The Pyramids: The Mystery, Culture, and Science of Egypt's Great Monuments
- Book Review,
by Miroslav Verner, Steven Rendall (Translator)
From Library Journal
Director of the Egyptology Institute of Charles University in Prague and leader of the Czech excavations at Abusir's Fifth Dynasty pyramid field, Verner has assembled the first comprehensive study of Egypt's pyramids since the revised edition of the late I.E.S. Edwards's classic The Pyramids of Egypt and Ahmed Fakhry's The Pyramids (both o.p.). This completely revised English-language edition is based on the German translation of the original 1997 Czech publication. The organization of the authoritative text is chronological, tracing the cultural and architectural evolution of the Egyptian pyramids from the mastaba tombs of the Archaic Period, through the step pyramids of the Third Dynasty, to the "true pyramids" of the later Old Kingdom and the subsequent decline in their structure and size in later periods. "Pyramidology" and mystic lore are covered in a brief epilog titled "The Secrets of the Pyramids." In addition to a solid bibliography, useful appendixes include "Basic Dimensions of the Pyramids," "Egyptologists and Pyramid Scholars," a glossary, and a "Chronological List of Rulers and Dynasties." The illustrations are clear and directly related to the text. Recommended for all libraries. Edward K. Werner, St. Lucie Cty. Lib. Syst., Ft. Pierce, FL Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Booklist
Professor Verner of Prague's distinguished Charles University discusses current research into the pyramids of ancient Egypt. His book focuses on research of the last decade and excavations over the past 20 years. Verner divides his book into chapters according to pharaonic dynasty, spotlighting individual pharaohs' pyramids. He not only explains the layout of each pyramid but also presents various theories on how each pyramid was built and tells stories about the people that were buried there. The author's stated goal was to make discussions and research surrounding these gigantic ancient monuments accessible to the general public, and he certainly has succeeded. Julia Glynn
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
Book Description
Hailed by Science News as "the new seminal text," The Pyramids is the most up-to-date, comprehensive record of Egypt's ancient monuments to become available in the last six decades. Distinguished Egyptologist Miroslav Verner draws from the research of the earliest Egyptologists as well as the startling discoveries arising from the technological advances of the 1980s and 1990s. His Pyramids offers a clear, authoritative guide to the ancient culture that created the pyramids five thousand years ago without iron or bronze, and with only the most elementary systems of calculation. As he explains the magnitude of this accomplishment, he also traces the stories and ideas of the intrepid scientists who have uncovered them. "Editor's Choice ... this comprehensive volume details everything you ever wanted to know about pyramids." -- Rosemary Herbert, The Boston Herald "Engaging, lucid ... Richly illustrated ... displays both a deep respect for the research of Egyptologists and a comprehensive knowledge of it... -- Kirkus Reviews "Miroslav Verner ... provides an accessible introduction to the culture of the ancient Egyptians." -- Die Welt
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