"This book is divided in 7 chapters. In the first one, the author provides a description of the allies and enemies of Egypt; this takes account of the Nubians, Libyans, Bedouin, Hittites, Persians, Sea Peoples, Greeks and Romans. The next chapter depicts the numerous weapons, used in Ancient Egyptian times (such as maces, spears, axes, knives, bows and arrows), as well as the military equipment (shields, armours, chariots) and the materials (stones, flint, copper, bronze, iron). The third chapter presents the 9 gods of war Amun, Anhur, Bes, Montu, Ptah, Sekhmet, Set, Ra and the Aten. Chapter four deals with the structure of the army, the training and work of a soldier. It also informs the reader of the dangers and drawbacks in existence to a soldier. The fifth chapter details defences, fortifications and siege warfare, while the sixth one gives details on the various battles and campaigns that took place from the Predynastic period to the Graeco-Roman period. In the concluding seventh chapter, “The Legacy”, the author argues that Ancient Egyptian achievements would surely not have been possible without the military. The book contains numerous black and white drawings, photographs and maps, as well as an index. Using archaeological evidence to back up his portrayal of the Ancient Egyptian military system, this is without doubt one of the most important works about warfare in Ancient Egypt. Recommended reading for the interested reader."
"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 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."
"This is a long overdue book that is much needed. Donaldson has taken a wonderful lengthy research and made it available to a wide range of readers, in this work. In Part One, he discusses the origins of the Isis and Osiris story, and continues by describing the evolution of Isis as a goddess, mother and protector. Chapters of this section cover vocation, worship and public penance ; Isiac priests and priestesses ; Isiac feasts and events in the ever-changing calendar ; and Isiac temples. In Part Two, he goes on with an explanation of each stage in the Isis Cult, and its evolution as Roman emperors succeeded each other is thoroughly analyzed. From the Late Republic to the Antonine Period, this book examines the development of the Isis cult in depth, covering the reigns of Antony, Cleopatra, Caesar, Augustus, Caligula, Domitian and Commodus.
Donaldson has put a lot of effort in finding the bibliographic material and the text shows this research. Although it does not have many photographs (it only has 6), .the book will soon become a reference on the subject of Isis.
I encourage everyone to read this wonderful book. This is a definite must for anyone interested in Ancient Egyptian and/or Graeco-Roman religion."
"The author discusses the history from the origins to the Unesco Nubian rescue in 1961. He writes
about the various temples in Nubia, including Kalabsha, Beit al-Wali, Dakka, Amada, Derr and Qasr Ibrim. The temples
of Ramses II and Nefertari are described in avid detail. Completed by beautiful photographs and useful maps, this
is a much needed guide, essential for travelers."
"In this little book, the origins of Cairo as a city, its art, its architecture, its museums and
monuments are presented. The history of the Fatimids, Mamluks and Ottomans is examined. Mosques, sabils, madrasas
and the monuments of al-Ghuri, Khan al-Khalili, the citadel and the nilometer are discussed. Offering a bibliography,
a chronological table, wonderful photographs, drawings and maps, this is a useful overview of ancient and modern
Cairo; a practical guide for everyone."
"The author introduces the geology, flora and fauna, desert and environment of Sinai. Its history
and climate is discusses. A description of Beduin life and sites is provided. A presentation of the Scientific
Exploration of Sinai is given, as are described a few sites: El-Tor, Dahab, Nuweiba, Pharaoh's island, and Moses'
Mountain. Completed by beautiful and inviting photography, this recommended guide will certainly incite readers to
visit the stunning region."
"This wonderful book presents the Valley of the Kings, the Valley of the Queens, the Tombs of
the Nobles and the village of Deir Al Medina. The author discusses mortuary rituals and presents many pharaohs,
including those buried in the Valley of the Kings (Ramesses IX, Tuthmosis, Ramesses III, Ramesses I, Sethos I,
Ramesses VI, Amenophis II, and Tuthomosis III), the queens buried in the Valley of the Queens (Nefertari, Khaemwaset,
Amun-her-Khepshef) and the nobles from tombs TT 52, TT 69, TT 55, TT 96, TT 1 and TT 359. With maps, drawings,
a bibliography, a chronological table and more than 150 photographs, this is an extremely worthwhile guide for
travelers."
"This book provides a compact chronicle of the most significant Egyptian monarchs from the
earliest times to the end of Nektanebo II's reign. The lives and achievements of these rulers (famous or
lesser-known kings and queens) are clearly summarized and accurately detailed. Well illustrated in black and
white, this book is mostly recommended for students."
"The first part of this album on ancient Egyptian art presents the author and his passion
for Egyptology. The second part consists of plates, representing drawings and outlines of pillars, vases,
portraits, columns, niches, plans, and patterns among many others. This is a good reference to the art and
architecture of ancient Egypt."
"Main kinds of settlement and town planning are explained in details. The author
discusses the evolution of villages into important cities; he also writes about the various types of
housing, including royal residences and mansions. Frontier and military towns, workmen's villages and
nome capitals are discussed and developed with much archaeological evidence. An informative book,
illustrated with numerous maps; recommended for the interested reader or student."
"Egyptian sculpture makes a fascinating study of Ancient Egyptian art. It evolves over
the years, thus letting interested individuals know about the various styles as they came to life. The
author, an expert on Ancient Egyptian art, examines herein materials and techniques the Ancient Egyptian
sculptors used over the numerous dynasties. She discusses the function of statues and the 'ideal image.'
She also looks at the influence of Ancient Egypt on Greek sculpture. A short, well-illustrated, extremely
useful book, recommended to every student."
"Pottery is an ancient craft: the Ancient Egyptians produced numerous objects
with clay. This book describes the manufacture and implementation of pottery vessels from Predynastic times to
the Ptolemaic era. Designs, motifs and various models of vessels are discussed. Tomb reliefs and inscriptions
are a reference to the techniques employed in the production of pottery. The role of Ancient Egyptian pottery
in Egyptology today is examined in detail. A well-illustrated, useful book recommenced to students and
scholars."
"From the introduction to the last page, this catalog is the witness of this
period, qualified as 'purely Egyptian in style.' The last paragraph of the
introduction says a great deal about this most interesting catalog; the
author suggests that scholars should show more interest in this particular
period. When reading through this catalog, the reader will wish indeed that
scholars show this interest. Through the well-documented pages appears a rich
era. All inscriptions are well explained and all statues described with much
detail. Wonderful photographs complete this recommended book."
"This lovely book concerns the life of one of the most distinguished
Egyptologist: I. E. S. Edwards (1906-1996). His most unusual 'affair' with
Egyptology started, as a young man, when he learned of Carter's discovery of
Tutankhamun's tomb. His life was made of passion and his energy seemed to
touch everyone around him. His life was one that could surely touch many
of those interested in studying Egyptology and a lesson in sharing,
internationally, the discoveries and in propagating a vision of the
past."
"Pyramid building, according to the author, should be placed not in the context
of only Ancient Egyptian technology, but rather in that of Near Eastern technology.
This book is devoted to understanding the methods used by the Ancient Egyptians
to build the pyramids. Numerous illustrations and excellent evidence complete
this professional, believable and backed-up discussion, which will be of much
use to interested readers."
"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."
"Hatchepsut... a name erased from monuments despite her importance to
Egyptian history. As this book explains through archaeological and
historical evidence, she was a remarkable pharaoh (and queen !) having
done much for the country. Her expeditions and her relations with the
numerous Thoutmosis are discussed in detail. A chapter is dedicated to
Senenmut, an important figure in Hatchepsut's reign. Maps, black-and-white
illustrations and photographs complete this useful book. Recommended for
the interested reader."
"The author claims this book (her fourth) is the last one. Through different
Ancient Egyptian texts, she studies the meanders of Ancient Egyptian souls.
Tombstone texts reveal their deep meanings and the wish of each to tell that
his heart was filled with Maat throughout his life. She begins by explaining
that one should be aware of 'terminological muddle', such as for the word
wisdom. She also tells of the arrival of the idea of 'evil' in texts of
the Fourth Dynasty. According to her, the pursuit of happiness seems to be
linked with social ethics and generosity. This is an intelligent book to read,
which leaves the reader with much to think about, once the book is closed."