Category:  Monuments, Temples & Tombs

Reviewed by Francesca: "Using archaeological evidence to back up his portrayal of the Ancient Egyptian columns, the author describes the development of columns from the earliest stone columns, through the Middle and New Kingdoms, the Ramesside Period, ending with those from Christian Egypt. He first provides a general overview of the history of Egypt by including all the main monuments in Egypt (many of which are rarely visited) and then continues to present an overview of columns, pylons, halls, and their various styles as seen in a number of Ancient Egyptian temples, houses and palaces. He clearly explains and defines the terminology, classification and nomenclature to describe the many parts of the column. He gives details about the materials used and the decoration seen on the columns throughout the country, and explains the historical trends in column design. The book contains over 600 black and white photographs, drawings, sketches and maps. Recommended reading for the interested reader, and a useful reference for amateur and professionals interested in Ancient Egypt."

Reviewed by Francesca: The book traces the development, origin and decline of the Egyptian temples of Memphis, Asyut, Thebes, Aswan, Karnak, Luxor and many other cities. The author thoroughly explains their construction, religious function and decoration; he presents the meaning of each part of the temples, the entrance, the sanctuaries, the halls, the columns, the obelisks and the courts. This major work also includes an explanation of the temple's relationship to the pantheon of gods, the roles of pharaohs and of priests, as well as the numerous festivals celebrated. Superbly illustrated in color, this is an important reference on the subject and a wonderful guide for everyone.

Reviewed by Francesca: This book gives readers a tour through the history and archaeology of the Valley of the Kings. The authors provide much detailed information about the tombs and treasures of Egypt's greatest pharaohs. Including many illustrations in color and black-and-white, the authors discuss the Egyptian belief in the afterlife, tomb robberies and the discovery of tombs. It also looks at the topography of the Valley's sites, their construction and history. A most excellent source of information for everyone.

From Amazon.com: This book captures the painstaking, step-by-step process of excavation; and the wonders of the treasure-filled inner chamber. 104 on-the-spot photographs depict the phases of the discovery and the scrupulous cataloging of the treasures.

Reviewed by Francesca: This book covers the little-known work, the Gateway, built by Ramesses IX and located at the Temple of Amun at Karnak. The first chapter gives a background setting of the Temple, and briefly explains Ramesses IX's works. The second chapter presents the translations of the hieroglyphic texts found on the Gateway. In the third chapter, the author attempts to provide the role and significance of the Gateway scenes. The last chapter consists of the hieroglyphic texts which were translated in chapter two. Eighteen photographic and line plates complete the book, which is indispensable for those interested in learning about this part of an important Ancient Egyptian monument.

From the book cover: The Temple of Horus at Edfu is one of the best preserved in Egypt. Dating to a time when non-Egyptian kings ruled the country, the inscriptions on its walls are more extensive than in earlier temples. They are in effect source books in stone of Egyptian temple ritual, describing in detail the ceremonies celebrated at Edfu. However, in many of the inscriptions the script used, known as 'Ptolemaic writing,' is one that was deliberately made elaborate and confusing so that its 7000 signs could only be read by a small band of initiates. The language expressed in the script is not that of the native Egyptians of the time but a priestly revival of a much older stage of their language. Both script and language remained un-deciphered for nearly two thousand years but [the author] is one of a handful of Egyptologists who in this century have succeeded in cracking the code. As a result, this is the first book in English to describe the secret rituals that were celebrated in honor of the falcon-headed god, Horus, in his great temple at Edfu, from the Daily Ritual to the grat annual festivals such as the Coronation of the Sacred Falcon, the New Year Festival and the Sacred Marriage between Horus and Hathor of Denderah, goddess of love and intoxication.

Reviewed by Francesca: This book is an introduction about Nubia, the region where Abu Simbel is located. The author describes and discusses the High Dam and the Unesco campaign to save the temples; he provides details concerning the Sound And Light project. He then provides a brief summary of Ramses II's life and family. Various sections of Nubian temples are briefly described. Hawass also discusses the architecture of two beautiful rock-cut temples, and examines scenes covering walls. Maps, plans, illustrations and color photographs complete this useful and enjoyable guide, recommended for everyone.