Subjects:  1. Ancient - Egypt    2. Art    3. Art & Art Instruction    4. History - Ancient & Classical    5. Middle Eastern    6. Egyptian archaeology    7. History / Ancient / Egypt   

Editorial Review

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Reviews (8)

a mom in Nashville
I got this book because my 5-year old wanted to learn more about the ancyent Egypt. The images are pretty cool, but the information and contains are randomly written (maybe this is good for older kids that already know some about the ancient Egypt culture). However, you could get a better introductory book for 10 bucks more.

VERY INTERESTING
THIS DK BOOK WAS JUST VERY INTERESTING.
Excelent
It's a great book.Read more

Subjects:  1. Activity Books - General    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Nonfiction    3. Children: Kindergarten    4. History - Ancient    5. Juvenile Nonfiction    6. Juvenile Nonfiction / Activity Books   

Subjects:  1. 1801-1873    2. 19th century    3. Education    4. Egyptians    5. Europe - France    6. France    7. History    8. History - General History    9. History: World    10. Middle East - General    11. Muslims    12. Paris    13. Tahtawi, Rifaah Rafi,    14. Travel    15. òTahòtåawåi, Rifåa°ah Råafi°,    16. 20th century    17. Classic travel writing    18. European history: c 1750 to c 1900    19. History / General    20. History / Middle East    21. Islamic studies    22. Middle East    23. Other prose: 19th century    24. Social history   

Subjects:  1. 305-30 B.C    2. Ancient - Egypt    3. Ancient - General    4. Ancient Egypt - History    5. Biography    6. Egypt    7. History    8. History & Theory - General    9. History - General History    10. Middle East - Egypt    11. Monarchy    12. Monarchy And Aristocracy    13. Political Science    14. Politics/International Relations    15. Propaganda, Egyptian    16. Ptolemaic dynasty,    17. Queens    18. Africa    19. African history: BCE to c 500 CE    20. Ancient World    21. History / Ancient / Egypt    22. Political science & theory    23. Political structure & processes    24. Ptolemaic dynasty    25. Rank & titles    26. World history: BCE to c 500 CE   

Editorial Review

Wellesley classics professor Mary Lefkowitz takes aim at the basic claims of leading proponents of Afro-centrism, in this expansion of her New Republic article exposing flaws in the argument that black Africans were responsible for the great civilizations of Egypt and Greece that brought praise from historians and criticism from Afrocentrists. Lefkowitz argues that the Greeks' African heritage touted by Senegalese scholar Cheikh Anta Diop is based upon a single dubious source and that Egyptians never considered themselves black Africans, in fact, that they consciously disassociated themselves from blacks. She argues that the legacy of these two cultures remains so rich even foes of European civilization want to claim that legacy for themselves. ... Read more

Reviews (144)

The underdog as superman
Once upon a time there was a man called Houston Stewart Chamberlain. He was English, but his fellow-countrymen thought he was a crackpot, so he went to Germany to write 'Foundations of the Nineteenth Century'. It was all about the world-historical struggle of the Aryan race, full of made-up history and cod science, and in it the Germans were the big shots, although the British and some others got a look-in as country cousins. Not enough Germans thought he was a crackpot; in fact some of them took him really seriously. The rest is history (and not the made-up kind). That was enough of a lesson for most people. But what goes around comes around, sometimes strangely altered.
Please get a grip!
The debate here over whether the ancient Egyptions were "black" is confounded by white supremacist myth both in the book and in the reviews. "Race" is an ideological category emanating from white supremacist rationalizations for European colonialism and violence. There are no black or white "races," only various ways of imagining people to be "white" or "black."
Has anyone gone to the source?
I have not even read the book as of yet. I have just skimmed over reviews written by some of the readers. I understand that this can be an emotional subject for many different reasons. If you come a background in which your anscestors had not been enslaved or lynched or gassed, you may not get why some readers become emotional with this subject matter. I do have a fact based on what I was told from the horse's mouth. Egyptians do consider themselves to be black. I lived in Turkey in 2000 and on my flight back to the U.S., I was waiting in the terminal at the airport in Izmir. This woman kept staring at me. I assumed it was becasue I was the only black woman around and I had grown accustomed to the interest I drew while living in Turkey because it was sincere and genuine. Anyway, she finally approached me and said, "My brother and my nephew and I do not mean to seem impolite, but we are just so happy when we see a brother or sister," I asked what she meant and she said, "Oh, we are black like you, our mother is Egyptian and our father is Turkish, we are black, like you". I noticed their complexions were darker than mine and their was of the same grade as mine. It never occurred to me that they were "black". I noticed that they took such pride in being recognized as such. It really all comes down to what an individual feels he or she identifies most with and what they were taught to believe and whether or not they were taught the truth. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Africa    2. Afrocentrism    3. Civilization    4. Egyptian influences    5. Ethnic Studies - General    6. Europe - Greece    7. Greece    8. History    9. Social Science    10. Sociology    11. Sociology - General    12. Study and teaching    13. Black studies    14. Teaching of a specific subject   

Reviews (6)

Who said History had to be Boring?
This book is a hoot. I read a review not long ago by a reader who bought it thinking it was a history text. What it's really meant to do is help you organize your children's study of Egypt utilizing other resources. And this it does very effectively. Great Guide.. I highly recomend
I love the approch of this book. My daughter is 10 and we have enjoyed learning about the ancient egypt history. There are lots of activies suggested in the book that truly make the history come alive and sink in.. I would recomend this book very highly.

Great way to study Egypt!
As a history teacher and homeschooling mom, I always look for ideas togive my students to enhance thier study of the era or place. This is awonderful supplement to any study of Egypt for all students. The Christianemphasis provides an added dimension and allows the students to incorporatethe study of the Biblical accounts of Egypt into the study. This is highlyrecommended for a well-rounded approach. The guide also includes wonderfulsupplemental readings. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. History - Middle East    2. History: World    3. Juvenile Nonfiction / History / Africa   

Reviews (4)

sanctum occularis
This two volume set conveys both historical/mythical information concerning Eygptian religious practices and Budge's perceptions of how and why they were practiced.Budge is enamored of the Egyptians and it is demonstrated in his work not just an academician Budge attempted to reconcile his western upbringing with the beauty and philosophy of the Egyptians and their influence on the world.While there have been recent translations from the German and French which add to and perhaps change some of the concepts it in no way takes from the cosmology as interpreted by Budge.That Osiris and his myth was a major factor in the history of Egypt and its religious and philosophical growth is demonstrated by these two volumes from Budge. These were 5 star books when first published and they remain 5 star even with new findings and "new age experts" writing their own interpretations.

great together, volumes 1 and 2, loads of info
there are 2 books like this, the one shown above is volume 1. there is lots of information about the egyptian religion with osiris, however this comes in between loads of information regarding religious tradition and practice in africa overall. of all the many never heard of or rarely mentioned tribes within africa, this book presents lots of information about the various religious practices and traditions and ways of life, it then ties this into the suimilarities in osiris;'s story in a way as a comparison of sorts. if you are solely looking for a book on JUST osiris this is overloaded with more info than you need. HOWEVER, those familiar with egyptology will recognize the author as one of the most knowledgable sources, and can learn a lot from this book. not easy reading, as the info is so in depth. you will learn much about osiris over the course of time in which the religion in egypt revolved around osiris. you will learn the names in which he is called, the way the rulers incorporated osiris into their own names, and many other bits of info regarding osiris. loaded with info, a great reference to have.

2 Vols is always 2 Volsis still 2 Vols.
It is incredible to me that you are listing both the 1973 and 1988 editions of this book assingle volumes when they are both 2-volume sets. You did this with Oahspe, which, for me, you are correcting. It looks to me like you need a volume checker for every book you sell. Sincerely,George B. Riddle Jr. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Ancient - Egypt    2. Eschatology, Egyptian    3. General    4. Osiris (Egyptian deity)    5. Philosophy    6. Religion    7. African history: BCE to c 500 CE    8. Egypt    9. History / Ancient / Egypt   

Reviews (6)

This is the book you should buy to start your study of Egypt!
I bought this book because i will be visiting Egypt in the fall.Since Egypt has a lot of history i decided to buy a book that would give me a good introduction to egyptian history.From the moment i picked up this book i was inmersed in it.The book has tons of ilustrations and is very well organized.The book talks about every single aspect of ancient egyptian history without boring you with every single detail.The book is a faboulous and complete intro which makes you read and read some more about Egypt and its history.It is my opinion that this is one of the best books on ancient Egypt out there.Just fantastic!!

Nice book
This book has excellent photos. It's a good read, decent price and a great book for anyone interested in Ancient Egypt. The only downside (if you can call it that) is the size and weight - not one to read on your lap in bed.

Wonderful illustrations, poor organization
The photographs and illustrations in this book are WONDERFUL but the book's organization leaves something to be desired. It tries to lay things out by theme but with so much jumping around in the time line it's difficult to get a good understanding of how Egyptian culture developed and changed over time. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. African history: BCE to c 500 CE    2. Ancient Egypt    3. Antiquities    4. Architecture, Ancient    5. Civilization    6. Egypt    7. Religion   

Reviews (3)

Beautiful paper dolls & costumes!
We used this book of paper dolls as inspiration for dance costuming representing Ancient Egypt in a presentation at our local zoo's fundraiser "Caravan through Ancient Egypt". Beautiful paper dolls and costumes...excellent quality!

Beautiful
Amazing, two dolls, a dozen or more plates of beautifully draw clothing, how can you go wrong? If you love egypt, this is the paperdoll book for you.

very nice
These paper dolls are a great aid in teaching-will be used for part of social studies unit on ancient cultures for 6th graders. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Activity Books - General    2. Art - Fashion    3. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Nonfiction    4. Children: Grades 2-3    5. African history: BCE to c 500 CE    6. Egypt    7. Fashion design    8. Juvenile Nonfiction / Activity Books   

Reviews (12)

Not far enough
While his intent is laudable, he fails to go far enough in his research or thinking on the subject. For example, the idea that the plagues of Exodus were based on well-known, regular occurences such as the flooding of the Nile is absurd, demanding more belief in the stupidity of ancient man than is warranted. Similarly theories about the Exodus being a "compilation" of a couple of hundred slaves leaving Egypt over a number of years is so stupid as to beggar belief, if it were not advanced under the cover of academia. Long's "The Riddle of the Exodus" presents a better thesis.

There is historical evidence...
Note please that my rating should be discounted as I have not rated the book. However I can address two harsh criticisms of it by John J. Geyer "jgeyer1". In that review here at Amazon we read:
No Rear Guard Action
James Hoffmeier has no doubts that he is not writing this book as a read guard action to stem the tide of the "minimalists." In his preface he concedes that "direct evidence for the events and figures of Genesis and Exodus remains elusive."Read more

Subjects:  1. Antiquities & Archaeology    2. Bible - CriticismInterpretation - Old Testament    3. Bible - Study - Old Testament    4. Bible - Topical Studies    5. Religion    6. Religion - Biblical Studies    7. African history: BCE to c 500 CE    8. Ancient World    9. Biblical studies, criticism & exegesis    10. Criticism & exegesis of sacred texts    11. Egypt    12. Judaism    13. Middle & Near Eastern archaeology    14. Religion & Theology | Judaism    15. Religion / Antiquities & Archaeology   

Subjects:  1. General    2. Magic, Egyptian    3. Miscellanea    4. Parapsychology    5. Psychology of Religion    6. Religion    7. Religion - Church History    8. Sekhmet (Egyptian deity)    9. Mind, Body, Spirit    10. Occultism & quasi-religious beliefs    11. Religion: general   

Reviews (3)

One of the best sets of primary sources
This is a book that needs to be on the shelf of anyone seriously studying the ancient Near East, with or without an interest in Biblical archaeology. It collects an enormous variety of ancient texts and inscriptions, trying to give the current "gold-standard" translations (with extensive footnoting discussing ambiguities, variants, and so on, and tying it in closely to all of the original literature on which the book is based). Some of the texts are things you can find in many sources, like the Epic of Gilgamesh or some of the Egyptian hymns; but this book collects an extraordinary range of things that you would normally need a giant research library to find, such as early Palestinian ostraka, a wide selection of Egyptian and Akkadian oracles and prophecies, and even a Sumerian lullaby. (!!)

a classic
Pritchard's contributions to Near Eastern studies can not be praised enough.Here we have many surviving text translated well and supplemented by commentary on social and historical background.Well worth the moneyand time for the serious scholar.

A Valuable Resource
Prichard's ANET is a standard reference for those examining the cultural setting of the Bible. It contains translations of many important inscriptions which shed light on otherwise mysterious Biblecustoms.Read more

Subjects:  1. Bible - General    2. Bible - Reference - General    3. Bible - Study - Old Testament    4. History    5. Religion    6. Religion - Commentaries / Reference    7. Archaeology and Ancient History    8. Asian / Middle Eastern history: BCE to c 500 CE    9. History / Egypt    10. Jewish Studies    11. Literary studies: classical, early & medieval    12. Middle East    13. Mind, Body, Spirit   

Reviews (1)

Egyptian Windows
This is a cool book. It's so hard to find good, readable books on ancient Egyptian culture. So much of what you find is either too stuffy and academic (yawn), or else it is awkward speculation by people with ulterior motives (spiritual or political). It's really nice to have a scholar in the field write a book for everyone who is interested in ancient cultures - and in my case, dreams!Read more

Subjects:  1. Ancient - Egypt    2. Dreams    3. History    4. History: World    5. Middle East - Egypt    6. New Age / Body, Mind & Spirit    7. African history    8. Ancient Egypt    9. Egypt    10. Mind, body, spirit: dreams & their interpretation    11. Sleep & dreams    12. World history   

Subjects:  1. Ancient - General    2. Egypt    3. History    4. History: World    5. Interior Design - General    6. Medical    7. Medical / Nursing    8. Medicine, Egyptian    9. Veterinary medicine   

Reviews (1)

A GREAT WORK ON EGYPTIAN RELIGION
Although now somewhat outdated in certain aspects of interpretation, this book surely will remain as one the pillars for the study of ancient Egyptian religion, and, in fact, is one of the never-absent bibliographic references. I do not agree in toto with Frankfort's ideas about several subjects, but I must confess that it is one of the most interesting studies that I ever read about the matter. There are many thought-provoking ideas! Buy it, read it, learn from it. Both for the learned and the newcomer! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Archaeology    2. Archaeology / Anthropology    3. Assyro-Babylonian religion    4. Egypt    5. Kings and rulers    6. Religion    7. Religious aspects    8. Social Science    9. Sociology    10. Cultural studies    11. Eastern Europe    12. History of religion    13. Middle East    14. Nature & existence of God    15. Pre-Christian European & Mediterranean religions    16. Social Science / Archaeology   

Subjects:  1. Anthropology - Cultural    2. History    3. History - General History    4. History: World    5. Judaism - History    6. Middle East - Egypt    7. Middle East - General    8. Jewish studies    9. Middle East   

Reviews (5)

Not for the faint of heart... grammatically, that is...
First things first: beautiful pictures. Leave this one on your coffee table for guests to peruse though... 1981 edition review
This is a dense book -- what I mean is that is has a lot of material, a lot of images, and it is rather small print.This version has "new materials" from William Kelly Simpson but it is currently 20+ years old so I'd not recommend it for a new class or serious study -- things do change in the study of the ancient world as new discoveries, new techniques, and new theories develop.However, if you just want basic, great images, ad chronological order to the study of art and architecture it is perfectly fine for these purposes.I used it extensively when I was studying ancient Egypt back at Columbia University.

Mastepiece of Egyptian Art
As always, the reprint of this title should be warmly welcomed. This is a high-standart, much authoritative text on Egyptian art from its origins down to the sunset of Egypt's glorious pharaonic civilization. It is not only well-writen but also furnished with lavishing plates and a lot of figures, which constitute a wealth of information. Not only for Egyptologists and Egyptofans, but for anybody interested in learning seriously about the treasures of art and architecture in the Nile Valley. Highly recommendable. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Ancient - Egypt    2. Antiquities    3. Architecture    4. Art    5. Art & Art Instruction    6. Art, Egyptian    7. Criticism    8. Egypt    9. History - Ancient & Classical    10. History - General    11. Ancient World    12. Architecture / History    13. History of art: BCE to c 500 CE, ancient & classical world   

Subjects:  1. Ancient - Egypt    2. Antiquities    3. Biography    4. Biography & Autobiography - Historical    5. Biography / Autobiography    6. Children: Grades 4-6    7. Egypt    8. Historical - General    9. History - Ancient    10. Juvenile Nonfiction    11. King of Egypt    12. Pharaohs    13. Tutankhamen,    14. Juvenile Nonfiction / Biography & Autobiography / General   

Reviews (7)

Not the most informative book on Egyptian history, but then again it IS an ATLAS!
Many people are writing that this book did not satisfy their desire for facts and more in-depth explanations of Egyptian history, and that the book's text is not informative. This book is not meant for that purpose, and is really and truly an atlas. The maps are what matter.
Great aid to study of Ancient Egypt
Maps showing the changing boundaries of countries through a period of history are great visual for students of ancient history.

Informative but dull
It is a good read for people with recent encountering with Egypt. But I was little appalled because information seemed dull. Book will give you facts and names but there isn't much more. Colorful images will attract your attention but I really believe those images have interesting legend and tales by their own. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Ancient - Egypt    2. Ancient Egypt - History    3. Ancient geography    4. Archaeology    5. Archaeology / Anthropology    6. Atlases - General    7. Atlases - Historical    8. Egypt    9. Geography, Ancient    10. Historical Atlases    11. Historical geography    12. Maps    13. Reference    14. African history: BCE to c 500 CE    15. Maps, charts & atlases    16. Reference / Atlases   

Editorial Review

In the winter of 1996, a guard at the temple of Alexander the Great near Bahariya, Egypt, reported an astounding discovery: during a routine patrol, he had been startled when the donkey he had been riding fell into a hole.Helping the donkey out of its predicament, the guard saw that the hole was in fact an opening into a tomb--and one from which a mummy's golden face peered.Read more

Reviews (7)

Yes, you can judge a book by its cover
This book, as the exquisite cover suggests, is gorgeous and informative. Very clearly and logically laid out, it covers the amazing archeological discovery in the Bahariya Oasis made in 1995 by the author, Zahi Hawass, an extroadinary and admirable man,of which a short biography is featured. The book explains the developement of the site, the history of the Oasis, Ancient Egyptian art and religion, and Greco-Roman Egyptian History. Wonderful, and a marvelous edition to any library.

Coffee Table Book
It is indeed a good coffee table book (as another reviewer said). It's a beautiful & informative piece & often sparks conversation. ....a nice book to add to your collection!!

Experience an Ancient Excavation Thru Breathtaking Photos
Zahi Hawass was director general of Giza, Saqqara, Imbaba, and Bahariya Oasis who was concentrating his excavations at the Giza Pyramids, particularly the Tombs of the Pyramid Builders, when the Golden Mummies were discovered in the Bahariya Oasis in 1996. Then on, his efforts shifted to this new discovery. So far, over 100 complete Greco-Roman period mummies have been uncovered at Bahariya ranging in status from wealthy gold-encased merchants to the carelessly prepared poor.Hawass believes up to ten thousand mummies will eventually be discovered in a fifty year excavation (pg. 16).Many questions may be answered from these discoveries concerning the influence of Greek and Roman rule on Egyptian life (pg. 18). Read more

Subjects:  1. Ancient - Egypt    2. Ancient Egypt Archaeology    3. Antiquities    4. Archaeology    5. Bahariya Oasis    6. Bahariya Oasis (Egypt)    7. Egypt    8. History - General History    9. History: World    10. Mummies    11. Social Science    12. Tombs    13. Social Science / Archaeology