AUTHOR LISTING

Note from Francesca : The six essays contained in the book are each written by different scholars. The writers highlight in turn the wonderous history of their particular subject area. Morsi Saad el-Din discusses the splendor, the beauty of Sinai; Gamal Mokhtar, its history; Fouad Iskandar, the topography of the land and its environmental conditions; Gawdat Gabra, its religion and heritage; Samir Sobhi, the desert; and Ayman Taher, the underwater world. Beautiful photographs by Ayman Taher and Luciano Romano accompany each essay. This great coffee-table book brings to light a little-known part of Egypt : the Sinai.

From AEB : This book deals with the geological history of the river Nile from the time it started to excavate its valley some six million years ago. The history of the river is given without going into details or discussing the nature of the evidence from which this history has been construed. Land use in Pharaonic Egypt shows a simple pattern of winter agriculture largely confined to basins. The hydrology of the river Nile, its past fluctuations, the utilization of the Nile waters by the people, and systems of irrigation are a few of the many aspects mentioned by the author.

Note from Francesca : Known for healing every disease (except death), cumin is as important as a spice in recipes and as a medicine for colds and other such conditions. This book also shows the effectiveness of black cumin in treatments for asthma, allergies and acne. The authors provide fascinating information on this plant. Recipes are included for the knowledgeable or curious cook. Well illustrated, this book is recommended mostly for health and food aficionados.

Del libro : Premio Nèstor Luján 1998.
Esta es la historia de la época del faraón Snefrú y la reina Heteferes, padres de Keops, el constructor de la mayor y más impresionante de las pirámides. Y también es la historia de Sedum, un esclavo que llegó a ser el maestro de Keops.

Note from Francesca : In this clearly written book, the author explains the importance of the two best-known and greatest queen-monarchs of Ancient Egyptian times, Nefertiti and Cleopatra. In the first part of the book, Samson describes the reign of Akhenaten and clarifies the influence of Nefertiti on that particular reign. In the second part, Samson discusses Cleopatra and her association with Caesar and Mark Antony. A very detailed, well-illustrated book, recommended for students, particularly those interested in these two queens.

From Amazon.co.uk : Many cultures and races have left their mark on Egypt, but none have eclipsed the surviving customs from ancient Egypt. Guided by writers from the past and the unpublished papers of Winifred Jackman and Om Seti, Sattin has tracked down extraordinary examples of ancient survivals in modern Egypt.

De electre.com : Une introduction à l'Égypte ancienne. Les prêtres seront ici des guides, avec lesquels nous pénétrerons dans l'univers sacré mais aussi dans le monde profane.
Note from Francesca : Religion, an essential key to understanding the pharaonic civilisation, tells of the importance of learning about the Ancient Egyptian priests. In this book the author informs the readers about the priestly profession, the necessity of temples, the religious texts priests had to know, the belief in magic, the gods and the clergy. Aimed at the general public, this 1957 classic originally written in French is finally made available in English, thanks to David Lorton's excellent translation. Widely illustrated in black and white, this book should be recommended reading for everyone.

From AEB : Out of the textbook catalogue of names, the author has resurrected the movers and shakers of ancient Egypt : the brilliant tactical Tuthmosis III, the dreamer Ikhanaton, the dictator Ramses II, the wily Queen Hatshepsut, and many others.

Note from Francesca : It is refreshing to see that there exists a book on the market which examines the physical remains of Ancient Egyptian tools and not just the by-products of manufacture. Voice is given to the ancient smiths by letting the Ancient Egyptian depictions of their metal-workings speak for themselves, in private tombs stretching from the Old Kingdom to the New Kingdom, as well as the informative accompanying hieroglyphic inscriptions. Every kind of manufacture is considered in this well documented book. A must for all interested laypeople and scholars.

Note from Francesca : This book is a special edition for the 25th anniversary of the Hebrew University. The subject and nature of the articles and lecture transcripts include philology, archaeology, biblical studies and religion. It is divided into 3 parts, the first containing articles written by friends and former students, some of which are renowned scholars; the second part offers lectures in memory of the late Father Couroyer, on the subject 'Reality versus Poetry in the Narration of the Exodus in Biblical and Egyptian sources'; and finally the third part provides lectures on 'Sin, punishment and forgiveness in Ancient Egypt'. Well organized and well presented, it is recommended for the interested scholar.

From AEB : The restoration of the wall-paintings in Nefertari's tomb by the Getty Conservation Institute was one of the great adventures in Egyptology of the 1980s and 1990s. This beautifully illustrated German account of the work contains many images not seen in English-language books. The text describes what we know of the life of Ramesses II's principal wife, one of the only royal partners to be deified during her lifetime.

From the book cover : In this controversial new book, the author disputes the scientific belief that evolution and cultural change is a gradual process, and presents convincing evidence that natural catastrophes such as earthquakes, floods, asteroids, comets, and meteorites have significantly and often abruptly influenced the course of human civilization.
"Examining the archaeological sites of the Great Sphinx in Egypt and the Yonaguni Monument in Japan, the geological site of the impact crater at Chicxulub, Mexico, as well as some of the most fascinating myths of lost civilizations from all parts of the world, Schoch weaves together archaeology, geology, and anthropology with extraordinary ease, all the while teasing out fact from fiction. Here, within his interdisciplinary approach, lies the intrigue of Schoch's research."
Note from Francesca : Such moments are rare these days when one takes a book in the hand and is completely captivated by it after reading the first few pages : this is what happened with Voices of the Rocks. The author, a geologist and a professor, is one of this era's best academics. He articulates his vast knowledge, experience and research into our ancient past in an engaging and scholarly fashion. In this book he brings us beyond the limits of our need to think and to find answers. He explains the numerous theories available and then tries to work them out so we can truly understand the reason of each venue. At every page we feel the exciting moment of truth and of discovery, but only to fall back on our feet to the reality. This is a rollercoaster for the newcomer. The book also serves as a travelogue since we follow Professor Schoch in his travels from the sandy deserts of Egypt to the bottom of the ocean in Japan. This book does not answer questions but makes us wonder. A definite must for all.

De electre.com : Ces chants d'amour constituent un genre très particulier et unique dans leur milieu. Leurs thèmes, la langue populaire qui est la leur, permettent de les considérer comme caractéristiques d'une époque où la joie de vivre éclatait et où l'Égypte, s'emparant momentanément du Proche-Orient, entrait en contact avec un autre genre de vie.

De electre.com : Il s'agit du Livre des Morts expliqué et illustré, complété par les rituels de l'embaumement et de l'ouverture de la bouche.
Note from Francesca : The focus of spiritual life in Ancient Egypt turned around the experience of Death. As the preface notes, [t]he Ancient Egyptians believed it was in the tomb that heaven and earth, and life and death converged most closely. This book reveals all the secrets and traditions of the rituals of death for the Ancient Egyptians, from ceremonies to the role of priests, the imaginary of Osiris and Isis, Anubis and others. Through extensive research the author brings the reader into the tombs, into the private world of Ancient Egypt. It is an extremely well researched and fascinating book for the interested in knowing more about social and religious practices in Ancient Egypt.

De electre.com : Richement illustré par des reproductions de décors de temples et de tombes, d'esquisses sur calcaire et de papyrus, et conçu sur le modèle d'un CD-Rom permettant au lecteur de 'cliquer' sur les détails qui l'intéressent, l'ouvrage explore la sexualité et les représentations érotiques des anciens Égyptiens.

From the book cover : Here is a vivid re-creation of the spiritual life of ancient Egypt. [The author] brings to life the world of ancient Egypt as seen through the eyes of the young Her-Bak, candidate for initiation into the sublime mysteries of the Egyptian temple. Her fictional account is based upon years of on-site research in the temples of Luxor and Karnak under the direction of her husband and teacher, R. A. Schwaller de Lubicz.

From the book cover : [This] continues Her-Bak's spiritual quest, as he is initiated into the Inner Temple and follows his progressive penetration of the esoteric aspects of the Egyptian Mystery teachings, showing the evolution of one individual's life through the phases of temple training.

Note from Francesca : This is a well written book dealing with the correlation between the body system and organs impacting man's spiritual system. The author hypothesises that the stomach is representative of 'the opening of way'. In essence it is a book for spiritual transformation by means of Ancient Egyptian wisdom. There are no illustrations, yet the book offers a chapter on reincarnation and another on peace. It is interesting, but definitely for the interested and open-minded to such ideas of 'wisdom teachings'.

From the book cover : The discoveries of [the author] are proof that the temple is the true embodiment of ancient Egyptian wisdom and the doctrine of the sages. [This book] is an indispensable guide to the superhuman science expressed by the architecture, the texts, and the proportions of the temple. [...] The teachings of Temple of Man have been simplified [here] and presented in the more accessible language of oral tradition, showing students how to orient themselves in the mentality for penetrating the science of the sages.

Note from Francesca : The author dedicated his life to study, learn and bring some understanding of ancient Egypt. He identified Egypt as the cradle of Western civilization. For him, ancient Egypt echoes in our modern cultures, in our fairy tales as well as in our medicine and faith. His great passion is captivating yet he remains a controversial author.

Note from Francesca : That the Ancient Egyptians' mentality was different than our modern way of thinking, we do not doubt. Yet in this book, the author tries to show, or at least evoke, the thinking process of Ancient Egypt's wise men. Certainly an unconventional way to study hieroglyphs, the book offers an interesting theory on symbolic in Ancient Egypt and its influence.

From the publisher's website : This monumental [book] represents the most important breakthrough in our understanding of Ancient Egypt since the discovery of the Rosetta stone. This exhaustive and authoritative study reveals the depths of the mathematical, medical, and metaphysical sophistication of Ancient Egypt. Schwaller de Lubicz's stone-by-stone survey of the temple of Amun-Mut-Khonsu at Luxor allows us to step into the mentality of Ancient Egypt and experience the Egyptian way of thinking within the context of their own worldview.
His study finds the temple to be an eloquent expression and summary - an architectural encyclopedia - of what the Egyptians knew of humanity and the universe. Through a reading of the temple's measures and proportions, its axes and orientations, and the symbolism and placement of its bas-reliefs, along with the accompanying studies of related medical and mathematical papyri, Schwaller de Lubicz demonstrates how advanced the civilization of Ancient Egypt was, a civilization that possessed exalted knowledge and achievements both materially and spiritually. In so doing, Schwaller de Lubicz effectively demonstrates that Ancient Egypt, not Greece, is at the base of Western science, civilization, and culture.

De alapage.com : Dans la mentalité de l'Égypte pharaonique, la mort ne mène pas au néant mais au contraire permet l'ascension de l'homme à la seule vie véritable. L'Égypte nous a légué les cartes les plus anciennes sur l'itinéraire de l'âme dans l'au-delà. Les quatre grandes phases du Livre des Morts retracent les métamorphoses de l'âme dans l'au-delà, mais se retrouvent aussi, par analogie, dans le déroulement des rites funéraires, dans la structure des tombeaux et des temples. Les livres des morts Égyptiens n'étaient pas seulement des textes funéraires, c'étaient aussi des textes initiatiques pour les vivants. Cette lecture renouvelée de la sagesse Égyptienne devrait féconder et inspirer le présent et le futur de nos sociétés occidentales.

De alapage.com : Dans le coeur du public, l'Égypte ancienne occupe une place privilégiée. En 1927, le legs généreusement accordé à la Ville de Strasbourg par l'archéologue Gustave Schlumberger est venu compléter d'une façon magistrale les collections d'une ville qui, depuis longtemps, est l'un des foyers les plus actifs de la recherche Égyptologique et coptologique. Partiellement exposée, en grande partie inédite, cette collection n'était guère connue. Aujourd'hui, une publication claire, érudite et abondamment illustrée vient heureusement combler cette lacune.Grâce aux recherches d'Annie Schweitzer et de Claude Traunecker, ce sont près de trois cents objets qui reprennent vie, offerts à la curiosité des amateurs d'art, des amoureux de la terre des pharaons comme des spécialistes de cette ancienne civilisation. Aux côtés des modestes parures funéraires, de la riche série des amulettes de faïence et des figurines de bronze, qui brossent le tableau du complexe panthéon Égyptien, certaines oeuvres sont véritablement exceptionnelles : une délicate tête féminine datant du Nouvel Empire, le 'torse Hoffmann', les ouchebtis des reines Hénouttaoui et Maâtkarê, le scarabée de coeur appartenant à Setaou, vice-roi de Kouch au temps de Ramsès II...

From AEB : This is the catalogue to an exhibition of some of the most important objects from the significant collection of Egyptian antiquities in the Harer Family Trust Collection, which has been shown in the University Art Gallery of California State University.

This book provides a history of Egyptian writing, scribes, hieroglyphs, grammar, numbers and gods. It also includes an interesting section of English-hieroglyphs vocabulary. The authors tell the readers about the decipherment of the ancient language and its importance. Well illustrated, this is a wonderful introductory book, for new students.

From the author : Believing that the Egyptians were a people who needed and depended on a vision of an unchanging universe, the author asserts that their attempts to record and explain a deviation to the very order of things has been sadly misread. With the use of computer data the postulation is made that the death of Osiris and the stories surrounding the Eye of Horus, including the 'eighty years of contending' between Horus and Seth, have their roots in the observable workings of the Precession, and, linked in time, an eighty year period of three total and one annular eclipse of the sun over key predynastic sites.

Note from Francesca : This book presents a short history of Egypt (as the title suggests) in merely 70 pages. It starts with the Predynastic Period up to modern times, more specifically Nasser's years. It provides useful information regarding the ancient and modern religious beliefs and society. Offering detailed maps and illustrated in black and white, it is a useful ressource for students and Egyptophiles.

Note from Francesca : This interesting book provides English translations of several ancient Egyptian texts, including a few hard-to-find stories. Written in a clear style, the tales are easily read and understood. Among the stories found are the Story of Osiris; the Destruction of Mankind by Re; the Capture of Joppa; the Sphinx and the King's Dream; the Tale of Two Brothers; the Famine Stela; the Landing of Noah's Ark; the Doomed Prince; as well as stories concerning the creation of the world. This is a book which accurately relates the most important ancient Egyptian tales. Illustrated in black and white, it is most useful for students.

Note from Francesca : 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.

Note from Francesca : Four specialists - Shafer, Baines, Lesko and Silverman - took the difficult task of explaining the Ancient Egyptians' relation with religion. Through their art, their architecture and their literature, the Ancient Egyptians have left answers to all of their existantial questions. Culture is religion; religion is culture : every aspect of life was influenced by the deep beliefs of the people. This is a very informative book recommended for all students of Egyptology.

From the book cover : From Abu Gurab to Zawiyet el-Aryan, Akhenaten to the X Group, the British Museum Dictionary of Ancient Egypt is a mine of information on all aspects of the ancient Egyptian world. How and why did the Egyptians go to such pains to preserve their dead ? What would the great temple complex at Karnak have looked like ? How did they brew their beer and furnish their houses ? What games did their children play ? More than six hundred extensively cross-referenced and comprehensively indexed entries provide clear explanations and descriptions of the major ideas, events and personalities that shaped four thousand years of civilization in the Nile valley, whilst entries on the archaeologists who revealed Egypt's legacy bring the story right up to date. Each entry is followed by a short bibliography to enable readers to pursue topics in greater detail. Lavishly illustrated throughout with photographs, line drawings, site plans and maps, [this dictionary] is an invaluable tool for every general reader, student and researcher.

From AEB : A small guide to the new Egyptian gallery which opened in 1992 at the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto, it illustrates Egypt's history and daily life. The guide follows chronological order, with a special section on Egyptian religion. A section on Nubia concludes the book.

From the book cover :The earliest vitreous materials in Egypt date to ca 4000 BC although the production of glass, faience, frit or 'Egyptian blue' does not really take off until the 18th dynasty. This book combines descriptions of various objects made from vitreous materials with an analysis of the processes and techniques used in their production. His study begins with the raw materials, he describes the processing of the materials and the waste products generated, the production and finishing of objects and their final distribution. Focusing largely on evidence from the city of Amarna, a large part of this volume is taken up with analyses of the structure and composition of the vitreous materials.

From Amazon.com : The civilization of ancient Egypt continues to cast its spell across the millenia. This is undoubtedly due to the astonishing architectural, artistic, and technological achievements of that culture, as well as its advanced system of writing and the quality of its literature.
Note de N. Floro Andrés Rodríguez : Jolie édition de haute qualité, les textes, monographies de diverses spécialistes allemands, portent sur l'histoire et la société.

Note from Francesca : This wonderful basic book on builders and craftsmen of Ancient Egypt provides brief descriptions of the Ancient Egyptian home, pyramid, tomb, temple and town. A short glossary is made available. Recommended for youngsters, ages 6 to 10.

Note from Francesca : This wonderful basic book on discoveries and inventions of Ancient Egypt provides brief descriptions of the Ancient Egyptian control of water, light and people; it explains their health, cleanliness, mathematics, decoration, clothing, hieroglyphs and animals. A short glossary is made available. Recommended for youngsters, ages 6 to 10.

Note from Francesca : This wonderful basic book on farming and food of Ancient Egypt provides brief descriptions of the Ancient Egyptian eating habits; it explains the importance of animals and the various foods eaten in Ancient Egypt, as well as the religious aspect of food with Hapy, God of the Nile. A short glossary is made available. Recommended for youngsters, ages 6 to 10.

Note from Francesca : This wonderful basic book on pharaohs and priests of Ancient Egypt provides brief descriptions of the Ancient Egyptian gods and goddesses, pharaohs, priests, temples, mummies and tombs. A short glossary is made available. Recommended for youngsters, ages 6 to 10.

Note from Francesca : This great book on Ancient Egypt provides a brief history of Ancient Egypt, through its river, its numerous pharaohs, its trade, religion, mummies, pyramids, culture, and medicine. A short glossary is made available. Recommended for youngsters, ages 8 to 10.

De alapage.com : La croyance en une vie éternelle après la mort a été un trait saillant de toutes les cultures qui se sont développées depuis la préhistoire. Les plus grandes civilisations ont donc consacré leurs plus belles ressources artistiques et architecturales aux tombes dans lesquelles les dépouilles mortelles des puissants, souvent accompagnées de somptueux trésors, ont trouvé leur "demeure d'éternité". Pour la première fois, cet ouvrage, tout à la fois beau livre et riche source d'information archéologique, présente, dans un tour d'horizon planétaire, ce culte des morts et donne à voir pyramides, nécropoles, mégalithes, sépultures, hypogées, mausolées, tumulus, kourganes, tombeaux rupestres tous plus surprenants et éblouissants les uns que les autres par leur décor et par la richesse et la somptuosité de leur mobilier funéraire : bijoux, armes, vêtements, matériaux précieux, ambre, jade, or, bronze... Ce tour du monde des grands sites archéologiques commence dans l'Europe du néolithique, avec les civilisations mégalithiques de Bretagne, des Iles britanniques et de Malte, puis donne à voir les tombes étrusques et leurs extraordinaires sarcophages à forme humaine, Mycènes et les trésors d'Agammennon, et Verghina, lieu de sépulture des rois de Macédoine. L'exploration se poursuit dans le Bassin méditerranéen, entre Afrique et Moyen Orient : des tombeaux des premiers pharaons qu'étaient les Pyramides aux tombes de la vallée des Rois et des Nobles, les plus importants témoignages de la civilisation Égyptienne sont présentés puis viennent les nécropoles du désert, Pétra et Palmyre, et enfin, à la source de nos connaissances sur le monde sumérien, le cimetière royal d'Ur. ...

De electre.com : Un voyage le long du Nil à la découverte de la civilisation trois fois millénaire de l'ancienne Égypte. Un texte sobre complète et commente l'image. Plans et croquis aident le lecteur à s'orienter dans le monde complexe des pharaons.
Note from Francesca : 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.

Note from Francesca : Beautifully illustrated, the author covers every aspect of the pyramids, from their design, their construction, their exploration and their function. Modern research is discussed, as is the Sphinx. The pyramids of Giza, el-Lisht, Meidum, Saqqara, Faiyum, Dahshur, Abusir and Abu Rawash are presented in this excellent guide. Maps and a two-page glossary are included. This book, on the only surviving wonder of the ancient world, should be in everyone's library.

Note from Francesca : The title of this book is quite incomplete, since the book covers not only the Valley of the Kings but also the Valley of the Queens and the tombs of the nobles. The author provides individual descriptions of particular tombs from the afore mentioned sites, including those of Merneptah, Sethos I and Nefertari. Beautifully illustrated, this guide belongs in every student's library.

Note from Francesca : This book is dedicated to the extraordinary rediscovery of Ancient Egypt and to its explorers, such as Napoleon, Giovanni Battista Belzoni, Jean-François Champollion, John Gardner Wilkinson, Howard Vyse, John Perring, Richard Lepsius, and Emile Prisse d'Avennes. The book also includes an explanation of the prolific work La Description de l'Égypte as well as the discovery and decipherment of the notorious Rosetta Stone. Adequately illustrated, everyone will enjoy the daring adventures and accurate narrations described in this book.

From AEB : This book is devoted to the tombs of the members of the royal family in the Valley of the Queens, and in particular, to the tomb of Queen Nefertari.

Note from Francesca : In the first part of the book, David Silverman presents a brief history of the University of Pennsylvania Museum as well as fieldwork and excavations done in Egypt and Nubia; and Donald Redford gives a general overview of Ancient Egyptian history. The second part consists of a catalogue which provides a description of objects, along with a photograph and further reading. Featured objects are those of divine art (essay by Arielle Kozloff), royal art (Edna Russmann), private art (Rita Freed), architecture (David O'Connor), personal and domestic artifacts (Edward Brovarski), funerary arts (William K. Simpson) and Nubian art (Josef W. Wegner). Recommended, this book is for those needing to learn more on Ancient Egyptian art.

De alapage.com : Alors que le souffle d'Osiris s'apprête à redonner vie aux rives du Nil. Djoser, fils cadet de Pharaon, et Thanys, la jeune bâtarde, reçoivent d'un vieil aveugle une prophétie énigmatique : Vous devrez marcher dans les traces des dieux ! L'accession au trône du cruel Sanakht, frère aîné de Djoser, scelle le destin des jeunes gens. Djoser est enrôlé dans les armées du nouveau pharaon, et Thanys, que tout le monde tient pour morte, fuit vers la lointaine Nubie. Djoser et Thanys surmonteront de terribles épreuves avant d'accomplir leur destin, être réunis sur le trône d'Égypte. Djoser pourra alors donner libre cours à sa vocation de bâtisseur. Sous l'impulsion d'Imhotep, médecin astronome, inventeur de l'architecture de pierre taillée, la capitale connaîtra un essor sans précédent. En ce temps-là, les tombeaux des rois n'étaient encore que des édifices de faibles dimensions construits en brique. Sous le règne du grand Djoser, au début de la Troisième Dynastie, apparut un homme au génie incomparable. Imhotep, qui révolutionna l'architecture en y intégrant la pierre taillée. C'est ainsi que s'éleva, sur le site de Saqqarâh, la première de toutes les pyramides.

De alapage.com : Deux mille sept cents ans avant Jésus-Christ... Djoser a déjoué les pièges de l'usurpateur. Il est la nouvelle incarnation d'Horus et règne aux côtés de la belle Thanys. Ensemble, ils ont vaincu la malédiction qui pesait sur eux et, conformément à la prédiction du vieil aveugle, marchent dans les traces des dieux. Imhotep le bâtisseur est revenu de son long exil. Constructeur de génie et détenteur de secrets fabuleux, il commence l'oeuvre de sa vie, la cité sacrée de Saqqarâh. Jamais le Double-Royaume n'a connu une telle prospérité : le commerce est florissant et les récoltes abondantes. Pourtant, derrière cette effervescence, Thanys perçoit la menace d'une entité néfaste qui risque de replonger le Double-Pays dans le chaos. Bientôt, les événements lui donnent raison. Face à Horus, image du soleil, se dessine une divinité sombre, faite de ténèbres et de barbarie. Alors que s'élève la cité sacrée, une lutte sans merci va s'engager entre Djoser et cet ennemi effrayant...

De alapage.com : Après une lutte acharnée, l'Horus Djoser a vaincu Meren-Seth, incarnation du dieu Seth sous sa forme guerrière et destructrice. Selon les prédictions de l'Amorrhéen Moshem, le Double-Pays traverse une ère de prospérité. Mais celle-ci doit être suivie d'une période de cinq années de sécheresse. Grâce à la prévoyance du roi, Kemit lutte victorieusement contre la famine, jusqu'au moment où Djoser reçoit la visite du roi de Chypre, venu le supplier de lui apporter son aide. Il est accompagné de ses fils jumeaux. L'un d'eux, Tash'Kor, fascine la jeune Khirâ, fille naturelle de Thanys.Parce que Chypre offre asile aux pirates qui rançonnent les convois maritimes Égyptiens, Djoser refuse son aide, déclenchant la colère de Tash'Kor. Avant de partir, il jette la malédiction sur les Deux-Terres. Peu après, une série de catastrophes s'abat sur la Vallée sacrée : une invasion de criquets détruit les maigres récoltes, et tandis que la famine se répand inexorablement, la Mort Noire frappe le Delta.Djoser parvient cependant à sauver le Double-Royaume avec l'aide de Khnoum, le dieu à tête de bélier, pour lequel il bâtit un temple à la hauteur de la Première cataracte. Khnoum libère alors les eaux salvatrices qui redonnent vie à l'Égypte.

Note from Francesca : The author describes 13 of the most known Ancient Egyptian gods and goddesses, including Ra, Maat, Set, Ptah and Bast. She presents a brief history and description for each of them, after explaining the importance of the 'kemetic' religion. She then provides a list of books suggested for further reading. Clearly written, the book offers good line drawings and makes an interested read for everyone.

From the publisher's website : This account of the mythological literature of the ancient near East includes the Egyptian myth of 'The Feud between Horus and Seth', the Hittite myth of 'The Conquest of Baal', the Sumerian myth of 'The Odyssey of Gilgamesh' and many others.

From AEB : This is an ancient Egyptian mortuary text preserved in four manuscripts, one in Berlin, one in Strasbourg, one in Paris and one divided between Paris and Oxford. All are written in Demotic script and datable to the early part of the 1st century AD.
This ... was recited for the benefit of deceased persons, probably at the entrance to the tomb on the day of burial. Its purpose was to revivify the dead and make provision for their well-being in the afterlife. The author believes that a copy of the liturgy was put in the tomb with the deceased, so that it would accompany the person to the underworld, thus ensuring a good reception.

Note from Francesca : Many art and architectural treasures survive from Ancient Egypt. This book offers 400 illustrations of such treasures from the fourth millennium B.C. to the conquest of Alexander the Great. The author examines Ancient Egyptian tombs, temples, palaces, decorations, and many other works of art. A recommended book for the interested student of art and of Egyptology.

From a review in Cambridge Archaeological Journal 7:1 (1997), 123-37 : The ideology of imperialism is a broad theme, replete with the deeds of powerful historical figures glorying in their heroic achievements. There are also the conquered peoples to consider, often less centralized or less powerful than their oppressors. [...] To what extent, then, was Egyptian involvement in Nubia driven by hard-headed profit motives ? Was royal propaganda merely the ideological icing on the economic cake ? [...]

From Amazon.com : This is the story of 30-year-old Taita the eunuch, slave to a noble's daughter, and his recollection of the dramatic events of which he was witness as his mistress receives the dubious honor of marriage to the pharaoh. The brutality of life in ancient times is everywhere evident in Taita's tale, which involves fatal intrigue at every turn.

Note from Francesca : This book surveys Ancient Egyptian temples, their structures and development. The author endeavors to explain the nature of Egyptian divinities and their need for temples and festivals. He presents interesting ideas regarding the Ancient Egyptians' temples architecture and decoration. An absorbing little book, with numerous remarkable conjectures. Recommended for everyone.

Note de Francesca : Offrant un tableau détaillé des principaux hiéroglyphes, ce livre trace l'évolution, le principe et l'extension du système hiéroglyphique. Les auteurs discutent des problèmes de déchiffrement ainsi que la découverte du système par le français Jean-François Champollion.

Note from Francesca : The book is a survey covering the Egyptian feast lists from the Old Kingdom to the Saite epoch. After a brief, easy-to-understand introduction of feast names, the author describes in five chapters those found from the Middle Kingdom, New Kingdom, Post-Imperial Era (lasting from the Third Intermediate Period to the Saite Period), from the First Intermediate Period to the Middle Kingdom, and finally the Old Kingdom. Recommended, it is an interesting and comprehensive book dealing with a subject rarely touched upon.

From AEB : This study of Egyptian feasts covers the interrelated problems of chronology and Egyptian religious observances.

Note from Francesca : This book is about as esoteric as can get on Ancient Egypt, as can be seen by one of the chapter headings 'The Philosophy of the Mysteries'. The various Ancient Egyptian texts are all used to varying degrees to support the author's interpretations. Magic, the ka and ba, and the extent of Ancient Egypt's influence on the eastern Mediterranean lands are among the subjects discussed. This book, with black and white illustrations, is definitely for the open-minded.

From AEB : This volume contains the collected papers from the international colloquium on early Egypt held at the British Museum in July 1993. It includes contributions on the interpretation of excavated material from various sites, some of which allow comparisons of Predynastic funerary practices in Upper and Lower Egypt, whilst others focus on the development of major cult centres. Material from excavated contexts has been reassessed and analyzed by modern techniques to allow the presentation of new conclusions on chronology, material culture, administration and trade in early Egypt.

From AEB : [This book] offers the general reader an accessible account of Egyptian burial customs, the reasons for their existence and how they changed in response to developments in religion.

From the book cover : This book is an introduction to the formative stage of Egyptian civilisation, from earliest times through the Pre- and Protodynastic Periods to the beginning of the Old Kingdom. The author deals with the Stone Age, the Early Predynastic cultures, the Palaeolithic hunter-gatherers, and the Early Predynastic settlements in Lower Egypt as well as in the Fayum, culturally quite distinct from the Upper Egyptian Badari and the following Naqada I cultural phase.

From the book cover : This general book in the dictionary format covers all aspects of the Ancient Egyptian world and great archaeologists, who discovered the culture (e.g., Petrie) in over 600 extensively cross-referenced, comprehensively indexed and richly illustrated entries. Each entry is followed by a short bibliography, which is arranged in chronological rather than alphabetical order; in the preface the authors mention a number of specialized reference works for further consultation. The book largely results from the need to find concise and accurate definitions of key terms in Egyptology, some of which have become obscure and archaic over the years. The principal aim to provide a reference work accessible to anyone with an interest in Ancient Egypt, as well as to the academic community.

De alapage.com : Cette publication traite d'un sujet qui s'adresse aux chercheurs de la discipline, mais elle peut aussi intéresser des amateurs très éclairés qui trouveront dans mon livre une approche nouvelle du domaine de la royauté pharaonique au Nouvel Empire. L'importance accordée au nom de manière générale en Égypte ancienne a été maintes fois relevée. L'ouvrage se concentre sur un aspect des noms royaux, qui par leurs hautes valeurs magiques et créatrices, peuvent dans certaines circonstances posséder la qualité de substitut pour la représentation anthropomorphe du roi.

From the book cover : It is the original and controversial thesis of this book that the birth of the state, usually associated with the emergence of the Greek polis, can in fact be traced in the foundation myths and practices of the ancient Egyptian monarchy to which the feminine principle is crucial.

Note from Francesca : In this paper, the author describes and compares the design and content of three surviving wooden cubits, now in Paris and Turin. He explains the measurements and units of the ancient Egyptian cubit and individually discusses each palm of the cubits. Also included are the various stunning inscriptions on the cubit in the Egyptian Museum of Turin and an index explaining the finger protector gods. This is a fascinating essay on a rare subject for interested readers.

Note from Francesca : Divided in seven chapters, this book gives detailed information on Ancient Egyptian life, society and culture. Read about the Nile and its inundation. Discover the food the Ancient Egyptians ate, the tools they used, the clothes they wore. Find out about their recreation, sports and games. Learn about their religious beliefs, magic and medicine. Clearly written for the general public, the book offers selected art pieces from the British Museum, confirming the author's statements.

From Amazon.com : This very small-sized pocketbook deals with the society, life in Ancient Egypt, games and leisure, building and technology, religion, and the end of the pharaonic civilization.

Note from Francesca : Heavily revised, this book covers every possible aspect of Ancient Egypt culture, from the invasion of the Hyksos to hieroglyphs, from Egyptian art to its religion. The authors discuss the reigns of several pharaohs, including Thutmose III, Amenhotep IV and Tutankhamun. Containing many black and white illustrations, this is an interesting and informative book for beginners in Egyptology.

Note from Francesca : 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.

From AEB : Cette édition comprend les volumes Les pharaons bâtisseurs, et L'or des pharaons.
Dès 2800 av. J.-C. et pendant trois millénaires, la vallée du Nil, du delta jusqu'à la Nubie fut un immense chantier sous la conduite des pharaons-dieux. Par ailleurs, l'or des pharaons, depuis la découverte des trésors de Toutankhamon et Psousennès I, ne cesse de nous fasciner.

From AEB : Dès 2 800 avant J.C. et pendant trois millénaires, la vallée du Nil, du Delta jusqu'à la Nubie, fut un immense chantier sous la conduite de pharaons-dieux. Pyramides, temples, tombeaux, chapelles, magasins, palais, forteresses, toutes ces constructions, parfois colossales, participent d'un même esprit qui leur confère un caractère unique.

From the publisher's website : [This book] provides an introduction both to the history of the most renowned conqueror of antiquity and the main themes of his reign. Alexander is among the most difficult of rulers to research, as almost no direct evidence has survived the ravages of time. In response to the scarcity of evidence, Richard Stoneman includes an in-depth examination of written and other sources, revealing the problems of interpreting them. A thorough discussion of archaeological and numismatic evidence, combined with an outline of the Macedonian background, lends insight into Alexander's education, environment and ideas. Drawing on earlier biographies as well as incorporating newly unearthed evidence, Stoneman reveals Alexander as a brilliant and ruthless commander who came to believe in his own myth. An exploration of Alexander's claim to divinity, and an assessment of his short and long-term achievements are also included in this volume.

Synopsis : The daughter of a priest of Ra marries Pharaoh's vizier Joseph and struggles with questions of love and faith.

Note from Francesca : This book provides much information on Ancient Egyptian society. The chapters are organized by themes, each dealing with different subjects, which include childbirth, education, entertainment, marriage, funerary beliefs and mummification. Written for the layperson, the reader will find many illustrations and an excellent bibliography for further consultation. This is a recommended study of Ancient Egyptian life.

Note from Francesca : 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.

From AEB : In Tutankhamun's grave, a whole suite of furniture was found. There were low chairs, twelve stools, and a large number of beds, chests and caskets. This assemblage was typical of the many caches of furniture that have been found, well-preserved by Egypt's dry climate. [...] The author is a modern furniture maker, who has studied and reproduced on model-scale the ancient Egyptian furniture at the National Museum in Cairo. His book includes chapters on the tools, materials and techniques used by the ancient craftspeople, complemented by black and white and color photographs as well as useful diagrams. The text is both in Danish and English.