The Culture of Ancient Egypt [Paperback]

John A. Wilson (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0226901521 | ISBN-13: 978-0226901527 | Publication Date: August 15, 1956

The story of Egypt is the story of history itself—the endless rise and fall, the life and death and life again of the eternal human effort to endure, enjoy, and understand the mystery of our universe. Emerging from the ancient mists of time, Egypt met the challenge of the mystery in a glorious evolution of religious, intellectual, and political institutions and for two millenniums flourished with all the vigor that the human heart can invest in a social and cultural order. Then Egypt began to crumble into the desert sands and the waters of the Nile, and her remarkable achievements in civilization became her lingering epitaph. John A. Wilson has written a rich and interpretive biography of one of the greatest cultural periods in human experience. He answers—as best the modern Egyptologist can—the questions inevitably asked concerning the dissolution of Egypt's glory. Here is scholarship in its finest form, concerned with the humanity that has preceded us, and finding in man's past grandeur and failure much meaning for men of today.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

"Egypt," wrote the ancient Greek historian Herodotus, "is the gift of the Nile." John Wilson amplifies Herodotus's theme, showing how the rich soils of the Nile made possible the growth of civilizations from the earliest native dynasties to the late Roman empire. He also provides compelling biographical sketches of players who are even now famous--Nefertiti, Amenhotep, and Tutankhamen among them. Although it needs some updating because of recent discoveries, Wilson's book, first published in 1951, remains among the best one-volume introductions to the history of ancient Egypt.

About the Author

The late John A. Wilson was Andrew MacLeish Distinguished Service Professor at the University of Chicago.

Product Details

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: University Of Chicago Press (August 15, 1956)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0226901521
• ISBN-13: 978-0226901527
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.3 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.3 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #997,452 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best all around book on Ancient Egypt, April 3, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Culture of Ancient Egypt (Paperback)

Of all the one volume surveys of Ancient Egypt that I've read, this remains my favorite for its easy, flowing style. It may be old, but it doesn't seem a bit dated. I reread this book periodically and would recommend it strongly. It is enjoyable as well as informative.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Old, interesting but out of date., May 16, 2009

By 

Dr. Michael M. Eisman - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Culture Of Ancient Egypt (Paperback)

Wilson's book is now a half century old. In its time and for quiet a while, it was the standard one volume text. But time, archaeology and knowledge marches on. Wilson is certainly a good read and for the study of Egypt an important one, but much has changed in the field. I mention only the emphasis on hydrolics as a conditions factor of Egyptian life, and our increasing understanding of the interrelationship between Egypt and Africa, as examples. Many points covered by Wilson have also seen new theories and ideas emerge and be accepted. Read with historical understanding of the field of Egyptology and caution.