The British Museum Book of Ancient Egypt (Paperback)

~ Stephen Quirke (Editor), Jeffrey Spencer (Editor)

Editorial Reviews

Review

The British Museum Book Of Ancient Egypt is an impressive visual and textual guide to the civilization ruled by the Pharaohs as written by the Keeper and staff of the Department of Egyptian Antiquities at the British Museum, whose collection is one of the richest in the world. The British Museum Book Of Ancient Egypt covers every aspect of the culture from prehistoric times through the three millennia of Pharaonic history to the years of late Roman antiquity when Christianity replaced the ancient religion, script, and art. Taking account of recent discoveries and research, the authors draw upon the British Museum's extensive collections to illustrate every aspect of what was perhaps the most magnificent of ancient kingdoms. Individual sections are devoted to the natural setting of the Nile valley; the social and economic life of its inhabitants, with an historical outline; the religious beliefs presented in ancient art and texts; funerary practices; art and architecture; technical achievements; and the world that surrounded the ancient Egyptians, in particular the less well known but equally brilliant history of Nubia. With its 170 illustrations (80 in full color) The British Museum Book Of Ancient Egypt is an excellent academic and community library acquisition selection. -- Midwest Book Review

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Thames & Hudson (September 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0500279020
• ISBN-13: 978-0500279021
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 7.6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #319,181 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Authoritative and thorough, if dry; a useful resource..., October 16, 1996

By A Customer

In 240 densely informative, generously illustrated pages we get thorough overviews of ancient Egypt's religion, funerary customs, language and writing, art and architecture, and technology, along with chapters on the country's geography, history and relations with other powers. The information is authoritative--the editors and writers are members of the Museum's curatorial staff--and written in a plain, understandable style. Appendices include "Suggestions for Further Reading" (unfortunately not updated since the first printing in 1992), dynasty and king lists, and kings' names in hieroglyphics. (Aramco World

2 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars GOOD, September 15, 1998

By A Customer

This is Pocket Companion to Egypt. That's the best reference. You can really carry this book around and read. GOOD BOOK: