Customer Reviews

Cleopatra's Needles and Other Egyptian Obelisks

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Do you have a more than cursory interest in ancient Egyptian obelisks? If so, to my knowledge, this is the only work to which you can turn your attention. The text was originally written in the early 20th Century by one of the grand fathers of Egyptology, E.A. Wallis Budge. Consequently, you get some outdated beliefs and interpretations about these Egyptian monuments. However, Budge is still a scientist and most of his conclusions are well-founded.

The book begins with an initial overview of obelisks and their import to the ancient Egyptians, including an extended discussion of the benben cult. The next section discusses some theories as to how the obelisks were quarried, transported and erected. The third section shows Budge's English roots as he discusses at length the obelisk in the heart of London. The last section is by far the most valuable section as it has reproductions of each known obelisk along with a translation of the hieroglyphs on each obelisk. This is absolutely invaluable! Furthermore, because each of the hieroglyphs is reproduced, it is possible for you to come up with your own interpretations.

Thank you Kessinger for reproducing this volume!