All Things Ancient Egypt: An Encyclopedia of the Ancient Egyptian World [2 volumes]

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Description

Written by specialists in the field of Egyptology, this book is a readable introduction to ancient Egypt, covering all anticipated subjects and stressing the monuments and material culture of this remarkable ancient civilization. The rich natural resources of ancient Egypt provided a wealth of raw material for its structures, sculptures, and art, while its geographic isolation helped to ensure the survival of its rich culture for centuries. While other references focus on the people and battles central to Egyptian history, this reference explores the material culture and social institutions of ancient Egypt. The book focuses on pharaonic Egypt, covering the period from roughly 5000 BCE to the beginning of the Greco-Roman Period in 320 BCE. At the front of the work, a timeline provides a quick look at the major events in Egyptian history, and an introduction surveys ancient Egypt's physical geography and history. Alphabetically arranged reference entries written by expert contributors then provide fundamental information about the buildings, jewelry, social practices, and other topics related to the material culture and institutions that made up the Egyptian world. Excerpts from primary source historical documents provide evidence for what we know about ancient Egyptian culture, and suggestions for further reading direct users to additional sources of information.

Reviews

With its accessible essays and emphasis on culture, this set will be an excellent introduction for students and general readers. A definite purchase for high school, college, and public libraries. * Booklist *
Recommended. Lower-division undergraduates through faculty. * Choice *
Offering secondary and undergraduate students an introduction to a vast subject, these densely informative volumes might also appeal to lay specialists. * Library Journal *
Libraries serving [students at the high school or undergraduate university levels as well as interested readers from the general public] should consider this two-volume set * ARBA *

Author Bio

Lisa K. Sabbahy, PhD, is assistant professor of Egyptology at the American University of Cairo, Egypt.