Mankind's lust for gold did not originate or terminate with the conquests of the new world as gold lore and the use of gold predate written history. Gold has been considered a precious metal since ancient times and the search for gold has stimulated world exploration and trade for more than six thousand years! Nevertheless, the epoch of conquest, pillaging, looting, kidnapping, torture, murder, rape and destruction of cultural heritage, fueled by the Kingdom of Spain's insatiable lust for Inca gold, has never been paralleled! Prepare yourself to travel into the realm of the unknown with the conquistadores and embark on a journey back in time as INCA GOLD relates its historical story of an indigenous people, their social structure, culture, religion, architecture, military, empire, administration, myths, legends and conquest. A subjugation that leads to the creation of, search for and localization of the world's greatest treasure deposit, the Llanganati Treasure!
About the Author: A Vermont native raised in the resort community of Stowe, at twenty-three the author traveled to Ecuador to visit a childhood friend serving in the United States Peace Corps. While in Quito Mr. Charbonneau fell in love with a young Ecuadorian girl, within months they were married. Little did he know at the time, destiny would forever tie him to this mysterious land and its people. Nearly a decade passed before Mr. Charbonneau was drawn back to Ecuador and became involved within a story of international intrigue, espionage, murder, kidnapping, embezzlement, deceit, discovery and untold secrets! Mr. Charbonneau formed Ecuadoran Explorations, Inc. and was no stranger to the United States Embassy, Ministry of Defense, Presidential Palace and Institute of Patrimony & Culture in Quito. Over a two year period, as President and CEO of Ecuadoran Explorations, he applied for an Archaeological Permit and negotiated the terms of a Presidential Decree and contract for the recovery of Inca treasure from the Llanganati Mountains of Ecuador. Although the contract and decree had successfully been negotiated, drafted and were awaiting signature, Ecuador's Attorney General advised his President that a contract and decree were not a requirement for the company to proceed with the project. For political reasons the President then expressed his desire that the project continue without this documentation. Absent written terms and assurances, the fear of confiscation or of ending up in an unmarked grave, doomed the project. Decades later Mr. Charbonneau decided to tell his story and publish the entirety of writings, drawings, discoveries and secrets of renowned Ecuador treasure expert Eugen Brunner. Six months later an expanded second edition included a detailed biographical account of Brunner's life, with new information, details and twists! Arguably a leading expert on the topic, Mr. Charbonneau's personal connection and involvement with this story allows him, through mere prose, to take seemingly unrelated events and draw back the veil of mere coincidence, thereby connecting the unconnected! His characters, both good and bad, are presented in a "matter of fact" style which reminds the reader that the events he relates are fact, not fiction. Mr. Charbonneau's extensive research has rewritten history, uncovered new information and revived interest in a centuries old treasure quest! Obsession, love, political intrigue, deception, mystery, adventure, his books have it all!