The Oxford History of Ancient Egypt

Egyptian history is hidden behind 7 veils, and you can easily be fooled by this book. It moves along very quietly. Nothing grabs you about it. Each essay shows the same amount of caution where angels fear to tread. But when you go to the Index and seek an item, it is usually there. One exception is the site of the Exodus start, where the Israelites in bondage worked to build the palaces of Ramses II and his huge family. The site is known as Avaris II, and we now know that it sits atop Avaris I, which was once a huge fortified city used as the capital of the Hyksos, who conquered and ruled Egypt, piece by piece, for 150 years. No small amount of time: 7.5 gene-pool generations. We here have a map of the Hyksos capital, a diagram of its northern influences, another of a gravesite with human bones, a chart of its stratigraphy and chronology, supplied by Janine Bourriau. This broke the quiet pattern and grabbed me. It would have been nice to know more about Upper Egyptian genius at becoming a world leader in monumental stone sculpture earlier than any other people. Where did all that wealth really come from? How did the economy break down in terms of Deltaland trade and African slavery in Nubian gold mines? We may never know that full story. Museums cloud it with surviving tomb treasure. Well over 90% was stolen from the crypts, never to make it to our time. Shaw's edited anthology is probably a better book of essays by leading experts than the Egyptian government has put together in explaining the evolution of Egypt as a nation, from its raw beginnings as separate provincial kingdoms. He has updated the classic books on Egyptian history, written by non-Egyptians, such as Breasted. To the point where Bourriau tells us that Eblan and Ugaritic pottery shards were found in the lower strata of Avaris I. We have much to learn yet about ancient Egypt, and Shaw's anthology is a big step in that direction. The world-traveling museum-showcase treasure of Tutankhamen is nice to look at, but here are the gritty details of the growth of dynastic Egypt from provincial roots and its failed religion of the divine-king's tomb. The periods of foreign conquest from their Northland and Southland remain as more-important historic treasure we have not yet truly found. The 7 veils remain in place, but Shaw's panoramic anthology approach allows us to look through the threadbare openings. Excellently illustrated. --Al Sundel

As a teacher and Egyptian American, I love the detail of this book. I learned about the predynastic period which dates back 7000 BC, and incredible time, which allowed me to see how the civilization slowly began to form into the great Civ of ancient Egypt. The writing is detailed and academic, so I recommend that it is read in pieces. But the scholars are thorough.

great book, little too expensive for an used one. thank god the international shipping is free on this item.

The _Oxford History of Ancient Egypt_ is really a compilation of essays on the various periods of Ancient Egyptian history from the paleolithic through the Roman conquest. Initially I was off-put by this, but I quickly recognized the strength of this sort of approach. simply put, each section is written by an expert on that particular period of time, giving readers access to the considerable expertise and fluency with the subject matter that simply outweighs what any single scholar could provide on the area. I found the chapters on the Naqada Period (ca. 4000 - 3200 BCE) by Beatrix Midant-Reynes, the First Intermediate Period by Stephen Seidlmeyer and the Second Intermediate Period by Jamie Bourrian to be particularly well-done. The depth, detail and clarity with which these scholars write is exceptional. The _Oxford History of Ancient Egypt_ is the best single volume on the region's history I have read. I give it my highest recommendations for anyone interested in the area and time period - the scholarly detail and accessibility of language is unparalleled.

Mint, pristine paperback, well-bound for the size (1 inch thick). Good read! Wasn't sure I would get through a history like this, as not my usual choice. Cycles through consistent subset of topics for each era. Sequencing easy to follow as a result. Academic precise text, well-proofed. East-to-read font with wide lateral margins for text description breaking up most pages. Great service.

I bought this book to delve more into Ancient Egyptian history. The books does just that! It goes through many details that other books miss out on as well as dispels crazy modern pop culture theories about Egypt. I especially like the recommended reading section at the end which provides a ton of books based on era and/or other topic of interest.

Otimo

Excellent introduction to ancient Egypt written by some of the most learned experts in archeology. Got the kindle version for a couple of dollars, an excellent value.

Lectura árida. Parece clásico y no incorpora las últimas investigaciones.

Comprehensive account of ancient Egyptian history full of details and the extensive research involved

Ian Shaw hat in flüssigem "Ton" ein sehr schönes Buch über die Geschichte des alten Ägyptens verfaßt. In einem spannenden Stil geschrieben, bleiben (fast) keine Fragen offen. Auch für Nicht-Ägyptologen sehr zu empfehlen.. ;-)