Gold of the Pharaohs (Hardcover)

by Hans Wolfgang Muller (Author), Eberhard Thiem (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal
YA-To the ancient Egyptians, gold was a divine metal that gave its wearer magical powers. The authors examine archaeological evidence and trace the magical beliefs and the artistic styles associated with it through the various kingdoms. The text, while very specialized, is readable. The outstanding feature of this work, however, is the inclusion of numerous large photos that will lure even the most casual browsers. These enlarged, clear illustrations make the tiny details of the workmanship visible and show the remarkable advanced nature of this rich civilization. The black backgrounds illumine the jewelry and make each piece stand out. Clear line drawings of the hieroglyphics show how pieces were worn. A magnificent creation that will get art-history classes off to a glittering start.
Claudia Moore, W. T. Woodson High School, Fairfax, VA
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal
Two unique new titles examine aspects of the culture of ancient Egypt. Paintings of people wearing incense cones on their wigs, sniffing flowers, and anointing just about anything; palettes for preparing cosmetics; and quantities of both romantic and religious literature all show the major role played by scent in Egyptian culture. Perfume was so important a part of ancient Egyptian life that it is remarkable that there are no other monographs on the subject. Noted author Manniche (Egyptology, Univ. of Copenhagen) studies the role of perfume and scent in Egyptian society as medicine, aphrodisiac, incense, and cosmetic. For the adventurous, Manniche even includes recipes from a variety of classical sources as well as Egyptian manuscripts. Recommended for large collections on the history of perfumes, aromatherapy, and folk medicine as well as general collections seeking scholarly but readable material on ancient Egyptian lifestyles. ~ Unlike other ancient civilizations, the Egyptians had large gold deposits within the boundaries of their lands. Esteemed late professor M?ller (Egyptology, Univ. of Munich) examines the place of gold in Egyptian life in all its aspects from mining to the creation of vessels and jewelry. Thiem's photographs are dramatic and sumptuous, exuding the sensuous quality of the artifacts; full- and double-page illustrations allow detailed examination of the workmanship for many items. Standard addenda such as a dynastic chronology are supplemented by an unusual but very helpful glossary of "Colored Stones and Their Sources" and a pictorial list of three dozen of the most common hieroglyphs. An excellent table of contents helps to make up for the regrettable lack of an index. Recommended for all libraries with an interest in Egyptian art history.
-Mary Morgan Smith, Northland P.L., Pittsburgh
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: Cornell University Press (October 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0801437253
• ISBN-13: 978-0801437250
• Product Dimensions: 12.8 x 9.8 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,876,208 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a real delight, August 22, 2000

By	Francesca Jourdan (Montreal, Canada) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book traces the development of technique and the creation of gold objects and jewels. The author discusses the power, magic and importance of gold to the pharaohs; he presents the objects from the Prehistoric to the Ptolemaic Period; he describes the golden treasures fromTanis, Kush and Tutankhamen's tomb; he also tells of the metal's fundamental role in Ancient Egyptian society. Offering over 400 color photographs by German photographer Eberhard Thiem, it is recommended for all art lovers or historians. This book is a splendid feast for everyone's eyes.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great read!, March 30, 2008

By	A.D. Boswell "bozzanova55" (Sacramento, California) - See all my reviews

Author Hans Wolfgang Muller tells of the monopoly over gold enjoyed by the Pharaoh (the "God of Gold") and describes the metal's integral role in Egyptian life and culture. Among the book's other useful features are a pictorial list of common hieroglyphs and their meanings and a chronological table of the rulers of Egypt.

4 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely Gorgeous!!!, August 21, 2000

By A Customer

I would pick up any book on Egypt, but one filp through it's pages was all I needed. The photos are wonderful and really all you need to know.