The Pyramids and Temples of Gizeh (Hardcover)

~ PETRIE (Author), W. M. Flinders Petrie (Author)
Key Phrases: second pyramid, basalt coffer, entrance passage floor, Great Pyramid, King's Chamber, Queen's Chamber (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Based on the author's work in Egypt in the 1880s, this unusual volume addresses one of history's greatest puzzles -how were the pyramids of Gizeh built? Before Petrie undertook this study, the Great Pyramid was a byword for paradox - something that was generally familiar, yet not accurately known. No measurements or detailed examination had been performed. Petrie set out to apply mathematical methods to the study of the pyramids and surrounding temples, with the objective of understanding the methods and abilities of the ancient workers. The result, presented in this volume, is a complete set of measurements of the pyramids, both inside and outside. These provide the foundation for the rest of the book, which deals with the architectural ideas of the pyramid builders, the mechanical methods they used, and a comparison of previous theories with the facts that Petrie had newly established.

About the Author

W. M. Flinders Petrie was perhaps the leading figure in Egyptology.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 260 pages
• Publisher: Taylor and Francis (June 15, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0710307098
• ISBN-13: 978-0710307095
• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 6.8 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 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: #3,438,146 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Pyramids and Temples of Gizeh, February 13, 2004

By	A. Sakovich "GizaBuildingProject" (United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book is a "must have" for any serious Egyptological library. The fact that an excellent, modern Egyptologist such as Dr. Zahi Hawass has also contributed to the findings makes it even more valuable, and clearly shows that Egyptology is a constantly revised, dynamic area of study.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Different Editions, October 25, 2007

By	Diotima "Mantinea" (Western Australia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Pyramids And Temples Of Gizeh (Paperback)

This paperback (ISBN 1432528262), which has 250 pages, is a facsimile of the text of the 1883 first edition published by Field & Tuer, Ye Leadenhall Presse of London and Scribner & Welford of New York. It does not include the 17 plates, 16 plans and foldout charts of the original.

A second "revised" edition was published in 1885 but, as noted by John Romer in his 2007 book The Great Pyramid, it "lacks some of the data and plans of the first edition and has greatly attenuated text".

There is a hardcover facsimile of the 1885 edition with an update by Zahi Hawass published by Michael Sanders (ISBN 1854170511) in 1990 with only 135 pages and 9 plates. It had a list price of $30.00 and now sells for $50.00 plus as a used book.

There is also a 2002 hardcover edition ( ISBN 0710307098) with 260 pages printed on demand by Kegan Paul. I do not know whether it reproduces the 1883 or the 1885 edition nor whether it has the plates, plans and foldout charts. It has a list price of $495.00.

An "unmarked" 1883 first edition was recently offered for $1,200.00 and another with "underlining and marginalia" for $250.00.