Khufu: The Secrets Behind the Building of the Great Pyramid [Hardcover]

Jean-Pierre Houdin (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 6, 2006

More than 4,500 years after its completion virtually everything is known about Khufu's pyramid except for the most important fact: Its method of construction. At present there are no answers to the mysteries of this colossal monument: 146.70 meters in height (the world's tallest building until the nineteenth century). 230.60 meters square base, 2.6 million cubic meters in volume, and 5,500,000 tons in weight spread uniquely over more than 220 layers. This book solves the riddles of Khufu's pyramid by combining archaeological information from distinguished researchers, and a professional architect s approach. This monument set many precedents, such as it was the first building in history to use integrated technical means for its construction - and in its architecture. After studying in detail all of the components of the pyramid - materials, tools, transportation and human strength - Mr. Houdin pieces together the extraordinary planning and organization, the technical skill, and the machines which allowed this great pyramid to rise over a period on twenty-one years, and last until today.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 160 pages
• Publisher: Farid Atiya Press (July 6, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 9771730614
• ISBN-13: 978-9771730613
• Product Dimensions: 12.3 x 8.2 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,005,988 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Khufu: The Great Pyramid, December 21, 2008

By 

Rodford E. Smith "Rodford Edmiston" (Frankfort, Kentucky USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Khufu: The Secrets Behind the Building of the Great Pyramid (Hardcover)

As an engineer with an interest in the history of technology, I found this an interesting evaluation of a variation on an old idea.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A thoughtful conclusion and a bibliography round out this remarkable examination., May 12, 2007

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Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Khufu: The Secrets Behind the Building of the Great Pyramid (Hardcover)

"Khufu: The Secrets Behind The Building Of The Great Pyramid" by Jean-Pierre Houdin is a unique study of the Great Pyramid of Egypt that combines historic photographs with computer generated 'blueprints' of the pyramid's structure with an informed and informative commentary text. Author and pyramid expert Jean-Pierre Houdin begins with a succinct historical summary of Egyptian pyramid building before the Khufu structure. Then provides a general introduction to the Khufu structure including the builders, building disciplines, and building technologies engaged in its planning and construction. Special attention is given to the King's Chamber, the Khufu ramps and passageways, and so much more. Of special note is the 'First Clues' section which includes microgravimetry, the northeast notch, 'ghost' ramps, and characteristics of certain course. A thoughtful conclusion and a bibliography round out this remarkable examination. "Khufu: The Secrets Behind The Building Of The Great Pyramid" is a strongly recommended and seminal addition to university level Egyptology and Archaeology reference collections.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars UTTERLY FASCINATING!, January 31, 2009

By 

K. Sloper "Egyptophile" - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Khufu: The Secrets Behind the Building of the Great Pyramid (Hardcover)

A great book! Proposes alternative theories about how the Egyptians hauled the stones and constructed the great pyramid and WHY the grand gallery is the way it is. The book is chock full of diagrams, layer by layer to support the theory and really makes more sense than any of the others I've read. Intelligently written; no space age or fanciful ideas as is listed as "fact" in other publications.