Egypt in the Age of the Pyramids: American Politics and International Security - Tapa blanda

"I am very pleased that this enjoyable, up-to-date, and learned account of life in ancient Egypt is now accessible to American readers in David Lorton's excellent English translation."-Lawrence M. Berman, Research Curator of Egyptian Art, The Cleveland Museum of Art "A super book."-R.M. Seaton, The Manhattan Mercury "This book is a most welcome and valuable one for the individual wishing to learn about ancient Egypt, especially since it also reflects the recent expansion of scholarly interest in matters other than government, wars, and royalty. Andreu deserves commendation for writing a lively and interesting (and accurate) book."-Susan Tower Hollis, Empire State College. Journal of Near Eastern Studies, Vol. 59, No. 4, October 2000 "Perfect for any study of Egypt."-The Bookwatch "After a brief historical introduction, Andreu surveys, in ten brief, crisply written chapters, the royal court, pyramids, and other public work, the life of the scribe, economic and family life, the countryside, and religious practice. . . Egypt in the Age of the Pyramids is a clear and useful introduction to a fascinating period of Egyptian history."-Choice "Drawing on letters, artifacts, and hieroglyphic inscriptions, Andreu provides a vivid slice of everyday life in ancient Egypt. After a brief historical summary of the dynastic era (2700-1750 B.C.E.), the author concentrates on re-creating the daily lives and tasks of a host of Egyptians from a variety of backgrounds and social classes. Laborers, farmers, scholars, and artisans are all represented in an informative and evocative sociological survey. In addition, religious, political, and cultural activities and traditions are also outlined. An engaging introduction to the manner in which ordinary routines and sacred customs were practiced during one of ancient Egypt's golden ages."-Booklist

The Golden Age of Ancient Egypt comes alive as Guillemette Andreu recreates the details of daily life. Construction sites teem with workers building the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx. Administrators bustle to and fro, handling their assignments from the pharaoh's court. Scribes train themselves to draft a variety of letters.Andreu describes the Egyptians as they spend a day in the marshes with family and friends. They glide on light skiffs through the papyrus plants, stopping occasionally to marvel at the marsh creatures: frogs, butterflies, kingfishers, ibises, herons, lapwings, weasels, and mongooses. Because the marshes also shelter crocodiles and hippopotami, the day is not without its perils. In her vivid representation of Egyptian life, Andreu makes use of letters from family archives, full of household instructions from travelers and nostalgic greetings from grown children living away from their parents.The principal source of evidence for Egyptian life-styles between 2650 and 1750 B.C. are the scenes carved or painted on the walls of tombs. Short hieroglyphic inscriptions accompany these images, recording what might have been said by the men and women pictured. Andreu's book is amply illustrated and supplemented by a bibliography. It will delight tourists planning to visit Egypt, museum goers, as well as students.