The Mysteries of Abu Simbel: Ramesses II and the Temples of the Rising Sun [Paperback]

Zahi Hawass (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 2001

The temples of Abu Simbel have fascinated travelers since they became known to the Western world in the nineteenth century. And since the 1960s when the rising waters created by the Aswan High Dam threatened to engulf the site, visitors' imaginations have been captivated by the elaborate international rescue operation, described by the author as ''a great moment that no one will ever forget: the most advanced technology of the twentieth century was used to save one of the most amazing achievements of a civilization that preceeded it by 3,300 years.''
Prepared by one of the world's best-known Egyptologists, Dr. Zahi Hawass, this lavishly illustrated book is the ideal companion on a visit to the unique monuments of Abu Simbel.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

ZAHI HAWASS, secretary general of the Supreme Council of Antiquities in Cairo, received his Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania and has been excavating in Egypt for over thirty years. In addition to his numerous scholarly publications, he is the author of several best-selling popular books.

Product Details

• Paperback: 120 pages
• Publisher: The American University in Cairo Press (April 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 9774246233
• ISBN-13: 978-9774246234
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.8 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #883,333 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Mysteries of Abu Simbel, February 20, 2006

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C. Scannell (Long Island, NY) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Mysteries of Abu Simbel: Ramesses II and the Temples of the Rising Sun (Paperback)

The book by Zahi Hawass has a lot of information packed into it which I was surprised for such a small (88 pgs) book. It covers the history of Seti I- Rameses II dynasty, the UNESCO project to protect the Nubian monuments in the 1960s. The Aswan High Dam, the temples given away and where they are today. What was moved - to where. Even the Nubian Museum which opened about 10 years ago. Many books were written on this topic before the work was done, it is good to find one that elaborates exactly what WAS done as opposed to advancing theories. Excellent book.

19 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars useful guide, May 8, 2002

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Francesca Jourdan (Montreal, Canada) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Mysteries of Abu Simbel: Ramesses II and the Temples of the Rising Sun (Paperback)

This book is an introduction about Nubia, the region where Abu Simbel is located. The author describes and discusses the High Dam and the Unesco campaign to save the temples; he provides details concerning the Sound And Light project. He then provides a brief summary of Ramses II's life and family. Various sections of Nubian temples are briefly described. Hawass also discusses the architecture of two beautiful rock-cut temples, and examines scenes covering walls. Maps, plans, illustrations and color photographs complete this useful and enjoyable guide, recommended for everyone.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must-Have book for amateur Egyptologists !, August 3, 2006

By 

Dejah Thoris "Dejah Thoris" (Los Angeles, CA) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: The Mysteries of Abu Simbel: Ramesses II and the Temples of the Rising Sun (Paperback)

..... The world's top Egyptologist takes you to the most exciting temple in Egypt !!
..... Ever since my first trip to Egypt in 1985, Abu Simbal has been my favorite place. The huge temples carved out of the mountainside, (which were moved when the Aswan High Dam was built), are incredable works of art and architecture.
..... This book aptly illustrates the beauty of the 60 - foot states of Rameses the Great, and his beloved wife, Nefertari...and Dr. Zahi Hawass brings to life the stories depicted in the carvings inside the temples.
..... There are also the photos of the 4 statues in the sanctuary of the larger temple, which are illuminated by the rising sun twice a year....... Dr. Hawass, the Director of the Egyptian Antiquities Department, brilliantly captures the wonder of this event in this book.
..... If you can't get to Egypt, and Abu Simbal, in person, this book is the next best thing.