LOST TREASURE OF THE INCA

Once again, Lourie (Rio Grande, p. 224, etc.) will fire readers’ imaginations with his search for lost Inca gold, on a trek through the high mountains of Ecuador. As in his other adventures, Lourie skillfully links history with his real-life quest; so powerful is his narrative style that readers will fully expect him, toting a 16th-sixteenth century treasure map, to uncover the 750 tons of Inca gold, ransom for the Inca king hidden somewhere on the volcano “Beautiful Mountain.” Despite a great effort, Lourie does not find the treasure, but few reading this account will doubt it exists. He concludes: “I picture myself traipsing though the beard of the world to the treasure mountains, to that mysterious land of the Inca where the great treasure of the Sun King lies buried still.” He thoughtfully includes the treasure map he followed so that would-be adventurers can attempt their own hunt. Full-color photographs of Inca gold, period illustrations, and contemporary photographs of Lourie and his companions enhance the title throughout. (glossary, index) (Picture book/nonfiction. 8-12)