Ancient Egypt

by David P. Silverman, Peter Bently

Fine Hardcover BRAND NEW & Colletible. English language text. Highly acclaimed treatise on the remarkable world order of ancient Egypt, illustrated with photos, maps and charts. Text in 3 parts and 15 chapters. The chapters are and scholars 1, The Gift of the Nile (Fekri Hassan); 2, Three Kingdoms & Thirty-four Dynasties (William J. Murnane); 3, Egypt & the World Beyond (Donald B. Redford); 4, The Wealth of the Land (Fekri Hassan); 5, The Settled World (Ian Shaw); 6, Women in Egypt (Gay Robbins); 7, The Boundaries of Knowledge (Christopher Eyre); 8, Belief & Ritual (David P. Silverman); 9, The Celestial Realm (James P. Allen); 10, The Cult of the Dead (Robert K. Ritner); 11, The Life of Ritual (Emily Teeter); 12, The Pyramids (Zahi Hawass); 13, Tombs & Temples (Peter Der Manuelian); 14, Egyptian Art (Rita Freed); and, 15, Signs, Symbols & Language. Rich reading.

Genres: History, Egypt, Nonfiction, Egyptology, Ancient History, Archaeology, Historical

256 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1997

Reviews

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a straightforward and comprehensive history of 🇪🇬 Egypt divided into topics. I took a UPenn MOOC on Coursera, run by the author that covered most of the material. It is lavishly and beautifully illustrated. I would recommend the book over the course, which was entirely a dry lecture.

[Bren fall in love with the sea. · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The importance of the family as a fundamental social unit is clear from numerous monuments where couples are depicted along with their offspring."
- David P. Silverman, Ancient Egypt




It's long and feels like a very long history lesson. I've read these types of books before but slowly. It might take me years to finish this but so far I love it.

The pictures is what first caught me. Just look at the cover! It covers everything and anything you could possibly want to know about ancient Egypt from womens' roles in society to politics and dynasties to math to music and child bearing, the list goes on.

I will add to my review as I read more but if you love ancient Egypt please stop to admire the art work and the pictures featured on every page here as they are exquisite and gleaming with mystery. A must read for any fan of Egypt. Excellent.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a physical volume, Ancient Egypt, edited by David P. Silverman, has the look and feel of a survey history textbook. But before that puts you off, note that the content is far superior.

The print decisions here are excellent in every respect and are what lend the book-as-object a textbook vibe. The paper is fairly heavy and there are full color, high quality images (marginal, half, and full page) throughout. Many pages contain inset textboxes that focus more specifically on a topic treated generally in the running text. The end of each section’s running text, with very few exceptions, coincides with a page break, which makes for easy navigation in a volume containing so many separate authors, sections, and topics. All of these decisions make the vast and varied amounts of information presented, coherent and digestible to the reader. One last textbook-y characteristic of which I am less fond is the omission of footnotes. A lot of people hate these anyway, but the academic in me misses them.

Lack of footnotes notwithstanding, Ancient Egypt still excels where most textbooks fail. With multiple authors, but a single editor, the text reads cohesively, yet makes space for the different areas of expertise of each author without watering down points of possible contention among them. One of the worst aspects of traditional textbook content is the impression of omniscience and univocal historical agreement that an army of editors cannot help but convey. The resulting “consensus” usually destroys any sense of unknowability, which is an inherent aspect of historical inquiry in general, and especially of inquiry into the distant past given the fragmentary nature of the historical and archaeological record.

Instead of a bland consensus, the various sections in Ancient Egypt successfully convey the impression of a complex bygone culture, as well as the enormity and non-definitive nature of the centuries-long project of Egyptology itself, ,i.e., the painstaking piecing together of ancient Egypt’s culture, beliefs, politics, and language.

I’ve read works about ancient Egypt before, but I’ve never encountered such a sweeping, comprehensive-while-not-reductive, treatment of this incredible stretch of time. Readers are so often given a vision of the Egyptian empire that highlights its stability, its unchangeability, and its “obsession” with death. Silverman’s volume instead provides a sense of the dynamism of the Egyptian empire and of its liveliness.

Taken together, these characteristics—layout and concept of a textbook, content of a thoughtful secondary source—make it an engaging, unusual, and really informative book.

[Mohamed Yahia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lot of things happened in Ancient Egypt. First, the Nile River was the most important thing in Egypt in ancient times. It was very important because it is with what citizens got their crops, water, and with what to clean their bodies. It was also important because it is with what the farmed. One of the most important people in the book learned about in the book Ancient Egypt was Menes. Menes was the first pharaoh in Ancient Egypt. One day he was wandering around in the forest and a hippopotamus killed him. This death shocked a lot of people because Menes was the first pharaoh. The second most important person in the book was Hatshepsut. Hatshepsut was the first woman pharaoh in Ancient Egypt. A lot of people thought of Hatshepsut as a week leader because she was a women and to make everybody think of her the same of any other man pharaoh, she used to dress up as a man and wear a fake beard. Hatshepsut also used to solve all her problems using trade. Another important person in this book is Ramses the second. Ramses the second was a pharaoh that built the most monuments in Ancient Egypt. He was very different from Hatshepsut, while she was solving her errors using trade, he was solving them using war. Then came in a pharaoh named Osiris, he had a nice wife, Isis and a very evil brother, Seth. One day Seth was jealous of Osiris and killed him and threw his body in the ocean. Later his wife Isis, found him and put him back into one piece, then he became the king of the underworld. Thus, these are the things that were learned while reading this book.

Another name that would be used as a title for this book would be The Old Egyptian Days. This would be a perfect title for this book because this book talks about everything that happened during the old Egyptian days. The author wrote this book because there are a few books talking about Ancient Egypt, so he wanted to show people how Ancient Egypt was. This topic is very important because it shows how people lived in Ancient times without any electronic devices or any new forms of technology. This book is a non-fiction book because it talks about events and people that really happened in ancient times. Therefore, these are four questions about Ancient Egypt.

There were several most and least interesting parts in this book. The first most important thing that happened in the book was when the first female pharaoh took her spot. This was a very interesting part because most people never thought that a female pharaoh would ever exist. The second most interesting part in this book was when Isis found her husband and brought him back to life as a god of the underground. This was very interesting because in a lot of peoples opinions, humans can not come back to life. One of the least interesting parts in the book was when the pharaoh Menes was killed by a hippopotamus. It was not very interesting because the reader was expecting that the first pharaoh would have a lot of accomplishments and then all of a sudden he dies. The second least interesting part in the book was when the reader learned about mummification. It was not very interesting because they would empty the body in a very unpleasant way like removing the brain with hook. Yes, the reader would recommend this book to all the people who like learning about what happened in the past. In conclusion, these were the most and least interesting parts in the book.

[Robert Risher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ancient Egypt tells the layperson all he/she needs to know to understand the timeline and inner workings of the various Egyptian dynasties, their art and architecture, as well as the development of language. It has the look and feel of a college textbook at first glance, but it suffers from little boredom. The book is packed with photos and illustrations with in-depth captions that help maintain the flow of information without causing the reader to drift off. I enjoyed it thoroughly, and I look forward to building on the information contained Ancient Egypt.

[Hannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Clear and concise. Gives an easily digestible string of summary articles for anyone looking to begin grounding their understanding of ancient Egypt.

[Joeri Ryckaseys · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dit boek slaagt erin om zowel een algemeen overzicht te bieden over de Egyptische geschiedenis en tegelijkertijd enige diepgang te bieden in bepaalde aspecten. Een sterkte is dat het werk bestaat uit een verzameling van hoofdstukken die door verschillende Egyptologen zijn geschreven, elk volgens zijn of haar expertise. Een deel van de namen waren reeds bekend voor mij zoals James P. Allen, Ian Shaw, David P. Silverman, Emily Teeter en Zahi Hawass. Ik weet dat Zahi Hawass een ietwat dubieuze reputatie heeft, maar als het over piramiden gaat is de man wel een autoriteit.

Ieder hoofdstuk is onderverdeeld in kleine subhoofdstukjes. Hier komen we bij een zwakte van dit werk: sommige auteurs willen toch enige diepgang meegeven en proberen dit binnen de beschikbare pagina's te wringen waardoor het voor mensen die nog niet bekend zijn met de Oud Egyptische geschiedenis misschien wat verwarrend kan zijn. Graag had ik ook bij bepaalde zaken wat meer afbeeldingen of tekens gehad.

Alle hoofdstukken en subhoofdstukjes samen leveren een mooie samenhangend geheel dat ons een overzicht geeft over de volledige Oud Egyptische cultuur. Sommige werken proberen de Oud Egyptische geschiedenis als lineair af te doen, maar niets is minder waar. Tradities die in het Oude Rijk bepalend waren, hielden niet plotseling op te bestaan in het Midden-Rijk, maar bleven aanwezig (doch in mindere mate of op de achtergrond). Dit werk stapt af van het lineair denken en geeft ons de geschiedenis weer zoals ze is: dynamisch.

Hoewel het boek dateert van 1997 is het toch nog zeker actueel en accuraat. Wanneer je echt de meest actuele stand van zaken wil wat betreft de Egyptologie, dan ben je beter met het werk van Barry J. Kemp, meer bepaalde het werk "Anamoty of a Civilization" waarvan om de zoveel tijd een heruitgave komt met de recenste ontdekkingen en aanpassingen.

Dit boek is zeker een aanrader voor iemand die op een degelijke manier een introductie wil krijgen over het Oude Egypte. De literatuurlijst op het eind van het boek geeft voldoende titels mee voor zij die meer willen. Want vergis je niet, van ieder hoofdstuk of subhoofdstuk bestaan (meerdere) boeken.

[Hollis Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this when I was about 12 and I had a sudden fascination with Ancient Egyptian civilisation (as for why that was, I really can't remember). I do remember that the book was excellent: it covers pretty much everything and has a variety of contributors.

[Pewter · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Ancient Egypt - everything to do with it really. It all so fascinating, be it their religion, their architecture, or their fashion [ I specially love their motifs and patterns]

Really enjoyed this book, I'll probably be leafing through it time and time again :)

[Dina Toum-Benchekroun · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ancient Egypt, is a distinctly illuminating, educational, and cultivating book that is adeptly written by the dexterous author David P. Silverman. Throughout the course of this compelling book, the audience get a generally idea of the Egyptian innovations and their impact on one’s daily life and inspiration. Some of the worlds most valuable and precious art to modern day was created by the Ancient Egyptians and can even by seen through its marvelous and treasured architecture. These priceless creations comprise of the resplendent pyramids, the Egyptian pantheon, the Sphinx, and many more thought-provoking inventions, that bring to bear powerful visions. On another note, this book’s fundamental content predominantly focuses on an illustrious Egyptologist David P. Silverman and a group of students that look into the vast cultural prosperity of this ancient society in a variety of absorbing and authentic articles issued from the contemporary findings and assumptions. This enthralling book includes over 150 vivid images with captions to clarify the subject in matter, maps to enhance the readers’ visualization, and charts to amplify the readers’ understanding. Furthermore, it also comprises of radiant and vibrant emblematic photographs of this diverting “civilization such as a portrait of King Nefrefre,” (Silverman, 205) realistic images of temples and pyramids along with photographs of the famous Nile River.

Moreover, this enthralling book reinforces the fact that this prosperous civilization was not a death-obsessed society due to their rituals of mummification, and it also illustrates that some latest discoveries and historical researches that justify that misconception since they prove evidence of daily life, religious rituals, and structure of society. With every word read, the readers effortlessly learn that the basses of this book is to show how ancient Egypt was like back then and also to inform readers about the fertile soil they had due to the yearly floods from the Nile River. The readers enlighten their knowledge about every aspect during ancient Egypt including their system of writing, trade, and belief. For instance, after reading this book, the audience will learn that despite the fact that the ancient Egyptians had a polytheistic religion, some of them were also involved in ‘magical’ practices. In fact, “Egyptian magic involved an application of metaphysical knowledge for both practical and religious purposes.” (Silverman, 100)

Also, this book stresses the fact that these people mainly relied on themselves and their creativity since at this time there was no such utensil as complex tools or machine to satisfy one’s needs. Finally, the readers get a marvelous visualization on how scribes were during the Ancient times. This compelling book profiles them as being “well-fed people that lived peacefully” (Silverman, 90) writing on papyrus palettes. This stood as an emblem for power of erudition and education. It also covered a variety of enchanting facts that enlighten the readers’ knowledge about this flourished and vigorous civilization that left a massive influence on other empires and stood as a model for people to look back to and acknowledge their diverse technology and inventions. In conclusion, this enthralling book illuminates the readers with countless facts on ancient Egypt and reinforces much factual and historical information that may have altered the world and the manner in which people see it.



This lucrative civilization played a major influence on history and in the world since it comprised of several innovations and cultural developments that marked a great legacy after its decline in 332 BC. Primarily, this society had a variety of contributions to history and the world because it impacted modern society from the aspects of religion, mathematics, literature, and preservations. Today hieroglyphics is the most wanted study that young scholars are investigating in depth and it is predicted to be a long lasting writing system. Also, Egypt’s distinctive geography led to its everlasting legacy of surplus food and their fertile soil that they use for crops and transportation. This legacy also leads the readers to learn more about their religion since the book makes suitable connections to the Sun god and other superior gods that contribute to the weather and the growth of crops. Hence, in this civilization, the Nile River played a crucial role in developing the bedrock of this society’s expansion and establishment. Another standing out contribution to history made by the ancient Egyptians was simple the Pyramids that symbolize the Egyptian structure in society and have left an influential impact on many writers, poets, and artists. This is shown in Paris, in the Louvre Museum that is built in the shape of a pyramid, an inspiration taken by the authentic pyramids in Egypt.

This civilization had a multitude of achievements throughout its prosperous duration and some of its achievements were; the Egyptian calendar, the papyrus, and their famous writing system. The Egyptian calendar is very similar to that of modern society, as it has exactly three hundred sixty-five days. It has the predominant season according to their harvest timing and five extra days of celebration and sacrifices to the gods. In addition, the papyrus was a weed that the Egyptians grew and it was used on a daily basis. It could be used to make paper, sandals, baskets, and mattresses. This invention is still admired today and can be found in museums all over the world. Subsequently, the Egyptian writing system also known as hieroglyphics profoundly influenced modern society archaeologists since it helped them discover a new language and investigate invigorating facts about mythical stories that happened in ancient Egypt. For instance, the Rosetta stone had a short story carved on it that latter got translated and is now present in museum in London.

Moreover, this compelling book also mentions this civilization’s flourishing development in both their practices and religion rituals. In terms of religious beliefs, the ancient Egyptians were polytheistic, meaning they believed in multiple gods. This belief played a crucial life in history and in modern day since it may have changed many people’s point of view about religion and might of have inspired some people to follow their proper beliefs. Their believes altered the manner in which people see history and it made it very helpful for young scholars to identify some of their behaviors in life. Thus, thus book is rich in details about achievements in ancient Egypt and also pivotal religious ideas that alter the manner in which readers may view this prosperous civilization.






Ancient Egypt written by the cultivated and proficient author David P. Silverman is an intriguing and well-informed book that will illuminate one’s knowledge with various information about a prosperous and vigorous civilization that has left a profound legacy in modern society. This compelling book would be highly enjoyed by readers who attentively deliberate the history behind every civilization with major achievements and impacts on modern life. This book includes several historical facts and also leans into religious matters. Thus, it is safe to assert that this book will be targeted mainly to open-minded people and to the slightest critical and censorious eyes. Also I strongly recommend this book to non-judgmental people since there are some topics that might put the reader in an uncomfortable state or even awaken intense feelings of dissent or assent. It goes in depth with facts about the process of mummification; a religious ritual that the Egyptians performed when one dies. Furthermore, I would passionately endorse this enriched and well-written book to high school students that have an advanced level of vocabulary words and have some prior knowledge about civilizations and their establishments. I would also suggest this book for students who have an innovative level of comprehension and reading skills, since the person reading this book will require thinking critically and comprehending the content in a sophisticated manner. Likewise, I would eagerly propose this book to people that find major interest in ancient empires or civilizations that have left intense marks in history, for the simple reason that this book is full of informative facts that might be necessary in our daily. Hence, I intensely advocate this enthralling book to credentialed readers that will devote their time to untangle their everlasting curiosity about the ancient Egyptian civilization and its impact in modern day.

[DAJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

With fifteen chapters on geography, history, foreign relations, economics, urban life, women, knowledge, kingship, cosmology and theology, funerary customs, ritual, pyramids, tombs and temples, art, and language, this may be the most well-rounded survey of ancient Egyptian society that it's possible to get in a book of its size. Moreover, each chapter is written by an Egyptologist, including some of the most authoritative and thoughtful scholars in the field at the time of publication—Robert Ritner, Christopher Eyre, Emily Teeter, Gay Robins.

The main drawback is that any given topic is somewhat thinly covered. Each chapter is divided into four to nine subtopics, each of which receives only two pages. The bibliography lists further reading for each chapter, so if you have a particular interest in any of those topics, you can look up the scholarly literature about it, though a lot of important sources that have come out since 1997 will obviously be missing.

On a trivial personal note, this book feels very comfortingly familiar to me. The illustrations and decorative borders were designed by the same people as, and strongly resemble, those in The Way to Eternity, my introduction to Egyptian mythology, and the hardcover edition of this book even has the same scent as What Life Was Like on the Banks of the Nile, my introduction to ancient Egypt in general. Perhaps the similarities are fitting, because this book seems meant as a bridge between pop-history books like those and the more detailed studies in the academic world.

[A.L. Sirois · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quite a good book, filled with information that is nicely broken down into categories, including Women in Egypt, the Celestial Realm, The Life of Ritual, and many sub-categories within these. Also many pictures: photos, maps, diagrams, etc. One of the best books about ancient Egypt that I have read. It will undoubtedly be a reference volume that I will consult often during my work. I've noted a number of pages to which I'll be referring. Highly recommended: two Thutmoses up!

[Victor Whitman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a beautifully illustrated, well-organized introduction to Egypt. It gives you a bit of everything, chronology, ritual, thought. I always viewed Egypt as a bit bizarre and intimidating. This book is a good place to start. The editor, Silverman, also offers two free courses on Coursera that are worth a look, and follow the outline of this book.

[John Janzen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this book was really informative, but a bit bland at times. Personally, I find history, especially ancient history really interesting, since it takes place in times of old technology, and humans relied on other things. I find this book really interesting and cool, and I bet others would too.

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some parts were more interesting than others but overall this was a great introduction to Ancient Egyptian civilization. Theres so much more to it than mummies and pyramids and I now have a more conclusive picture of it.

[Ruben · Rating 3 out of 5]

Inhoud was zeer interessant, erg veel mooie prenten en afbeeldingen. De schrijfstijl was soms vermoeiend, de typografie was gewoon slecht. Teksten die weggevallen zijn, hiërogliefen die verschijnen als een hoopje pixels.

Inhoud: 4
Vorm: 2

[Dustin Raymond · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent source of information on the various periods of Egyptian history (old, middle, new kingdoms) and the rulers.

[Payton · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great overview of ancient Egypt. It covered a lot of information but was only boring in a few places. I really liked the info on mummies and mythology.

[Sean Sexton · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a great introduction to the history, culture and art of Ancient Egypt. It consists of 15 chapters, each covering a different topic and each written by a different author. The contributors are all experts in some aspect of Ancient Egyptian history or civilization.

"Ancient Egypt" is highly readable, quite interesting, and includes a wealth of colorful photographs and illustrations.

[Dave Heisley · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good overview of ancient Egypt. This is not linear, nor does it attempt to cover all of Egyptian history - it is a compilation of articles about aspects of ancient Egypt. As such, it can be used as a reference or read as an overview. Easy read, although superficial in its coverage of the dynasties and the rise and fall of power/wealth/influence, it covers other areas in a fair amount of detail, such as art, women, and ritual.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Throughout a series of short chapters written by different scholars, we get to see a broad view of Ancient Egypt. I'm finding it quite easy to read and very informative (even if it doesn't go deep in details). Despite being a little old, I think is perfect for somebody who wants to get a good overview of the subject, without devoting a lot of time to it. Additionally, the many photographs and illustrations are a great support.

[Brent L · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a general textbook covering the Pharaonic period of Egyptian history. It is a good general reference book and starting point for Ancient Egyptian study - touching on the Old, Middle, and New Kingdoms, Egyptian religion, language, architecture, arts, women’s place in society, farming, mining, cities and technology. It does not go into anything in great detail however, so more specific books would be required for anyone wanting more information on a topic

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

We used this book for Tapestry of Grace, Year 1. My children found it very dry and too detailed to be useful. But with my background in anthropology, I loved it. Although I didn't finish it, I'm glad I bought a copy. I'll read more as I have time.

[Jo Hewson · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was very helpful and informative and the images were great - to be used as a textbook not a book to read but it was written very well. I didn't feel at any point that I didn't know what it was talking about which is usually the case for textbooks!

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reads a bit textbook-y. The book is over 20 years old. So, decent information but old. I’d like to hear (ok, read) more recent thoughts on the ancients. Thoughts, theories, understanding will change over the course of 20 years.

[Damon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very looooog book but very detailed and informative...

[Parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I taught the book was pretty good it had great facts and amazing pictures of tombs, riches, and a lot of stuff on pharos and mummies all around it was a good book

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good info & great pictures!

[Sandra Trevino · Rating 3 out of 5]

This has great information and lovely photos. I have a dream-like fascination for Egypt.

[D. Rae · Rating 3 out of 5]

A reasonably satisfactory overview of Ancient Egypt. A good place to start if you are new to the subject.