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Richard H. Wilkinson
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The Complete Temples of Ancient Egypt Hardcover – June 17, 2000

by Richard H. Wilkinson (Author)
4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 158 ratings
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The temples of ancient Egypt include the largest and perhaps most splendid religious monuments the world has ever known. This book traces their development from earliest times through their period of glory and ultimate decline to their rediscovery and study in modern times. All of Egypt's surviving temples--from the gargantuan temple of Amun at Karnak to minuscule shrines such as the oasis Oracle of Siwa, where Alexander went to hear himself proclaimed god--are discussed and illustrated with factfiles, photographs, plans, and specially commissioned perspective views. * "Houses of Eternity" considers the historical origin and development of Egyptian temples, describing their role in ancient Egyptian society, their later Christian and Muslim use, and their modern rediscovery. * "Buildings Fit for Gods" looks at how the temples were built, decorated, expanded--and sometimes destroyed. * "Worlds Within Worlds" examines each part of the sacred structures in detail--from the massive pylon towers, colossal statues, and obelisks that fronted many temples to the darkened sanctuaries and mysterious crypts of their inner depths. * "Between Heaven and Earth" discusses the temple's relationship to the pantheon of Egypt's gods, along with the roles and rituals of pharaohs and priests, and the sacred rites and festivals enacted there. * "Temples of Gods and Kings" is the most extensive catalogue of Egyptian temples yet published in one volume and serves as a guide to the ancient sites. The book's format follows the highly successful, visual style of the other volumes in Thames & Hudson's best-selling "Complete" series, creating both an authoritative reference book and an entertaining guide for everyone fascinated by the eternal mysteries of ancient Egypt.
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  1. Print length
    256 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Thames & Hudson
  4. Publication date
    June 17, 2000
  5. Dimensions
    8 x 1 x 10.4 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    9780500051009
  7. ISBN-13
    978-0500051009
  8. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Following the format of other "Complete" books in Thames & Hudson's informal series, Wilkinson, director of the University of Arizona's Egyptian Expedition and coauthor of The Complete Valley of the Kings, pulls together a huge amount of data to give a clear and concise look at the development, rise, decline, and excavation of Egyptian temples. His coverage ranges from the earliest predynastic sites to Roman, Christian, and Islamic adaptations of the temples. When theories are in dispute (as they often are), Wilkinson says so and then explains his preference. The illustrations, elevations, plans, and reconstructions make even the most complicated temple plans clear. An indispensable work for a student of Egyptian life or architecture, this unique and excellent resource is essential for large high school and all public, academic, and specialized libraries.DMary Morgan Smith, Northland P.L., Pittsburgh
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About the Author

Richard H. Wilkinson is Regents’ Professor of Egyptian Archaeology Emeritus and Founding Director of the Egyptian Expedition at the University of Arizona.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ 0500051003
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Thames & Hudson; Probable First Edition (June 17, 2000)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 256 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 9780500051009
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0500051009
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.75 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 8 x 1 x 10.4 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 158 ratings

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Richard H. Wilkinson

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Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
158 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book provides extensive information about Egyptian temples and their history. They appreciate the great photos, drawings, and layouts of the temples. The writing is knowledgeable yet easy to understand.

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12 customers mention "Information quality"12 positive0 negative

Customers find the book provides interesting information about Egypt's temples. They appreciate the good references and detailed coverage of the subject. The descriptions, photos, and sketched layouts are described as well-documented and engaging.

"Comprehensive book on Egypt's temples." Read more

"...So many facets to this book...there is a list of the major gods of Egypt and their temples, architectural layout of the temples and many more goodies..." Read more

"...was from my writing teacher's library and I was immediately excited at the description, photos and sketched layouts of the temples, as well as the..." Read more

"This is an informative, if somewhat visually bland compendium of known Egyptian temples, that is worth the look from anyone with an interest in..." Read more

5 customers mention "Photography"5 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's photography, drawings, and layouts of Egyptian temples. They find the photos, drawings, and descriptions informative and worth reading for anyone interested in ancient Egypt.

"...is a list of the major gods of Egypt and their temples, architectural layout of the temples and many more goodies...." Read more

"...teacher's library and I was immediately excited at the description, photos and sketched layouts of the temples, as well as the intensive information..." Read more

"...visually bland compendium of known Egyptian temples, that is worth the look from anyone with an interest in Egyptian history." Read more

"Well done. Very good articles and photos are great." Read more

3 customers mention "Writing quality"3 positive0 negative

Customers find the writing quality good. They say it's well-written and easy to understand.

"...The photographs are expertly done and the writing is knowledgeable yet easy to understand...." Read more

"...Even better than I expected it would be. Very in depth and easy to read." Read more

"Excellent writing." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • S. Havens
    5.0 out of 5 stars Very detailed!
    Reviewed in the United States on January 13, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Comprehensive book on Egypt's temples.
    Helpful
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  • Kate D.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fabulous Book!
    Reviewed in the United States on January 31, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    If you love Egypt and studying the history of this wonderful country, you won't be disappointed by this book. The photographs are expertly done and the writing is knowledgeable yet easy to understand. So many facets to this book...there is a list of the major gods of Egypt and their temples, architectural layout of the temples and many more goodies. I had to wait for several months for this book to come back in and so I was thrilled to see it ready to ship. I now have a copy on my lap with my ipad and I wanted to review this book to help someone else make a good decision. By the way, this book has enough detail to interest me yet it's not overwhelming nor is it at all boring. Quite the opposite. Just a really good solid read with beautiful photographs in color and black and white.
    8 people found this helpful
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  • Anita Merrick
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent
    Reviewed in the United States on December 21, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    Again, the first experience with this book was from my writing teacher's library and I was immediately excited at the description, photos and sketched layouts of the temples, as well as the intensive information regarding their history, etc. I had to have my own copy and again, this is a must for any Egyptian enthusiast's library.
    4 people found this helpful
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  • Casey Bair
    4.0 out of 5 stars Well...
    Reviewed in the United States on June 3, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    This is an informative, if somewhat visually bland compendium of known Egyptian temples, that is worth the look from anyone with an interest in Egyptian history.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Vestres
    5.0 out of 5 stars Impressive work by Richard H. Wilkinson
    Reviewed in the United States on November 15, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    This splendid book has fully covered my expectations. It is a solid piece of well documented information that goes beyond the mere description of the temples across history in Egypt. I strongly recommend it to scholars interested in the religious, archaeological and historical aspects of this amazing civilization.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • DWMaas
    5.0 out of 5 stars Lots of details
    Reviewed in the United States on November 5, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    Having visited some of the temples in the past, this book provided additional details of the temples that were not mentioned by the tour guide. A good book to read before you visit Egypt.
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  • Harold King
    5.0 out of 5 stars Very good articles and photos are great
    Reviewed in the United States on December 16, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    Well done. Very good articles and photos are great.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Marnee l.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Love this book!
    Reviewed in the United States on October 7, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    This is a great book! Even better than I expected it would be. Very in depth and easy to read.
    One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • priscilla faraó
    5.0 out of 5 stars Lindo é como visitar os templos egípcios.
    Reviewed in Brazil on July 14, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    Amei esse livro tem fotos desenhos diagramas dos templos,é como visitar esses prédios.
    Primeira compra na Amazon e foi tudo nota 10.
    Report
  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Good information
    Reviewed in Canada on March 18, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    Lots of information and many many black & white photographs as well as coloured ones. Also sketches of the layout of the original temples.
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  • Abhishek Adhikari
    5.0 out of 5 stars very beautyful
    Reviewed in India on November 6, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    very beauty
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  • Cire
    5.0 out of 5 stars Simply a great book.
    Reviewed in Germany on November 12, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    If you could put everything interesting about ancient Egypt temple history in one book this is the one. I am sure people could write more about it. Non less this is more than 4000 years history. However for me this book is completely enough.
    It never is boring. The text is thoroughly researched it written and for people who just like pictures were are plenty of great images.
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  • Luca888
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great book on Ancient Egypt
    Reviewed in Italy on July 25, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    Very interesting chronicle on how temples evolved and their association with different cities. All these books on Ancient Egypt by Thames & Hudson are great.
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