Cochineal Red

First and most importantly, Hugh Thomson is a good thing. It takes a rare combination of scholarly focus and Boy’s Own derring-do to write books about adventuring in Peru (this is his third) which consistently rise above the level of backpackers’ companions, and convey not only Thomsons’ great knowledge of the ancient civilisations of the Andes, but also the thrill of the chase for such knowledge–SpectatorHistory, archaeological puzzle-solving, ethnography and traveller’s tales are combined in this account of Hugh Thomson’s extensive travels through the principal sites of Ancient Peru, leading the reader on a dizzying tour through five turbulent millennia. The cumulative effect is enthralling–The Times

Hugh Thomson read English at Cambridge University and worked briefly as a lecturer at Bristol University before becoming a film-maker. He has directed many feature-length documentaries for the BBC, including the award-winning Dancing in the Street - a Rock and Roll History. His films for television include the BBC’s Great Journeys series about Cortez’s invasion of Mexico and a series on India presented by William Dalrymple.

Previous titles:

Cochineal Red;

Nanda Devi;

The White Rock;

Lost City of the Incas, co author with Hiram Bingham