The Princeton Dictionary of Ancient Egypt [Hardcover]

Ian Shaw (Author), Paul Nicholson (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

This dictionary, published in association with the British Museum, is a revision of The Dictionary of Ancient Egypt (1995). It presents more than 600 entries in A–Z format. At the end of the volume are a chronology, an appendix of prominent Egyptologists mentioned in the text, and a list of the owners of tombs in Western Thebes, both royal and nonroyal. Besides see references in the text, there is a detailed index. Each article has references, but there is no general bibliography. There are no Web sites given, although print references as recent as 2007 appear. In addition to entries on “all aspects of ancient Egypt and Nubia during the pharaonic and Greco-Roman periods,” there are entries for topics related to archaeology and Egyptology. The articles are written clearly, with a minimum of specialist language, and are frequently illustrated with color photographs or maps. Maps of individual sites are particularly good. Maps of Upper and Lower Egypt appear at the beginning of the book.  For browsing purposes, the strength of this dictionary lies in the more than 500 illustrations, which help distinguish it from other single-volume works such as Historical Dictionary of Ancient Egypt (2d ed., 2008) and Encyclopedia of Ancient Egypt (2d ed., 2002), in which all the illustrations are black and white. Its price and quality would make it useful for public and community-college libraries that need something on ancient Egypt. --Kathleen Stipek

Review

Written in a clear and succinct style that is understandable for general readers, the 600 entries range in length from a brief paragraph to a page or so. . . . [T]his volume's solid and now up-to-date content as well as its attractive price make it a worthwhile addition for most libraries.
(Library Journal )

Praise for the previous edition: "The best of both worlds: a basic textbook that would not disfigure a coffee table, and a picture book with bite.
(Times Higher Education Supplement )

Praise for the previous edition: "Broad coverage makes the volume particularly attractive. It sets a standard that all such works should emulate and strive to attain.
(Journal of Near Eastern Studies )

Praise for the previous edition: "Answers every Egyptian question you can imagine.
(New Statesman )

Praise for the previous edition: "Not only a delight for the general reader, but of genuine use to the student and researcher.
(Art Newspaper )

This moderately priced work is an excellent starting point for anyone attracted to ancient Egypt.
(C.C. Smith Choice )

This revised edition has the most important discoveries and scholarship in the field in the last 13 years. Shaw and Nicholson each have more than 20 years experience in excavation in Egypt. The book covers 4,000 years of Egyptian civilization, including themes, sites, objects, individuals and historical periods. Among its features are 600 alphabetical entries, revised and enlarged maps and diagrams, and more than 500 illustrations.
(Angelyn N. Hutchinson Deseret Morning News )

For more than a decade, this attractive single-volume reference has been the most informative and user-friendly dictionary of ancient Egypt available. Written by Shaw and Nicholson, two archaeologists with more than 20 years of excavation experience, The Princeton Dictionary of Ancient Egypt is essential and indispensible. The new edition features a completely revised text, hundreds of illustrations in full color and more than 600 up-to-date alphabetical entries that range from agriculture to Zawiyetel-Mayitin. In short, this excellent work provides concise information on all aspects of Egypt during the pharaonic and Greco-Roman periods.
(Tucson Citizen )

The Princeton Dictionary Of Ancient Egypt has been thoroughly revised and updated by editors Ian Shaw and Paul Nicholson, and includes important discoveries from the past decade.
(Nicholas A. Basbanes Florida Sun-Sentinel )

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 368 pages
• Publisher: Princeton University Press (November 10, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0691137625
• ISBN-13: 978-0691137629
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.8 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: No customer reviews yet. Be the first.
• Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #925,263 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)