The Mystery of the Egyptian Mummy [Paperback]

Joyce Filer (Author)

Book Description

Uncover the secrets of Hornedjitef--the man and the mummy!

Hornedjitef was a priest of the temple of Amun in ancient Egypt more than 2,000 years ago. His mummy was carefully prepared for the afterlife with a golden mask, expensive jewelery and amulets, and two elaborate coffins. But who was he? How do we know his name? What job did he do? Where did he live, and what was his life like in ancient Egypt thousands of years ago?

Experts at the British Museum have uncovered a huge amount of evidence about Hornedjitef. They have used the most up-to-date scientific techniques, plus a lot of careful archaeological detective work. Now readers can get on the case and discover Hornedjitef's secrets!

In The Mystery of the Egyptian Mummy, readers can follow the fascinating detective work of experts in the British Museum who have discovered the evidence of who he was, his age and health, his home, his job, and what his life was like in ancient Egypt.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 4-7--This book will have wide appeal for readers just becoming acquainted with the wonders of Egyptology as well as for those who are more knowledgeable. It begins with a helpful time line of ancient Egypt and introduces readers to Hornedjitef, a priest of the god Amun at the temple at Karnak. When found, his mummified body was in good condition. Using the priest's story as its framework, the book discusses what mummification is and the various ways it can happen, and thoroughly explains the Egyptians' complex funerary processes. The highly readable text is richly complemented throughout by full-color photographs (many with hieroglyphs) and X-ray and CAT scan images. The journey that the mummies took from their burial place to the British Museum is explained showing both the serious archaeological and opportunistic aspects of tomb excavation. Maps and photographs clearly indicate locations while re-imaging techniques show what some of the mummified individuals may have looked like in life. This book complements Carol Donoughue's The Mystery of the Hieroglyphs(Oxford, 1999).--Jennifer England, The Berkeley Carroll School, Brooklyn, NY
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Review

"This book will have wide appeal for readers just becoming acquainted with the wonders of Egyptology as well as for those who are more knowledgeable."--School Library Journal

"The Mystery of the Egyptian Mummy is an excellent book for middle school students with an interest in archaeology. The accurate and understandable science provides many cross-curricular connections to social studies. For teachers, the book would be useful for extending class activities or integrating content for teaching teams. Students will be able to use the book as a resource for research projects or for independent reading....The writing style and excellent content make this a book to be read and enjoyed for the story of the science investigation, rather than just a book with interesting pictures." -- NSTA Recommends

"Recommended for elementary school library collections where both reluctant readers and those researching life in ancient Egypt." --Catholic Library World

--This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 48 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA (December 11, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0195219902
• ISBN-13: 978-0195219906
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 9 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,389,842 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.