Customer Reviews

The Temples of Karnak

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This beautifully boxed, printed and bound hardcover is the finest record of the reliefs and monuments of Karnak that I've encountered. In main, this book consists of over 450 excellent, clear and detailed, black and white photographs, one to each oversized page. A brief introductory text provides the reader with some historical and overview information to prepare him/her for the photos. The photos are followed by fairly lengthy notes describing each photo individually, which is a wonderful addition that adds tremendous insight and understanding to the knowledge and enjoyment to be derived from the wonderful camerawork.

I highly recommend this book to anyone with an interest in ancient Egypt that goes beyond the casual.

I bought this as a gift for my wife but on flicking through it myself have found it stirred a mixture of curiosity and wonder. It is primarily a book with plates of the Temple at Karnak, but it has a good opening section on the history of the area, a nice outlay on each of the royal cartouches and, after the plates themselves, a interesting commentary.
The book is not intended as a discussion on Karnak. It is the culmination of several years hard work photographing and documenting the temple. As a primary source it is already invaluable, for to have such a feast of photographs in one book is rare.
Any Egpytologist or student of the area must possess this book because the Temple of Karnak is there in all its glory to look at. If it had some color plates then so much the better but that is hardly a detraction on an immensely fine piece of work.

Karnak is THE largest place of worship on the planet. Trying to gain a perspective on its implications on history is a lengthy process. The contents of this giant 9.5" x 12.5" volume put things together on a scale that is breathtaking. It is an architectural & spiritual journey for anyone interested in ancient Egypt.

The over 450 full-page black & white photos are a fantastic record of the temples, statuary and obelisks as they stood prior to 1982. Since that time much information has been degraded by tourism and pollution. The B & W photography is almost essential to see the carvings in the sunlight. Only during certain times during the day are many reliefs in their optimal viewing moment. So many temples and chapels are overlooked by tourists or are off-limits. With the exception of Hatchepsuts' recently restored "Red Chapel," most everything is covered in this volume, including the beautiful raised-relief alabaster "White Chapel" of Sesostris I.

The rear of the book has commentaries on every plate, architectural floor plans indicating the exact viewing angle of each photo, Line drawings of important temple features (particular attention given to the "botanical garden" area added by Tuthmosis III, to name one) and detailed notes of the history and significance of every corner of this amazing complex. Some notes include reconstruction overlays of carvings usurped by later rulers & manuscript pages of Champollion.

After having returned again in 2009, my color digital photos cannot add much to the detail contained in this book. Karnak is a place, to most, steeped in mystery and wonderment. For the list price of around $65. this book cannot be beat! The only other place to find a copy of the original "Epigraphic Survey - Reliefs and Inscriptions at Karnak (Oriental Institute Pubns: No. 25)," from 1936, is the OI or Chicago House in Egypt.

If you are a serious Egyptophile and want the most comprehensive information on this complex of temples, this book is a "must have!"

Outstanding publication. So much visual information it will take several viewings to take it all in - but that is the best part - a long lasting read to savor! One the most exceptional books I've ever encountered on Egypt! No one will be let down.

de Lubicz is an acquired taste, but once acquired your taste is refined. While the book is not as dense at the Temple in Man, it is a tour de force in its own right. This is a book to study, not just read. You will find what you are seeking with reference to the spiritual, cultural, and theoretical contributions of ancient Egypt. A good buy!