Pharaoh: Life and Afterlife of a God Review

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(More customer reviews)Seti I was a ruler in the New Kingdom of Egypt, one of three divisions of ancient Egypt recognized by historians. Perhaps you might think he was a relative unknown ruler, but most do recognize the name Ramesses II, his son. Pharaohs were considered to be living gods and as a tribute to them, preparation for their eternal life began on the first day they ruled. Can you imagine people preparing for your death every day, let alone even ponder the thought? It was part of the culture and a way to honor the most important members in ancient Egypt.
We follow Seti I through his reign into his death and afterlife. "Seti is considered part god, part man-the bridge between the world of humans and the world of gods. In death he becomes fully divine, a true god. Seti is a king in the afterlife just as he was in this world." After Seti, the book picks up the fabulous life of Ramesses, the next chief priest in Egypt. The book explores his life, his estates, Karnak (the largest temple ever built), farming, festivals, the Nile river, Egypt's animal life, the country's natural resources, the economy and much more. Naturally, the Ramesseum, was under construction during his life to send him into the afterlife as a memorial to his life. Ramesses, unlike Seti, would not be easily forgotten as "he [strode] as largely as any of his colossal statues across the landscape of Egypt's history."
This is without a doubt, a marvelous introduction to ancient Egypt, it's customs, culture and the life of the Pharaohs. This volume is profusely illustrated, including the end pages which include more than 100 symbols. The stunning visuals relay the story almost as well as the text. One section includes 18 miniature tomb paintings and descriptions of their purpose and meaning. Included are a glossary and index. If you see the author's name, "David Kennett," you are looking at a quality book!

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In Ancient Egypt, the pharaoh is the supreme ruler and overseer of every aspect of life—a living god. From the moment of his coronation, he is busy with the construction of elaborate temples, the conquering of foreign lands, and the creation of beautiful jewelry and art, all of which are done to worship the great Egyptian gods and to expand the pharaoh's eternal legacy. Yet Pharaoh is ever mindful of his eventual journey into the afterlife and his final transformation into a complete god. Through such funerary rites as embalming and organ removal, the pharaoh's soul will move on to paradise, while his body remains on earth in one of his ornately decorated temples. Full of fascinating, little-known details about Ancient Egypt all brought to life by David Kennett's stunning graphic novel-style artwork, Pharaoh shines a jewel-toned light on the lives and afterlives of Seti I and Ramesses II—and the powerful civilizations they built.

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Women in Ancient Egypt Review

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(More customer reviews)This is a very detailed book that I found invaluable when doing a research task on Women in New Kingdom Egypt. The information is organised into the Old, Middle and New Kingdom periods, and is backed up with numerous pictures and references to tombs.

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An idealised version of women appears everywhere in the art of ancient Egypt, but the true nature of these women's lives has long remained hidden. Robins' book, gracefully written and copiously illustrated, cuts through the obscurity of the ages to show us what the archaeological riches of Egypt really say about how these women lived, both in the public eye and within the family.

The art and written records of the time present a fascinating puzzle. But how often has the evidence been interpreted, consciously or otherwise, from a male viewpoint? Robins conducts us through these sources with an archaeologist's relish, stripping away layer after interpretive layer to expose the reality beneath. Here we see the everyday lives of women in the economic, legal, or domestic sphere, from the Early Dynastic Period almost 5,000 years ago to the conquest of Alexander in 332 B.C. Within this kingdom ruled and run by men, women could still wield influence indirectly—and in some cases directly, when a woman took the position of king. The exceptional few who assumed real power appear here in colorful detail, alongside their more traditional counterparts. Robins examines the queens' reputed divinity and takes a frank look at the practice of incest within Egypt's dynasties. She shows us the special role of women in religious rites and offices, and assesses their depiction in Egyptian art as it portrays their position in society.

By drawing women back into the picture we have of ancient Egypt, this book opens a whole new perspective on one of world history's most exotic and familiar cultures.

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Lost Pharaohs (Kegan Paul Library of Ancient Egypt) Review

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(More customer reviews)Once I opened this book I couldn't put it down. Leonard Cottrell writes in an engaging way, explaining how successive generations of Egyptologists developed the understanding of the ancient Egyptians, and their pyramids, palaces and temples. He often writes in the first person, so it sounds like an congenial uncle recounting stories of the halcyon days of archeology. The politics of the ancient Egyptian court, and the skullduggery of the ancient tomb robbers really come to life through Mr Cottrell's writing.
By Mr Cottrell's own admission this is not an academic textbook so don't expect lists of dates and names, chronological charts of important events and suchlike. Also this is not a book about the pyramids so there is no detailed technical explanation of how they were constructed. Mr Cottrell focuses more on the culture of the times, and the motivations of the pharaohs and their courtiers.
Some of the events I had read about before, like the discovery of the Rosetta Stone, but Mr Cottrell unfolds the story like a detective novel that really keeps you on the edge of your seat. Other things I had not read about before, like the relationship between Howard Carter and Lord Carnarvon, and the strange course of events that eventually resulted in the discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb. The lively description of the five thousand year battle between state officials and tomb robbers is particularly entertaining although the theft of a priceless tomb mural hours before Mr Cottrell's arrival felt rather gratuitous and grated with me.
One thing that came across clearly was the vast length of time that the pharaohs ruled over Egypt, which is difficult to comprehend at first. For example when Herodotus wrote about the Pyramid of Cheops around 450 BC it was already 2000 years old, so it was similar to us writing about the Roman invasion of Britain.
As you might expect in such a personal account, there are a few editorial comments, particularly about the poor state of funding for future digs, and the challenges of international politics. But these don't detract from the whole and actually serve as their own historical record of the 1960s when Mr Cottrell wrote the book.
There are only a few photos, but those that there are have been carefully selected to illustrate a particular point and do their job pretty well.
Overall I would strongly recommend this short book to anyone who seeks an diverting introduction to Egyptology and Egyptologists.


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Ancient Egypt: An Introduction Review

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(More customer reviews)This is a wonderful book that reminds me of how much I loved studying ancient Egypt in college. The author writes in an engaging, knowledgeable manner, which is at just the right level. It is intended for the interested general reader, who might then want to go further. She took most of the photographs herself, and along with the insets, glossary and maps, provides the best general introduction to the history of ancient Egypt. This is an easy 5 star!

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Egyptians (Life in Ancient Civilizations) Review

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(More customer reviews)In 3100 B.C. the Egyptians created a magnificent civilization in northeastern Africa. They created some of the most recognizable and fantastic architecture the world has ever seen. During this time the pharaohs ruled over Egypt's four social classes. There were the slowest ("slaves and servants"), workers, skilled professionals and the nobles. Once born into a class it tended to be static, unless you were extremely talented. Living so close to the mighty Nile, Egyptian lives centered around the river. They were "expert shipbuilders" and the soil was very fertile so they could grow vegetables, fruit trees and grains. They also ate fish, fowl and consumed a lot of bread, "their favorite food." Meats like beef were expensive and reserved for the rich. They had "hundreds of gods and goddesses" and thanked them for their good lives in many temples.
The common people lived in "plain houses made from mud and bricks." They wore linen clothing and often children wore no clothing at all. They loved to adorn themselves with jewelry and anoint their bodies with perfume and oil. To finish off the picture they used green and black makeup to make their eyes appear larger. The women were homemakers and family oriented. The children played outside a lot, but also had chores and responsibilities. Children did not attend school, but "they learned what they needed to know from their parents." In this book you will learn about their temples, their gods with animal heads, how "priests turned the bodies into mummies" after death, how the Egyptians believed in the afterlife, the impressive building feats such as the Great Sphinx, you'll learn about their scribes, the discovery of the Rosetta Stone, their notable pharaohs, how the pharaohs (men and women) dressed, Egyptologists, archaeology, and a bit about modern day Egyptian influence.
This is a very nice, basic introduction to ancient Egyptian history. This book was very well written and researched and held my attention quite nicely. There were many colorful graphic style illustrations and photographs that were additional informative vignettes. For example, the reader can see an illustration of several workers attempting to move a large block up the side of a pyramid. We learn that "Each block that workers lifted onto the `Great Pyramid' weighed about 5,000 pounds (2,270 kilograms)." The ancient looking art work made this book look very appealing. In the back of the book is a timeline (ca. 3500 B.C. to 2007), a pronunciation guide, an index, a glossary, and additional recommended book and website resources. Did you know that Egyptians loved their cats and often mummified them?


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The Ancient Egyptians were known for their large stone pyramids, but did you also know that the Egyptians turned some cats into mummies after they died? They also made a strong kind of paper by pressing together layers of a plant, and they performed surgery as early as 4,500 years ago. Find out what life was like in the mighty empire of Ancient Egypt. In this book, you'll learn about people's daily activities, religion, buildings, inventions, and leaders. Photographs and vivid comic-style illustrations help bring this culture to life!--This text refers to the Library Binding edition.

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The Intrepid Wanderer's Guide to Ancient Egyptian Goddesses Review

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(More customer reviews)Great book for those who like ancient Egypt and mythical characters. In this case: goddesses and cohorts. The book is loaded with information beyond the usual surface coverage. Scholarly but popular, witty. Nice mix. Goddesses are each profiled in "biographies". Maps, very good illustrations, photographs, etc. Attention to detail makes this book stand out, I'd say. Myths are covered, where the temples were found, how each goddess became important, their highs, their lows. Isis, Hathor, Nut, Wadjet, all the usual suspects. I really liked the survey of cult towns. Very unique. There should've been an index, though. An index would've been helpful because the author covers a lot of ground. But it's more an alphabetical reference guide with lots of fascinating extras, so not a huge quibble. A welcome addition to my library of the ancient world and mythology. Quite recommended.

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In the Daily Life of the Ancient Egyptians (Gods & Goddesses) Review

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(More customer reviews)Gods & Goddesses In The Daily Life Of The Ancient Egyptians introduces a fine two volume series for ages 9 and older which provides an appealing survey of ancient Egyptian life and culture. Large, striking color photos and drawings bring early Egyptian culture to life in a title which is packed with explorations through photos and artifacts.

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Ancient Egypt (DK Eyewitness Books) Review

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(More customer reviews)I'm a dabbler in Ancient Egyptian history and this is a great buy. At under $15 I think it's a great deal considering it's hardcover and has a TON of full color pictures. It covers a wide array of topics from Geography to Pharoahs. The book is handsome enough to display on a coffee table, detailed enough to get a taste of ancient egypt, and still simple enough that it would make a terrific gift for a child of any age (I'm 23 and I think this book is fantastic).
Other topics include: daily life of the Egyptian (not just nobility!), tools, jewelry, mummification, writing system, agriculture, textiles, food, religion.

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