History of Ancient Egypt: An Introduction [Paperback]

Erik Hornung (Author), David Lorton (Translator)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0801484758 | ISBN-13: 978-0801484759 | Publication Date: May 1999 | Edition: Revised

From our vantage point ancient Egyptian civilization, with its strictly hierarchic organization, can appear static through its three-thousand-year history. In his concise and authoritative introduction to that distant culture, a renowned Egyptologist reveals the turbulent events beneath the rigid facade. Erik Hornung begins his account by taking a brief look at the prehistoric era in Egypt. He then focuses on political events during the period beginning with the reign of "Menes" and closing with the conquest by Alexander the Great. Building on insights drawn from the civilization's surviving texts and monuments, he also describes significant cultural developments, such as changes in burial customs and the building of the Great Pyramids and Sun Temples. Originally published in German, this important and highly useful survey has been revised throughout for its publication in English. In addition, the English version features over fifty illustrations, an updated bibliography, a glossary, and a chronological table.

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: German --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Cornell University Press; Revised edition (May 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0801484758
• ISBN-13: 978-0801484759
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #242,431 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #89 in Books > History > Africa > Egypt

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

30 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars EXCELLENT HISTORY BOOK, May 17, 2000

By 

Francesca Jourdan (Montreal, Canada) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: History of Ancient Egypt: An Introduction (Paperback)

Extremely well translated by American Egyptologist David Lorton, Hornung's book covers the history of Ancient Egypt from its Archaic to its Late Periods. It provides a concise description of important events through historical facts. A thorough yet brief explanation of political, economical, social, literary and artistical changes of Ancient Egyptian society leads to the development of the kingdoms. Black and white photographs, an excellent bibliography and a glossary explaining commonly used Egyptological terms accompany the main body. Recommended for professionals and amateurs.

8 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Political history, December 24, 2008

By 

J. B. Marques (Rio de Janeiro, RJ Brazil) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: History of Ancient Egypt: An Introduction (Paperback)

Far from discrediting Professor Hornung's mastery of the subject, I regret to say that this book is only a straightforward and very traditional political history of the successions of dynasties and pharaohs, with occasional hints on developments in art. Being an introductory work, I find it sad that it lacks mention of basic traits of economy and social life in the Egyptian world, as well as a clearer treatment of the state of sources (very common in the most recent general works). Also, the Intermediate Periods are squeezed at the end of the chapters, whose titles end up hinting at a continuity between the Old, Middle and New Kingdoms - the chapter on the Late Period seems even a bit rushed (btw, it accepts uncritically the very old and outdated theory of the "Sea Peoples" being a single factor of destruction in 1200BC). The Oxford History of Egypt is much more comprehensive, and I'd recommend it instead of this book.

5.0 out of 5 stars Review of Hornung's 'Ancient Egypt', October 31, 2010

By 

Ryan S. Mease "scott.godwin" (Chicago, IL, USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: History of Ancient Egypt: An Introduction (Paperback)

This is a respectable introduction to the history of ancient Egypt. Hornung presents prose that is sincerely interested into the story of Egypt. He carefully outlines the political history of the civilization, dynasty to dynasty. I didn't notice any moments of awkward translation.