The Oxford History of Ancient Egypt (Oxford Illustrated Histories)

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One of the most vexing problems in Egyptology is the question of establishing reliable chronologies, whether through relative methods such as stratigraphy and the dating of artifacts or through more absolute time horizons established by astronomical ephemera or radiometric dating. In this overview of ancient Egypt--meant for advanced students, but accessible to general readers with an interest in the area--Ian Shaw and 13 contributors pay close attention to issues of chronology, reconciling conflicts of dating that mark older scholarship.

While doing so, they address other problems in the study of ancient Egypt, such as the lack of material evidence of early humans in the region and the increasing destruction of sites in the face of contemporary urban growth. Elsewhere, they remark on the principal developments that distinguish periods in Egyptian prehistory, such as the Old Kingdom's use of large-scale building projects to consolidate power and "remind people of the greatness of pharaonic civilization," and the Middle and New kingdoms' apparent openness to foreigners, which lent Egypt a cosmopolitan, multicultural air that persisted for centuries during long periods of domination by outside powers such as Persia and Rome. Highly useful as a reference and survey, this handsomely illustrated book is a fine addition to any Egyptophile's collection. --Gregory McNamee

Book Description

The Oxford Illustrated History of Ancient Egypt is the only up-to-date, single-volume history of ancient Egypt available in English. The accessible essays and attractive illustrations portray the emergence and development of the distinctive civilization of the ancient Egyptians, from their prehistoric origins to their incorporation into the Roman Empire, covering the period from c. 700,000 BC AD 311. The authors each experts working at the cutting edge of their particular fields outline the principal sequence of political events, including detailed examinations of the three so-called 'intermediate periods' which were previously regarded as 'dark ages' and are only now beginning to be better understood. Against the backdrop of the rise and fall of ruling dynasties, this Oxford Illustrated History also examines cultural and social patterns, including stylistic developments in art and literature. The pace of change in such aspects of Egyptian culture as monumental architecture, funerary beliefs, and ethnicity was not necessarily tied to the rate of political change. Each of the authors of this history has therefore set out to elucidate, in both words and pictures, the underlying patterns of social and political change and to describe the changing face of ancient Egypt, from the biographical details of individuals to the social and economic factors that shaped the lives of the population as a whole.

Customer Reviews:

Good book.......2007-07-19

I bought this book for a class in Egyptology as required course material but it is so well written and has great pictures and information that instead of selling it after the quarter is over like I do with most books for my class I'm going to keep this one. It's well worth the buy if you are interested in Ancient Egypt. It has a great deal of insightful detailed information.

Very disappointing.......2007-01-06

This book is a collection of dry essays written with poor cohesion. It's as if the sum editiorial guidance was "Write something about the second intermediate period." Some articles repeat discusssions (for instance, after dozens of citations of Manetho's Aeqyptiaca and the Turin Canon as well as an explanation of both, on page 186, these sources are explained as if for the first time), some articles refer to history that has never been discussed.

If you are not knowledgeable about the geopgraphy of Egypt, you will be frustrated. For instance, the city Memphis is cited 4 times before the page with a map including its location. I was constantly flipping through the maps trying to find different cities. It didn't help that this particular map (p 91) is not even included on the list of maps and plans! The 1st and 2nd cataracts are not included on a map until page 227!

Some cities are never included on maps (historical and modern: "route from 'Sako' (probably modern el-Qes)"). And when locations are on maps, the text often contradicts the map. On page 201: "Cusae lies about 40 km, south of Hermopolis (el-Ashmunein)". On the facing page, Cusae is about 5 km ne of Hermoplois.

Religion is an essential part of understanding Egyptian history. I was really disappointed that a 500 page book did not include one article on religion or the afterlife.

The final annoyance is the glossy stock. If you don't have a lamp in the right position, you will get a large unreadable glare on the page.

Encyclopedic work.......2006-04-18

The Oxford History of Ancient Egypt is really more of an encyclopedia than a narrative history. Each of its 15 chapters is written by a different author, presumably an expert in the particular time period under study. This lends itself to a disjointed style as each author presents an overwhelming welter of archeological facts in an effort to deal with their own view of the controversies in the assigned area. While no doubt providing the experienced Egyptologist with fine details is important, the casual reader will find the book a dense and confusing read. The details of stone-age arrowhead manufacture or the various types of thrown pottery in the First Intermediate Period tend to obscure the bigger picture. As a prerequisite for reading this book I would recommend something lighter and more cohesive such as "A History of Ancient Egypt" by Grimal.

That said, the book is definitely a significant resource for anyone interested in Egyptian history. It covers the Egyptian state from prehistory through its incorporation into the Roman empire. Three chapters cover the pre-dynastic period including one on the Paleolithic period, one on the Naqada period and one entitled "Emergence of the Egyptian State" (Dynasties 0-2). Subsequent chapters for the Old, Middle and New Kingdoms (2 chapters for the last of these) and the Intermediate Periods follow. A rather strange and slightly redundant chapter, entitled "Egypt and the Outside World" is located just prior to the article on the Third Intermediate period. Its insertion here seems an afterthought as it covers the material of several preceding chapters using a topical, rather than chronologic, approach. Finally, several shorter chapters cover the Late Period, the Ptolemaic Period and the Roman Period. The book has a substantial further reading list and glossary as well as a tabular chronology, and index. It is well illustrated, with many black and white pictures, extensive maps and approximately 40 colour plates. Unfortunately, there is often a disconnect between the written material and the plates and pictures, leaving the reader confused as to their purpose.

I would definitely recommend this book as a scholarly or reference resource due to its detailed approach but I would suggest it not be the first book you read if you are a casual reader, interested in understanding the sweep of Egyptian history.

Bone Crunching Read.......2006-01-08

First of all, do not buy the non-illustrated version of this book, it is too hard to follow without some form of visual reference imo. Secondly, the book focuses way too heavily on the archeological finds and archelogists and treats the actual history as if it were secondary information. It makes me wonder if this is a book about the history of the archeological discovery of ancient Egypt or the history of ancient Egypt itself. I have read on for dozens of pages (I am currently on page 110) about the most minut details of regions, geology, dates and tools...If you are interested in the actual history of Ancient Egypt, and like me, have little interest in the nile flood inundation then I would suggest getting another book.

So Rameses II had 85 kids..........2005-12-21

This is a very thorough history on Ancient Egypt. All aspects of Egyptian history and society are addressed- chronology, history, religion, and culture. It's great for both newcomers to Egyptology and people with experience in the subject. Without getting too technical, it overviews the basic outline of Egyptian history, detailing historical, cultural, and religious development throughout the country's long history. Many interesting details (such as the one in the title of this review) are referenced, making the book a very interesting read apart from a simple overview. The chronology is pretty solid, although the authors themselves admit that some of it may need adjusting (by a few decades at most, nothing drastic). Overall, a very good overview of Ancient Egyptian history.

The Oxford Encyclopedia Of Ancient Egypt, 3 Volume Set

Average customer rating:

Best Reference Book on Egypt Available
Definitive but poorly presented
Not worth [money] much less 10 times that amount
Wrong Book
Don't be deceived!!!

The Oxford Encyclopedia Of Ancient Egypt, 3 Volume Set
Donald B., Ed. Redford
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Encyclopedias | Reference & Nonfiction | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

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Egypt | Ancient | History | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0195102347

Book Description

Featuring 600 original articles written by leading scholars, The Oxford Encyclopedia of Ancient Egypt goes far beyond the records of archaeology to make available what we know about the full social, political, religious, cultural and artistic legacy of this 5,000 year civilization. The Encyclopedia offers the most complete picture available of ancient Egyptian civilization, from the predynastic era to its eclipse in the seventh century CE. Here is the Egyptian world in illuminating, accessible detail: art, architecture, religion, language, literature, trade, politics, everyday social life and the culture of the court. Of special interest is the coverage of themes and issues that are particularly controversial--such as the new theories of the origins of complex society in the Nile Valley, new discoveries about Greco-Roman Egypt, and new developments in literature, religion, linguistics and other fields, including the debates about Egypt's African legacy. Extensively illustrated with photographs, line drawings, and maps, the Encyclopedia of Ancient Egypt is designed for the widest possible access, serving students, teachers, and scholars in fields ranging from Near East archaeology and classics to ancient art, architecture, history, language and religion, as well as general readers fascinated by a world that remains--even today--incompletely mapped.

Customer Reviews:

Best Reference Book on Egypt Available.......2005-12-16

This is a 3 Volume Encyclopedia and does consist of 1880 pages. It is the most authorative book that the non professional person wanting to learn about Egypt can obtain. Some of the other reviews (1 star) do not make sense to me and they must be talking about some other set of books.

Definitive but poorly presented.......2003-11-03

This is an A-Z of Egyptology which will act as a definitive reference. Two downsides:
1) There is no narrative introduction to the subject, so this Encyclopedia would complement a 'history', but not replace it
2) The photographs are in black and white and are often bad quality: badly focussed, badly lit.

Not worth [money] much less 10 times that amount.......2002-04-30

The problem with this encyclopedia is that it is not encyclopedic in nature. Many topics are not covered (for example, you won't find Hatshepsut's mortuary temple in it), and those that are covered are handled in a very simplistic and abbreviated (not concise, just short) way.

I cannot remember when I was so disappointed in a reference book...maybe never.

Wrong Book.......2002-04-23

There is a problem here - there is an updated version of this book, available elsewhere, which (i) is longer, (ii)has more color photos, and (iii) is about 10% cheaper.

Don't be deceived!!!.......2002-03-29

I just received this book and found that for [your money] you get one 500 page book instead of the full 1600 page set of 3 as stated in the description. Basically, you are not getting what you are paying for. Don't order from here unless you plan on returning it.

The Oxford Essential Guide to Egyptian Mythology

Average customer rating:

Old book, new title

The Oxford Essential Guide to Egyptian Mythology
Oxford University Press
Manufacturer: Berkley
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Egypt | Ancient | History | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 042519096X
Release Date: 2003-07-01

Customer Reviews:

Old book, new title.......2004-03-07

I was so disappointed to discover that this was the same book that I had already bought under another name. It used to be called "The Ancient Gods Speak: A guide to Egyptian religion." This book in turn consists of a compilation of all the articles related to religion that were initially published in the Oxford Encyclopedia of Ancient Egypt.

Book Description

The ultimate who's who of ancient Egypt, Ancient Egyptians is an engaging look at the ancient world through its important leaders. Included are biographies of: * The magnificent Imhotep, who set the standard for pyramid-building * Nefertiti, the renowned beauty * Khufu, the builder of the Great Pyramid * Hatshepsut, a woman pharaoh who defied tradition and called herself "king" * Tutankhamun, whose tomb unveiled fantastic riches * Rameses the Great, the last majestic king of ancient Egypt * Ptahhotep, the great thinker and statesman for King Izezi Ancient Egyptians reveals how Egyptian society was constructed, its religions, burial rituals, architecture, and the history and practices of archaeology that have brought all this information to light.

The Beautiful Burial in Roman Egypt: Art, Identity, and Funerary Religion (Oxford Studies in Ancient Culture & Representation)

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The Beautiful Burial in Roman Egypt: Art, Identity, and Funerary Religion (Oxford Studies in Ancient Culture & Representation)
Christina Riggs
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Ancient & Classical | Schools, Periods & Styles | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 019927665X

Book Description

This important new study looks at the intersection of Greek and Egyptian art forms in the funerary sphere of Roman Egypt. A discussion of artistic change, cultural identity, and religious belief foregrounds the detailed analysis of more than 150 objects and tombs, many of which are presented here for the first time. In addition to the information it provides about individual works of art, supported by catalogue entries, the study explores fundamental questions such as how artists combine the iconographies and representational forms of different visual traditions, and why two distinct visual traditions were employed in Roman Egypt.

The British Empire 1558-1995 (Short Oxford History of the Modern World)

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The British Empire 1558-1995 (Short Oxford History of the Modern World)
T.O. Lloyd
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Egypt | Ancient | History | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0198731337

Book Description

This is a comprehensive survey of the entire history of the British empire. Avoiding the polemics or apologetics that were inevitable when the empire was still at the centre of political controversy, T. O. Lloyd describes the full sweep of expansion and decolonization from the voyages of discovery in the reign of Queen Elizabeth I to the achievement of independence in the second half of the twentieth century. Drawing out both parallels and differences between paths of development throughout the empire, Professor Lloyd provides a unified and coherent account of a vital period in the history of all the countries that make up the modern Commonwealth. For the second edition, Professor Lloyd has revised the text, updated the bibliography and tables, and added a final chapter on `The World after the Empire', which examines the important events and issues of today in countries of the former empire, such as South Africa, Canada, Hong Kong, and Australia.

Callimachus' Book of Iambi (Oxford Classical Monographs)

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Callimachus' Book of Iambi (Oxford Classical Monographs)
Arnd Kerkhecker
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 019924006X

Book Description

This book offers a detailed discussion of Callimachus' collection of Iambi. The chapters on individual poems set out the evidence for the text; address questions of linguistic and antiquarian detail; attempt an interpretation of each poem as a whole; consider the arrangement of the poems, and the composition of the book. The author argues that the collection consisted of thirteen pieces; that the arrangement of the collection goes back to the poet himself, and that the Iambi are one of the earliest surviving poetry books. An attempt is made to relate this new form of poetic composition to the influence of scholarly interests and techniques on Hellenistic poetry in general, and on Callimachus in particular. The study includes a list of the papyri of the Iambi, and a list of new readings, supplements, conjectures, and other differences from Pfeiffer's text.

The Copts and the West, 1439-1822: The European Discovery of the Egyptian Church (Oxford-Warburg Studies)

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The Copts and the West, 1439-1822: The European Discovery of the Egyptian Church (Oxford-Warburg Studies)
Alastair Hamilton
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0199288771

Book Description

In seventeenth-century Europe the Copts, or the Egyptian members of the Church of Alexandria, were widely believed to hold the key to an ancient wisdom and an ancient theology. Their language was thought to lead to the deciphering of the hieroglyphs and their Church to retain traces of early Christian practices as well as early Egyptian customs. This book, the first full-length study of the subject, discusses the attempts of Catholic missionaries to force the Church of Alexandria into union with the Church of Rome and the slow accumulation of knowledge of Coptic beliefs, undertaken by Catholics and Protestants. It ends with a survey of the study of the Coptic language in the West and of the uses to which it was put by Biblical scholars, antiquarians, theologians and Egyptologists.

The Cult of Saint Thecla: A Tradition of Women's Piety in Late Antiquity (Oxford Early Christian Studies)

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The Cult of Saint Thecla: A Tradition of Women's Piety in Late Antiquity (Oxford Early Christian Studies)
Stephen J. Davis
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0198270194

Book Description

Thecla, a disciple of the apostle Paul, became perhaps the most celebrated female saint and 'martyr' among Christians in late antiquity. In the early church, Thecla's example was associated with the piety of women - in particular, with women's ministry and travel. Devotion to Saint Thecla quickly spread throughout the Mediterranean world: her image was painted on walls of tombs, stamped on clay flasks and oil lamps, engraved on bronze crosses and wooden combs, and even woven into textile curtains. Bringing together literary, artistic, and archaeological evidence, often for the first time, Stephen Davis here reconstructs the cult of Saint Thecla in Asia Minor and Egypt - the social practices, institutions, and artefacts that marked the lives of actual devotees. From this evidence the author shows how the cult of this female saint remained closely linked with communities of women as a source of empowerment and a cause of controversy.

Current Research in Egyptology 2006: Proceedings of the Seventh Annual Symposium, University of Oxford, April 2006

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Current Research in Egyptology 2006: Proceedings of the Seventh Annual Symposium, University of Oxford, April 2006

Manufacturer: Oxbow Books Limited
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Egypt | Ancient | History | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 184217262X

Product Description

The Seventh annual Current Research in Egyptology Symposium (CRE 2006) was held on 6-8 April 2006, at the University of Oxford, and brought together graduate and postgraduate students of Egyptology from institutions world-wide. A total of 44 students presented their new and on-going research on a variety of topics including archaeology, art and architecture, history and society, literature and language, religion, museum studies, scientific analysis, history of Egyptology and 'egyptomania,' spanning the entire period of Egyptian history from Predynastic to Coptic times. The papers published here cover the same wide range of research areas and multi-disciplinary approaches.

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