This three-volume reference is intended to support research by scholars in anthropology, archaeology, art history, history, and related disciplines on the Prehispanic, colonial, and republican periods of the Andean region of South America (defined by the extent of the Inca Empire: modern Peru, Bolivia, and Ecuador and parts of Colombia, Argentina, and Chile). Edited by Pillsbury (director of studies, Pre-Columbian Program, Dumbarton Oaks Research Library and Collection), the set is intend to provide an inventory and scholarly analysis of the principal textual sources useful for the study of the region, particularly those concerning indigenous cultures. The first volume offers a general introduction to the various documents and individual discussion of specific types of documents, inclusive of those produced by colonial administration and the church, as well as sources from the sciences and the arts. These discussions are also intended to give the reader a understanding of the cultural background of specific works. This volume also includes a guide to document collections. The second and third volumes contain short alphabetical entries on specific writers and documents, along with biographical and bibliographical information. A typical entry on a single writer will provide about a page and a half of biographical information and commentary and then lists associated documents with bibliographical information. Annotation ©2008 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)