This
small book, around 140 pages or so, takes the reader on a voyage
through the Egypt of Ramesses II, around 1250 BC.
The
approach taken is literally in the form of a journey, with some
general chapters about Egyptian attitudes to foreigners (they’re
quite xenophobic) naturally flowing to the religious reasoning (they
think they’re especially blessed by the gods) and social
observations. From there, the book takes the reader from entry to
Egypt on the likeliest route (up the Nile), which has the happy
coincidence of working both as a tour guide and summary of recent
history due to the grand temples and burial sites (some maintained,
others very deliberately abandoned) that dot the landscape.
Despite
its quite small size, the book is crammed with interesting
information written in an intelligent but light-hearted tone (those
who have read any of the Unofficial Manuals will find it pleasantly
familiar).
Ancient
Egypt is not my usual fare, and this is my first history of the
place. As such, it was filled with mostly unfamiliar terms (Hyksos,
Nubians) although fellow watchers of Stargate: SG-1 will find many of
the god names familiar. The book works very well for a complete
novice of the period, and I never felt lost historically or
geographically. Indeed, the author did a really good job effortlessly
mingling historical snippets with the journey south along the Nile.
There are
numerous small illustrations throughout, as well as two sets of
glossy colour pictures including Egyptian art and impressive temple
scenes. A couple of maps are at the back, along with some handy
Egyptian phrases (such as “Egypt is much better than my wretched
homeland”) and a concise list of the most important gods and their
characters.
All in
all, an entertaining, informative and interesting book that serves
perfectly as an introduction to Ancient Egypt.
Thaddeus
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