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The Egyptology Handbook

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Though Emily Sands mysteriously vanished on an expedition up the Nile in 1927, this intrepid archaeologist left behind several works on Egyptian history and culture for young readers. This attractive, simulated scrapbook serves as a course for budding Egyptologists. It's as entertaining as it is informative.

80 pages, Paperback

First published October 25, 2005

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About the author

Dugald A. Steer

211 books155 followers
Until recently, Dugald A. Steer worked as an author and editor at Templar Publishing. He is the writer behind Candlewick's widely acclaimed New York Times bestsellers, DRAGONOLOGY, THE DRAGONOLOGY HANDBOOK, and EGYPTOLOGY, as well as the forthcoming EGYPTOLOGY HANDBOOK. Dugald has now given up his editorial job to concentrate on writing full-time, especially more books with "ology" in the title. Dugald Steer lives near London and has far less free time than he imagined he would.

Pseudonyms:
Emily Sands
Lady Hestia Evans
Captain William Lubber
Professor Allen Gray
Sir Henry Hardcastle
Marshal Lancelot
Dr. Ernest Drake
Master Merlin

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5 stars
167 (42%)
4 stars
130 (33%)
3 stars
78 (19%)
2 stars
15 (3%)
1 star
3 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
Profile Image for Michele.
Author 9 books24 followers
April 11, 2018
This is a fun handbook for children that have an interest in Egyptology or as a book to encourage them to take an interest in history. Written from the guiding perspective of an aunt, Emily Sands, to her niece and nephew, the book has many opportunities to engage in educational activities. Topics span from the pre-dynastic history, language, everyday activities and death and mummification. Although the time period is set at 1926-27, initiated parents could supplement the activities with online searches, since much has changed about Egyptology since the 1920s. However, parents please monitor any online searches for age-appropriate content.

There a few interactive pieces at the very beginning of the book, but those types of activities quickly give way to text based activities. I had expected there would be more of those, so I was a little disappointed by that. Additionally, there are sheets of stickers in the back of the book, which are colorful representations of the same rendered in black and white throughout the pages.
9 reviews1 follower
July 14, 2020
This book concludes many information about Egypt’s history and religion. It tells me about different Egypt gods, for instance it introduce what do they do. It also tells me many stories or miracles happened in Egypt in the past. I’m fascinated by this book, pictures in this book are interesting and realistic. It shows me how an actual crown or mummy looks like. I’ll recommend this book to my sister, she is so into Egypt gods.
Profile Image for Bobby.
39 reviews
August 12, 2022
The book doesn’t do very many facts but it teaches you the words and numbers.
Profile Image for Catisha Scavairello.
692 reviews
June 20, 2024
Pretty dense for a book with less than 80 pages. It would be good for middle school students, but I do think it could use a pronunciation guide.
Profile Image for Raul Mehta.
172 reviews
July 20, 2025
The book that got me into ancient Egyptian history as a kid.
2,548 reviews1 follower
August 19, 2022
I have read some of the other Ologies books and this one wasn't as hands on as the others. However it was good in terms of learning about Egypt and Egyptology from a young person's perspective.
Profile Image for Robyn.
49 reviews
March 5, 2025
This is a new addition to the "ologies" series, a follow-on from Egyptology. Less hidden secrets but a stronger story, and another beautifully presented book.
Profile Image for Stacie Alexander.
15 reviews
November 20, 2014
Sands, E. (2005). The Egyptology handbook: A course in the wonders of Egypt. Cambridge, MA: Candlewick Press.

Citation by: Stacie Alexander

Type of reference: Handbook

Call Number: Ref 932

Content/Scope: This handbook covers the history, culture, and daily life of Egyptians. The book includes a series of lessons for readers to follow along with and many hands on features. The book includes appendices of history and other information. Overall, this book provides a thorough guide to Egyptology for elementary students.

Accuracy/Authority/Bias: The information is accurate in this Egyptology handbook. Candlewick Press is a trusted publisher.

Arrangement/Presentation: This book is very student friendly in its layout. It is presented as lessons for students to follow along with. The book contains lots of hands on features such as paper flaps and pull outs. The overall book is bound to look like an old notebook, making readers feel like they are on a journey in ancient Egypt.

Relation to other works: This is a one-stop shop for Egypt information. The library has several Egypt resources already, but this is more comprehensive look at Egypt.

Accessibility/Diversity: Intended for young readers but the fun additions to this text make it appealing to all students. This book covers a lot of topics related to Egypt, which will engage students of diverse interests and ability levels.

Cost: $11.09

Professional review of the item: Northrup, M. (2006). The Egyptology handbook: A course in the wonders of Egypt. Library Media Connection, 24(7), 80.
Profile Image for Amy.
232 reviews12 followers
March 21, 2008
Even though I read some strong reviews of this book, I was worried it would be like this gimmicky, but fun book I have called Dragonology. Well, it's about fifty times better. It's one of those non-fiction kid books that has a distinct, but not condescending voice. If I am allowed to spend school money on social studies "texts" for sixth graders, I might buy a class set of these. My only hope is I kind find something so cool for Ancient Greece. At minimum this will be a great edition to my classroom library!
Profile Image for Oliver.
139 reviews
August 19, 2014
I loved it!! It was one of my books for school. It told me about the pharaohs. It also told me a little about their religion. I learned that they put dead peoples organs in jars before they mummified them. Their bodies were also covered with salt for 50 days before they were mummified them. I learned that there were different kinds of pyramids, too, like a step pyramid. You can learn lots of other stuff, too. I think it's a great book too read!!
Profile Image for Laira Bell.
25 reviews2 followers
May 4, 2019
I bought this book to share with my younger cousins and man was this book awesome! I loved sharing the stickers with them and enjoyed the great illustrations and conciseness of the fictitious archaeologist's findings. I would highly recommend this book to any parents who are interested in quickly digestible history for kids.
Profile Image for Theresa.
8,885 reviews142 followers
April 30, 2012

The Egyptology Handbook: A Course in the Wonders of Egypt (Ologies)
by Dugald A. Steer
this is a good interactive book with loads of facts, and secret hidden information's. great for upper elementary school kids with an interests in Egypt.
Profile Image for Monolus.
102 reviews1 follower
August 7, 2015
I like to collect some books just because of their style... This is a nice book, specially for the kids or teens... being an adult I still enjoyed reading this short book... now I think I need to buy and read Sinuhe again!
Profile Image for Helio II.
6 reviews
May 28, 2019
There are two books both by Emily Sands - the cover shown on this is the smaller less interactive volume and is written more rike a text book. The other is the larger [more interesting] interactive volume written like a journal.
Profile Image for Azra thomas.
3 reviews1 follower
November 19, 2008
indispensable and beautifully illustrated workbook is everything you need to know to become an esteemed Egyptologist.
Profile Image for Mike.
53 reviews2 followers
September 5, 2010
Good kids book. Not nearly enough historical background for my taste.
Profile Image for Ang Siau Fang.
2 reviews1 follower
January 12, 2011
A very colorful and well designed book. Provide a little information about ancient Egypt, from its gods and goddesses, culture, etc. Suitable for kids who loves to learn history.
Profile Image for Sydney Campen.
57 reviews15 followers
May 29, 2014
This book is a great source of information for people wondering about ancient Egypt. If you are loking for information of Egypt for an assignment this would be a great book for you to read.
Profile Image for Erika.
3 reviews
April 5, 2015
great book as an intro to Egyptology. very easy to read and understand.
Profile Image for Faye.
22 reviews3 followers
Read
July 4, 2015
Great book for Egyptian history lovers.

Plus has stickers that you could use to customize whatever you want, to make it have that Egyptian touch to it.
Profile Image for Avery.
26 reviews
October 25, 2016
This book is all about the egpytians of how they live and what they do for a lifestyle.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Peggy Spencer.
40 reviews12 followers
January 5, 2018
The handbook was a delight and great addition to our homeschool study on Ancient Egypt. My children are 5 and 6 years old, and they enjoy the flaps, drawings and additional aspects of the book.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews