Ancient Egypt: Life, Myth, and Art

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Ancient Egypt is a richly illustrated introduction to this extraordinary culture, presenting the art in all its glory, ranging from the breathtaking pyramids and monumental temples to wall paintings, magnificently sculpted statues of kings, queens, and deities, and royal jewelry of exquisite intricacy.

The book covers themes that have long preoccupied the popular imagination, including: the enigmas of the pyramids and the Sphinx; the pharaohs, incarnations of the mighty god Horus, son of Isis and Osiris; the religious mysteries of the great temples of Karnak, Luxor and elsewhere; and the secrets of the hieroglyphs, which remained undeciphered for fourteen hundred years. These major themes, and many more, are interpreted visually through iconography, pattern, motif, and symbolism, as well as in terms of their underlying historical and spiritual significance.

The perfect addition to any library of art and imagination, Ancient Egypt sets new standards in capturing the achievements of a great civilization through the marriage of word and image.

Dr. Joann Fletcher is Honorary Research Fellow at York University and consultant Egyptologist at Harrogate Museums and Arts. She specializes in the history of mummification and has studied mummies on site in Egypt, Yemen and South America as well as in museum collections around the world. Recently she led groundbreaking work in Egypt's Valley of the Kings to re-examine three royal mummies, one of which may be that of Nefertiti—news that has attracted international coverage. She has made numerous appearances on television as well as radio, and writes for both The Guardian newspaper and the BBC's History Online website. Her publications include Egypt's Sun King: Amenhotep III, Ancient Egypt: Life, Myth and Art, The Oils and Perfumes of Ancient Egypt, and has contributed sections in several major guide books to Egypt.

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