Reviews by doudouce55

This is the first time that the insight of modern linguistics has been applied to the long and careful investigations into the decipherment of Ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs. The hieroglyphic system and its different varieties (with its phonology, morphology and syntax) are explained. It is an excellent book but hard to follow if a person has little or no knowledge of linguistics. Otherwise, it is perfect for learning about the language - not for translating hieroglyphs. Lots of examples have been taken from actual Egyptian texts (ie, The Tale of Sinuhe, The Tale of the Eloquent Peasant, etc.). As the back cover says, it is "essential reading for linguists and Egyptologists alike."

The multiple gods and goddesses, the temple rituals, the burial practices and the religious rules of Ancient Egypt seem very mysterious to us. The author places these mysteries in the context of Ancient Egyptian life. He explains them as a response to normal human needs and fears. Divided in 5 chapters, this book talks about all the gods - both the lesser known and the important ones - and their influence in the Ancient Near East and Greece. Well illustrated in black and white, this proves to be quite useful for travelers and students of Egyptology.

This book introduces four cultures : the Egyptians, the Mesopotamians, the Nubians and the Hittites. The author accurately presents aspects of these civilizations such as history, geography, architecture, clothing, food, religion, writing and labor. Children will enjoy themselves and become part of these ancient worlds by easily following the instructions of the activities. These include constructing a boat, cooking ancient food, creating clothes, and writing on clay. All in all, it is a fun and informative book for children ages 9 to 12.

This book presents a full translation of Berlin Papyrus 3024, which relates the story of a man and his "ba" (soul). The author provides a brief explanation at the end of the translation. She believes the text is not just about a man in despair and considering suicide : according to her, this text shows that the Ancient Egyptians knew about the philosophical system long before Plato did ! An interesting speculative book, with a few black and white illustrations, it is mostly recommended for the open-minded and spiritually-oriented readers.

Written by a textile specialist, this is an excellent guide to Pharaonic Egyptian clothing. The book deals with the construction of items, based on surviving material (cloths, dresses, headgear, aprons, straps). Well illustrated in black and white, a glossary explains the terms found throughout the book, and a bibliography for further reading is also provided. Highly recommended for those with an interest in clothing and Ancient Egyptian society.

Divided in two parts, this book chronicles the civilization of Ancient Egypt. The first part focuses on the history of Egypt from the earliest times to the Roman period. The second part takes the reader along the country and provides a detailed map of each region.

The book fails as an atlas : the author provides too much information about the various aspects of the Egyptian daily life and society, and the maps have no stability.

Offering a helpful glossary, this book, for children ages 9 to 12, has many illustrations regarding the Egyptian civilization.

This book differs from the usual guides, as it describes the historical evolution, from the Old Kingdom to the Late Period, of the tombs and temples of Thebes (modern Luxor). The authors provide detailed and accurate information about life in the city. Subjects covered include the Valley of the Kings, that of the Queens and of the Nobles. Issues such as tomb decoration and burials of private individuals are addressed. This is an excellent, recommended, must-read book for all.

This thought-provoking book is comprised of comprehensive essays written by various established scholars. Amongst the topics covered are religion, creation, kingship and the netherworld. The book consists of fascinating surveys of the Ancient Egyptian temples. Byron Shafer gives an overview of temples and rituals; Dieter Arnold explains the evolution of the pyramids through the Middle Kingdom; Gerhard Haeny explained the temples of the Ramessid Period; Lanny Bell describes the Luxor Temple (the monument most visited by tourists); and Ragnbild Finnestad writes on Ptolemaic and Roman temples. A recommended book for the interested.

The scenes and models found in Ancient Egyptian tombs have been misinterpreted by some as examples of childish behavior and beliefs on the part of the Ancient Egyptians, as proof in essence that they were our mental inferiors. The truth, however, is as astounding in its simplicity as it is in revealing the sophistication of their belief structures. These very scenes in fact provided the food and drink needed to sustain the tomb owner in the afterlife. This book covers the origins of these models, from their first appearances during the First Dynasty at Abydos and during the Old Kingdom, down into their final demise during the course of the New Kingdom. The models' placement within the tombs and the significance thereof, the relationship of the models to the tomb scenes, how they related to the owner and how they differed from region to region are all questions which are covered superbly in-depth in this fascinating 72-page book. Recommended for all.

This short book provides much information about the Egyptian shabtis, figurines created to act for the deceased in the afterlife. The author explains their manufacture in wood, stone, Egyptian faience and other materials; he also traces their evolution from the Middle Kingdom to the Ptolemaic Period. Inscriptions and spells are briefly discussed. This is a very useful reference for students, Egyptologists and art historians.