The Egyptian Pyramids: A Comprehensive, Illustrated Reference [Library Binding]

J. P. Lepre (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1990

This generously illustrated work is the most complete reference book ever published on these fascinating and compelling structures of the ancient world. Facts on each of the 42 pharaohs and the monuments they constructed (and commentary from the author who has extensively explored them) include all elements of each pyramid complex that have been discovered, and whether a sarcophagus and mummy have been located. Cross-sectional diagrams and floor plans are provided for all pyramids so far uncovered, as well as photographs where available. Longer essays discuss in painstaking detail the unusual features of such as the Bent Pyramid of Pharaoh Sneferu and the Great Pyramid of Pharaoh Khufu. Eight appendices include a comparison of Egyptian to Aztec and Mayan pyramids; and notable pyramid authors and explorers. The resulting book offers solutions to many of the intriguing mysteries long associated with the pyramids in addition to tantalizing suggestions of discoveries yet to be made.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Lepre, who has spent 15 years studying the pyramids through written sources and on-site investigation, is not an Egyptologist. His renditions of Egyptian chronology, kings, hieroglyphics, and other staples of the study of ancient Egypt are pieced together from numerous sources at his own discretion. For example, following Greek historian Herodotus rather than modern scholarship, he names Beby (not Djoser) as first king of Dynasty III and goes on to assign him ten pyramids with the caveat, " . . . although it is unlikely that Beby built all ten of these pyramids, we include them in his portfolio for lack of a better arrangement." The subject would be better served had he written his observations of the structures as journal articles, rather than this version of what began as personal reference material. Laypersons should be directed to such standard references as I.E.S. Edwards's The Pyramids of Egypt (Penguin, 1987. reprint). Skip this one.
-Joan W. Gart land, Detroit P.L.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

"an essential reference work...comprehensive.... [F]or readers at all levels" -- Choice

"brings together much of the known archaeological and architectural information" -- College & Research Library News

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Library Binding: 359 pages
• Publisher: McFarland & Company (November 1990)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0899504612
• ISBN-13: 978-0899504612
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,077,722 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Worth the Price of Admission, February 1, 1999

By 

Mark Hammons (Minneapolis, Minnesota) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Egyptian Pyramids: A Comprehensive, Illustrated Reference (Library Binding)

First off, thanks supreme to Lepre for compiling the information and writing this book. While Lepre is an avid believer that the pyramids were tombs, the author presents here a large amount of very useful detail about the more popular pyramids such as those at Giza and Dashur, as well as many smaller or lesser known structures. The admirable plan of organization consists of part database, part review of previous historical treatment, and part on-site observations. In no other source will you find even remotely comparable information gathered into one place. The book is well illustrated and as complete as humanly possible.

The texts for each of 42 known pyramid building pharoahs includes biographical information, such as various their names, dates of reign, available portrait imagery, and cartouche. After an article analyzing the known and unknown about each structure--presented in the standard Club Egyptology sequence--Lepre summarizes the structures in terms of available plans, interior and exterior photography, recovered artifacts such as mummy, treasure, and presence of a sarcophagus; then treats similarly information about subsidary buildings or satellite pyramids. Also included are mention of the Sphinx and closeby temples.

Throughout the book, the text reaffirms the standard academic approach to the pyramids. Lepre, however, is fair enough to mention other explanations, and to show the inadequacies of all theories where possible. The chapter on pyramid construction is a bit disappointing in its assurance of "this is the way things were done," but it's a clear report of the academic view.

What makes this book intriguing for all those who look for the as-yet-undiscovered is the chapter "Secret Chambers" in the back of the volume which discuss many anomalous elements and unpursued mysteries. Lepre does, especially, treat us to exact descriptions and line drawings of very likely unopened chambers in or at the Great Pyramid, and the Red and Bent Pyramids at Dashur. Amazingly, as Lepre notes, there seems little interest among the controlling authorities to pursue these tantalizing and specific leads. Makes you want to rush right out to Giza with a forklift!

Get this book and spend time with the whole text. Even though the later pyramids are scarcely comparable to early great ones, Lepre supplies a constant stream of information that integrates knowledge of, pardon the pun, the whole field. Take the scholarly adherence about tomb theory with the standard dose of salt, and read on!

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I'm getting a copy for my very own ASAP., November 17, 1998

By 

[e-mail] (United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Egyptian Pyramids: A Comprehensive, Illustrated Reference (Library Binding)

I was so impressed with the amount of information that I'm going to keep my overdue copy from the library until I can get a copy of my own. HELP me get a copy ASAP!