Ancient Egyptian Materials and Industries (Paperback)

by A. Lucas (Author), J. Harris (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Comprehensive, detailed and objective study describes how this ancient civilization’s artisans, craftsmen and other skilled workers developed and utilized Egypt’s vast resources. Thoroughly documented text discusses a wealth of materials and processes that were an integral part of daily life, among them the use of animal products, building materials, cosmetics, perfumes and incense; fibers, glazed ware, glass and its manufacture; metals and alloys, painting materials, pottery making, distillation of alcoholic beverages, materials used in the mummification process, and much more. An invaluable book to students and of enormous interest to anyone fascinated by the history of technology.

Product Details

• Paperback: 544 pages
• Publisher: Dover Publications; 4th edition (January 11, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0486404463
• ISBN-13: 978-0486404462
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.1 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,523,243 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent but Esoteric Resource, April 28, 2000

By A Customer

Alfred Lucas' work is painstaking and very detailed. Although this edition was originally published in 1962, and some of the information may be dated, it remains an excellent resource. The research that went into this work was exceedingly thorough, and the methodology and data are described in great detail. The materials available to the ancient Egyptians and the items made with them are catalogued and described, as are the chemical analyses that Lucas used in his research. Alternative theories about these topics are explained as well. If you have an interest in the history of analytical chemistry, or if you are accustomed to reading very scholarly works on archaeology and Egyptology, you would probably find this book interesting. It gives the reader excellent insights into all of these fields as they were practiced in the first half of the 20th century. If you are looking for a general survey of the topic, be forewarned that this book might be far more detailed and technical than you want.