Pyramid Quest: Secrets of the Great Pyramid and the Dawn of Civilization (Hardcover)

~ (Author), Robert Aquinas McNally (Author) "LIKE SO MANY PROJECTS, THIS BOOK ACTUALLY BEGAN with something else..." (more)
Key Phrases: King's Chamber, Fourth Dynasty, Great Sphinx (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Traditionally, scientists and other scholars have argued that Egyptians constructed the Great Pyramid in one remarkable burst of activity during the reign of Pharaoh Khufu (2551—2528 B.C.). Drawing on archeological and scientific scholarship in their third collaboration, geologist Schoch and writer McNally challenge this view and conclude that the foundation of the edifice can be traced to the earliest Egyptian empires, as far back as 7000–5000 B.C. Among their assertions are that the Great Pyramid may not have been a tomb (no mummy has ever been found inside), but served other cultic and mythological purposes, with both the external and internal areas serving different roles in different eras; between 1500 and 500 B.C., for instance, the pyramid was probably used for ritual training and initiation. Schoch devotes more than a third of the book to appendixes that provide details on such topics as the pyramid's external dimensions, its passages and chambers, and the dating of the structure. Although the book will be controversial for some, it contains such a wealth of information about ancient Egypt and the science of the construction of the pyramids that it may be the only guide to the Great Pyramid most readers will ever need. B&w illus.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Product Description

Book Description The geologist acclaimed for re-dating the Great Sphinx at Giza sets his sights on one of the true mysteries of antiquity: the Great Pyramid of Giza.

What is the Great Pyramid of Giza? Ask that basic question of a traditional Egyptologist, and you get the basic, traditional answer: a fancy tombstone for a self-important pharaoh of the Old Kingdom. This, Egyptologists argue, is the sole finding based on the data, and the only deduction supported by science.

By implication, anyone who dissents from this point of view is unscientific and woolly-minded-a believer in magic and ghosts. Indeed, some of the unconventional ideas about the Great Pyramid do have a spectacularly fabulous ring to them. Yet from beneath the obvious terms of this controversy, a deeper, more significant question arises: how is it that the Great Pyramid exercises such a gripping hold on the human psyche- adding cryptic grace to the back of the one-dollar bill and framing myriad claims of New Age "pyramid power"?

In Pyramid Quest, Robert M. Schoch and Robert Aquinas McNally use the rigorous intellectual analysis of scientific inquiry to investigate what we know about the Great Pyramid, and develop a stunning hypothesis: This ancient monument is the strongest proof yet that civilization began thousands of years earlier than is generally thought, extending far back into a little-known time. In tracing that story, we come to understand not only the Great Pyramid but also our own origins as civilized beings.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 384 pages
• Publisher: Tarcher (June 2, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1585424056
• ISBN-13: 978-1585424054
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.1 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #395,216 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in this category: (What's this?)

  #89 in

  Books > Literature & Fiction > World Literature > Mythology > Egyptian

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

28 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Herald as the New Rosseta Stone for the Great Pyramid, July 16, 2005

By	Colette Maxine Dowell "Circular Times" (USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Pyramid Quest:Secrets of the Great Pyramid
and the Dawn of Civilization
by Dr. Robert M. Schoch

TARCHER/PENGUIN June 2005
ISBN: 1585424056

Review by

Dr. Colette M. Dowell

Egypt with her Sphinx, Pyramids and Temples has been revered as the cradle of civilization and her Ancient Wisdom teachings have long been sought for their secrets and mysteries. Throughout millenniums the Great Pyramid of `Khufu' has been acknowledged as one of the Seven Wonders of the World and recognized as the last to remain. Its location situated on the Giza Plateau on the west bank of the Nile claims yet another great monumental sculpture known as the Great Sphinx attributed to the Old Kingdom's 4th Dynasty, while Pharaoh Khafre was in reign
c. 2500 B.C. The Pharaoh Khafre is thought to be the son of the Pharaoh Khufu.

Many people have come to Egypt to take her land, treasures and ancient knowledge of science, wisdom and culture. Some have come, as nations conquering her for her plentiful-ness and glory at the same time destroying that which they were trying to possess. Others have come to acquire and understand the mystique of Pharaonic and Ancient Egyptian philosophy. One man has journalized his quest of seeking answers to questions, riddles and thoughts and has written a book on what he and others have discovered and theorized upon. This man is a geologist named Dr. Robert M. Schoch. His latest book outlining these new discoveries and theories is appropriately titled Pyramid Quest.

Schoch is first known for his collaborative work with Egyptologist John Anthony West in the early 1990s concerning the re-dating of the Great Sphinx to an earlier date, prior to c. 2500 B.C. as held traditionally in Egyptian and World history. Their collaborated work originally developed from R. A. Schwaller de Lubicz's lifetime research of Egyptian Monuments, Science, Philosophy and Culture. In Schwaller's studies he speaks of Egypt being far more advanced and ancient then traditionally thought. One of Schwaller's most remarkable observations notated was his view of the Great Sphinx as being sculpted much earlier than c. 2500 B.C. and not originally in the reign of Khafre or even attributable to the 4th Dynasty of Egypt.

Schwaller observed water erosion wearing the Sphinx, which had to start from an earlier time when the lands of Egypt were wetter, with more water, prior c. 3000 B.C. With Schoch being a geologist along with West's knowledge they were able to conduct a series of geological studies and seismic surveys revealing the Great Sphinx to be much older (c. 5000 - 7000 B.C.) and the erosion factor being that of water-rain and not that of wind. From that moment of realization Dr. Schoch has continuously searched and furthered his interests and curiosities. His initial findings on the Sphinx have led him on a trail throughout Ancient Egypt to the steps of the Great Pyramid. Schoch has now entered the Great Pyramid and yearns to further his comprehension of the great monument and the builders who were so highly sophisticated in their knowledge of the earth and sky sciences as well as their culture and cosmology.

Schoch captures information from all areas of thought and science by searching for ancient texts, art, diagrams, and design methods. He personally engages in scientific studies of rock erosion and geological research on aspects of related and non-related sites. He calculates numbers, refers to symbology and comprehends forms of Egyptian Hieroglyphs and consults experts in the field of hieratical writings. He collaborates with many scientists, Egyptologists, historical writers and official dignitaries of antiquities. Schoch couples his open mind with scientific regiment and is drawn to journey into the soul of the Great Pyramid and history of the Ancient Egyptians. Pyramid Quest exemplifies the vastness of the Ancient Egyptian's mysteries and the diligence of Schoch's wonderment and desire to comprehend them.

In the first half of Pyramid Quest Schoch lays a very interesting foundation for the plausible hypothesis that Egypt is exceedingly far more ancient than traditionally thought. He reaches down into distant and obscure texts, which have been buried under more modern translations and correlates the data. Schoch chronologically details many facets of variable analyses from many astute philosophers, scientists and time travelers. Some chambers and passages closed off to other scientists have been opened explicitly for Schoch to enter and explore. Many of his findings are discussed and allow the reader a view inside these forbidden chambers and learn about the many contradicting hypotheses and presiding historical legends. He even delves into more modern fringe theories in search for any truths and logically combines controversial issues into some rather interesting and challenging thoughts. Schoch also addresses some formative thoughts on his personal and collaborated findings on the re-dating of the Sphinx, the Great Pyramid and Ancient Egyptians making Pyramid Quest a most unique book filled with classic and modern pop culture literature addressing Ancient Egypt.

For you enthusiasts who like geometry, mathematics and numerology, there is a tremendous amount of references and defined terms of structured analysis on the Great Pyramid and its significant measurements encoding numerical keys as geodesic data, specific star alignments and scared scriptures. The Egyptian Book of the Dead and other distinct ancient texts are referenced and given considerable attention to for understanding variable ritualistic initiations of Egyptian spiritual cosmology. Plato, Herodotus, The Rosicrucians, Manly P. Hall and other philosophers, theologians and occultists are delivered in contrast to Christian and Judaic beliefs and modern day fanatics known as pyramidiots. Scientific REG (Random Event Generators) experiments are discussed as well as personal revelations and experiences people have had in the Grand Gallery, chambers and passages of the Great Pyramid. Schoch also speaks of his own transcendence into heightened awareness of body, mind and spirit while inside the mysterious monument and shares his feelings.

Several oblique theories on how the Great Pyramid was built are exhibited and the greatest surveys ever taken and the most interesting views are referred to and accounted for. The different eras and methods of construction are considered in great detail dissecting a master plan and design for the Great Pyramid. Information gathered from engineers, astronomers, surveyors and builders lends credence to a master plan and design, which took centuries to build and complete. The site on which the Great Pyramid stands today may have once been held sacred before its time of construction. During construction portions of the Great Pyramid show evidence of possibly being an astronomical observatory enabling its accuracy of bearings and alignments to the four cardinal points giving way to the development of a calendrical system.

And then there is always the question of what was the actual purpose of the Great Pyramid: Tomb or otherwise? In Schoch's opinion it could have served as a temple of initiation for a Neophyte to the Secret Ancient Wisdom teachings. He also describes some very unusual theories by other authors and researchers published for its use referring to a nuclear power plant and transporting plutonium to Mars, and yet another suggesting it to be a giant water pump. You will read of its use as a prophetic biblical divining device as well as many other obtuse functions.

Pyramid Quest is an incredible undertaking and a very valuable book for any who are interested in Egyptology and the Great Pyramid. The second half is literally detailed appendices about the variable hypotheses and legends that have been formulated throughout the centuries of many researchers, authors and the likes in their quest for understanding the Great Pyramid. Most importantly Schoch has laid out conversions of metrology and variances in surveys giving the reader easy access to hard found numerical, mathematical and geometrical data. Pyramid Quest exceeds in content any other book ever written pertaining to The Great Pyramid.

Many of the photos and illustrations are historical, one of a kind and very rare. They complement the text and serve as visual guides enhancing Schoch's overviews of various studies. You will get the chance to see inside the Great Pyramid and its surrounding features. The bibliography is intense and full of references pertaining to other material comprising the abundance of research acknowledged concerning Egypt and related topics. Dr. Robert M. Schoch along with the help of Robert Aquinas McNally will be considered among the classic authors revered for their endearing contributions to the collective body of research on Egyptology and the Great Pyramid. Pyramid Quest does embody many secrets of the Great Pyramid and the dawn of civilization.

by

Dr. Colette M. Dowell

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Blue print of the past, November 19, 2005

By	MJ (NC) - See all my reviews

THis is the best book I own showing the chambers and general blueprint of the great pyramids. It is a wonderful book to keep on the coffee table!

9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars From enlightening to spell-binding!, June 21, 2005

By	anonymous - See all my reviews

Pyramid Quest could only have been written by a scientist, but anyone who has ever been fascinated by the pyramids of Egypt will find it intrigueing and enlightening! In addition to being a geologist of total integrity and a superb author, Dr. Schoch is also a master of Egyptology, Ancient History, Archaeoastrology, and the mysteries of the "old religion". All of these topics make the book pure joy for any seeker of Truth! Spellbinding! This book explains it all.