Building in Egypt: Pharaonic Stone Masonry (Paperback)

by Dieter Arnold (Author) "On the walls of the rock tombs and temples of the New Kingdom, Egyptian artists drew accurate and detailed elevations of pylons, chapels, palaces, private..." (more)
Key Phrases: travail des pierres dures, desert conglomerate, casing blocks, New Kingdom, Bent Pyramid, Cheops Pyramid (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Extraordinary....Fascinating reading....It is not too often that one comes across a book so well presented in terms of its illustrations and photographs and, not least, the broad sweep of the author's encompassing grasp of the subject. Building in Egypt will become the standard reference for architects, historians, and others interested in Egypt."--Journal of the Society of Architectural Historians


Product Description
This book traces methods of Egyptian stone construction during the pharaonic period, from the construction of the step pyramids at Saqqara to the obelisks of Tuthmosis III to the temples of Rameses II at Thebes. Dr. Arnold covers all aspects of building, including planning, measuring, quarrying and production, transporting heavy monuments, building, digging shafts, repairing damages, and securing tombs. Richly illustrated with photos and field drawings by the author, ancient representations of building activities, and illustrations of tools and objects in museum collections, this book offers a frank appraisal of current knowledge of the process of Egyptian stone construction.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA (February 20, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0195113748
• ISBN-13: 978-0195113747
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #243,691 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars An extraordinary book, April 12, 2009

By	Ralph Benton "bentonian" (Longmont, CO) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

There are earlier studies that cover much of the same ground, but this book easily surpasses them all. The author clearly explains ancient Egyptian stone building techniques, including planning, quarrying, and tools. The study is clearly laid out, uses hundreds of photos and diagrams, and the organization follows a logical order that enables the reader to follow the occasionally complex methods of the ancients. Controversies over building techniques, such as the classic ramp problem of the pyramids, are covered by exploring all of the potential methodologies.

This is an outstanding book for anyone interested in stone work, ancient engineering, and the time of the pharaohs. Highly recommended.