crown policy towards the free state of Vilcabamba, ruled by Manco and his sons until 1572. * Times Literary Supplement *
Overall, congratulations are in order. This is a masterful (if lengthy) synthesis of the encounter era written in a smooth, engaging, and easy style. It surpasses and complements other works, such as John Hemming'sThe Conquest of the Incas, published over fifty years ago, that narrate the history of the same era but without the wider geographical context and religious focus. Graduate students, archaeologists, historians, and others will benefit mightily from Covey's nuanced perspective. * Susan Ramirez, H-Net Reviews *


Awards
Winner of Finalist for a 2021 PROSE Award.



Book Information
ISBN 9780190299125
Author R. Alan Covey
Format Hardback
Page Count 592
Imprint Oxford University Press Inc
Publisher Oxford University Press Inc
Weight(grams) 975g
Dimensions(mm) 155mm * 236mm * 51mm