Reviews by doudouce55

This is an ambitious book which attempts to explore the controversial issue of the Ancient Egyptian consciousness, their thought processes and patterns, and how it manifested itself in both their daily lives and the material remains. In recounting this 'sacred culture,' the author also looks at their medical abilities. Many authors have contended that the origins of Western civilisation and beliefs did not lie in classical Greece and in Judeo-Christianity, but in ancient Egypt. This book has black and white illustrations, with footnotes providing both orthodox and unorthodox bibliographic references. It is recommended for the open-minded and the interested.

Ancient Egyptian faience is a marvel to look at, leading to the question of what makes it such a beauty and how it is made. This book answers this brilliantly, and also details the history of the vitreous materials from the Predynastic onwards. Items made included amulets and large vessels : Why were they made ? How was glass manufactured ? The perceived mysteries behind the Ancient Egyptian masterpieces are themselves explained in this masterful book. Required reading for laypeople and scholars.

The book contains over 300 magnificent photographs and illustrations of Egypt's monuments, treasures, archaeological discoveries and travelers. The reader will see the pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, the Faiyum, the Sinai, the Strait of Tiran, Nubia, Tanis, Esna, Luxor, Karnak, Philae, Dendera, Abu Simbel, Deir el-Bahri, the Valley of the Queens, Edfu, Kom Ombo and the Valley of the Kings, and will identify Ernesto Schiaparelli, Auguste Mariette, Jean-François Champollion and Howard Carter, among many famous discoverers. A history of this fascinating civilization, from ancient to modern Egypt, is included, as well as reconstructions of tombs, a bibliography and a glossary. For everyone to own.

In this book, the author attempts to summarize the latest evidence and theories on Ancient Egypt from the Predynastic to the beginning of Greek rule. The best to be said is that it has been extensively researched and some of the theories are interesting. However he reiterates himself too much and ignores crucial research. All in all, this is a book for both laypeople and scholars, but definitely one which must be read with caution.

In this book, the author introduces the basic concepts of the gods. He first defines the terminology for the word 'god' and then explains the names of the Ancient Egyptian gods as well as their characteristics. He provides an excellent historical overview of the gods. A useful glossary of gods is included, along with a great bibliography for further reading. It is a recommended necessary reading for those studying Ancient Egyptian religion.

Egyptologists tend to focus mostly on the Book of the Dead, ignoring lesser known texts to a large degree. Here the author offers a concise and detailed summary and explanation of other ancient Egyptian texts. Included here are the Pyramid Texts, the Coffin Texts, the Book of the Dead, the Books of Breathing, the Amduat, the Spell of the Twelve Caves, the Book of Gates, the Book of Caverns, the Book of the Earth, the Book of Nut, the Book of the Day, the Book of the Night, the Litany of Re, the Book of the Heavenly Cow and the Book of Traversing Eternity. The glossary and extensive bibliography are useful. Well translated by David Lorton, illustrated in black and white, this is a recommended book for all searching for details on important Egyptian texts.

This exploration of the world's most transcendent story of love is rewritten in its entirety within the first chapters. The reader lives the Egyptian tale of the twins Isis and Osiris through a dramatic romanticization of the renowned myth. The author shows how, via detailed exercises, this myth relates to the modern design of marriage and provides the reader with the search for oneself throughout.

The Ancient Egyptians felt close to their pets : some were given names. Dogs and cows, cats and monkeys were all cherished by their owners. Horses were status symbols. Exotic animals were regarded with awe. This book explains the importance of animals in the daily lives of the Egyptian peasants and among the royal court. A well documented, recommended book for all.

How truthful is this film... no one will ever know.
How can anyone know anything about a company (CIA) that (supposedly) deals with lies... again, no one will ever know.
Important issues are presented here: imperialism, espionage, loyalty, betrayal...

This film was certainly worth watching, for Matt Damon's performance (as Edward Wilson) especially. He and *he alone* carries the film on his shoulders.
A surprise: De Niro shows a better talent as a director than an actor.
Angelina Jolie, as Wilson's wife, overacts way too much and her character is not credible because not well developed. Tammy Blanchard (who plays Laura) definitely has more talent than Jolie.

The melodramatic dialogue didn't help the movie, however well directed it may have been.

Recommendation to watch _The Good Shepherd_: Pay attention to the dates, as it is rather easy to get lost in the second act, where Russian spies and the Bay of Pigs invasion are mentioned.
Better editing and script-writing would have made the film shorter (close to 3 hours!), as many of those details were not needed to understand what was going on.

Certainly worth watching, but be prepared to endure three hours of film.

Alex Fletcher (Hugh Grant) from the 1980s band named PoP, needs to write a song within the next few days for Cora Corman (Haley Bennett), an internationally acclaimed singer. Soon Alex meets Sophie Fisher (Drew Barrymore) who apparently has a talent for writing lyrics, but refuses to acknowledge it.

Filled with references to 1980s music bands, this is a light romantic comedy for those fans of such music & lyrics. Drew & Hugh have a nice chemistry, and sing rather well (they did the singing parts themselves). Brad Garrett is just perfect as Alex's manager, and hilarious as always.
A good comedy from start to finish. Never one dull moment.