Author Description

Portrays the daily life of average people: childhood, education, love and marriage, work, the prospect of the soul's journey to the netherworld. Some 290 illustrations (200 in color) highlight depiction of the role of women in ancient Egyptian society, as well as agriculture, fashion, diet, medicine, crafts, the construction of tombs and pyramids. Translated from the Czech by Deryck Viney. This lavishly illustrated book conveys the wonder of Ancient Egypt through the daily activities of its people - not the lives of Egypt's royalty or elite classes, but the typical men and women who composed this magnificent civilization. Exceptional for its range, the volume portrays Egyptian life from birth and childhood through education, love and marriage, occupations, war, and finally the soul's journey to the netherworld. A particular strength is the coverage of anatomical material and medical texts. Other topics include the role of women, fashion, dance and music, agriculture, crafts, and construction of the pyramids and tombs. This in-depth portrait draws on the complete spectrum of sources: artifacts from tombs and settlement sites; inscribed potsherds and ostraca as well as papyri; material from the excavation of homes, shrines, and tomb chapels; relief's and wall-paintings. Accompanying the text, 289 superb illustrations - including 219 colour plates - vividly portray Egyptian civilization through its creations and treasures. The thematic structure of the book imparts a visual coherence rarely found in illustrated books on Ancient Egypt. Among the photographs are many rare images not previously available. The illustrations convey a picture of Ancient Egyptian society that is compelling and immediate, despite the millennia that separate us from that great culture. Notable for thoroughness, accuracy, and sheer beauty, this indispensable guide will appeal to the serious student or scholar, as well as anyone interested in ancient civilizations.