In this updated version of the classic of popular Egyptology, Barbara Mertz combines a doctorate in Egyptology at the famed Oriental Institute of the University of Chicago with a life-long enthusiasm for ancient Egypt. Her love of the subject is contagious and makes her the perfect guide to ancient Egypt for the student, the layman, and those who plan to visit—or have visited—the Nile Valley.
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"As it is difficult to find a book that covers the reigns of so many great pharaohs and the history of Egypt in such a short read its hard not to appreciate what the author did here as she covered a great deal of ground in a rather logical format for a set of history that is so highly controversial. Unfortunately I did not enjoy her constant insertion of unnecessary opinions on various historically debated topics in this work. I wish she would have left the gossipy, somewhat personal "asides" out of it. A lot of the basic content of this is really good."
— Cassandra (4 out of 5 stars)
“This updated and revised version of Dr. Mertz’s stunning collection of everything related to the civilization of ancient Egypt is brought to life through Lorna Raver’s informative and entertaining narration. Presented as half textbook, half historical fiction, Raver finds a solid balance between the two genres. Her voice brims with mystery and the unknown as she, along with the listener, travels along the path that Mertz has meticulously paved from the earliest glimpses of the remarkable civilization to the very latest discoveries. Raver is solid and unwavering throughout, sounding as though she’s enjoying the information she so clearly presents. She brings fun and excitement to a field that many consider to be overly analyzed and studied, offering a learning experience through an abundance of speculative fiction sure to capture the minds of even the youngest listeners.”
— Publishers WeeklyA joyful intellectual excitement permeates the book.
— The New York Times" An excellent read! This book was published roughly four years before she ventured into fiction writing but her sense of humor and skills as a writer show through in this non-fiction over-view of Egyptian history. It would be another ten years before she would publish her first Amelia Peabody mystery but this book shows a lot of sources of inspiration for the series. "
— Sarah, 2/11/2014" This is a fine introduction to ancient Egypt from pre-history to the Roman conquest and to Egyptology by a University of Chicago Egyptologist also known, under the pseudonyms Elizabeth Peters and Barbara Michaels, as a novelist. "
— Erik, 2/1/2014" This is the most irritating & frustrating non-fiction work I have read in some time. It can't decide if it's a history of Egypt, a history of Egyptian archeology, or a gossipy history of people studying Egyptian history. The author's lame attempts at sarcastic side-bars don't help one bit. It contains some interesting information, but it's in no way a cohesive read. Very disappointing. "
— Daniel, 1/18/2014" A spunky survey of Egypt history. With colorful but thoughtful commentary on Egypt, egyptologist, and the importance of learning about the past. "
— Mike, 1/14/2014" A rousing enjoyable read. Ms. Mertz takes us on a historical journey from the beginning of recorded history in Egypt through to the conquest of that land by Rome. She spends an extensive amount of time on the heretic Akhenaton, but we all must be allowed our favorites. I most appreciate her presentation of both facts and her own theories. She never pretends her theories are more than that, unlike some scholars who tout theories as fact. Definitely highly recommend this for students of Egyptology at any level. "
— Lia, 1/14/2014" Very informative. A nice recap of ancient Egyptian history. The author's sense of humor and sarcasm added a delightful touch. "
— Marie, 1/12/2014" I listened to the audio CDs and I was able to follow along pretty well. Good writing style. "
— Michael, 1/6/2014" Fabulous, rolicking, overview of ancient Egyptian history told by a great storyteller. "
— Erica, 1/5/2014" Excellent book. I was afraid a study of Egyptian culture would be boring with so many pieces missing of what we know. But Mertz does a great job making it entertaining and funny. (Imagine describing a book on Egyptology as funny!) "
— Iwaswondering, 12/27/2013" Dry, very dry. At most times hard to read. But a good way to learn about Egyptian history, if you can get him through the dryness. "
— Taylor, 12/26/2013" An engaging, informative, survey of ancient Egypt. "
— Brenton, 12/20/2013" Best history book ever :) "
— Leonardo, 12/19/2013" Fascinating. Occasionally it drags out too much. "
— Fran, 11/15/2013" I read this ages ago when I was first starting out in Ancient Egypt. If you understand that this author is also known as Elizabeth Peters you'll realise that she writes a chapter on pharaohs in the same way she writes her novels. I nearly fell about of bed laughing at some points. "
— Ruth, 4/28/2013" Absolutely loved the authors style of presenting info. A fun way to casually read up on the history of ancient Egypt. I had a hard time keeping focus at some parts but otherwise great! "
— Katie, 4/23/2013" i love stories, documentaries, and books about ancient Egypt. i'm fascinated by the religion, and all aspects of Egyptian life. But i found this book very long winded and dry. It wasn't exciting or very informative at all. It took forever for me to finish it. "
— Lynette, 8/31/2012" Marvelous introductory history of ancient Egypt. "
— Barbara, 5/11/2012" Loved this book! I listened to it on audiobook. Very informative if you want to get a basic grip on Egyptian history. Both the author's style and the reader's inflection were vibrant, engaging, and at times even laugh-out-loud funny. Highly recommend. "
— Carrie, 2/3/2012" I'm listening to the audio book version. It's very conversational and accessible to the lay person. "
— MJ, 1/4/2012" History shouldn't be this much fun! But what else could you expect from Barbara Mertz aka Elizabeth Peters. "
— Bea, 6/15/2011" I couldnt get into this. I tried listening to the audio while visiting Egypt but it was way too much detail for me that I got lost. I couldnt finish it. "
— Sarah, 2/19/2011" A little self-conscious at times, she boxes herself in at the end. Otherwise a lively and entertaining look at what could be a very dry subject. "
— Daniel, 2/14/2011" This is a good jump off point for anyone who wants to learn about Egyptian history. It's a little dated and needs to have a second edition. But a really good read. "
— Taylor, 2/3/2011" Fascinating. Occasionally it drags out too much. "
— Fran, 1/18/2011" Funny and Egyptian history, yes you can have both.<br/>I had first bought this as an audible book but realized I needed a version I could mark up as well.<br/>Part of my standing book collection. "
— Heidi, 1/13/2011" Excellent book that despite being nonfiction was a real page-turner. Dr. Mertz clearly knows her stuff. It's a great introduction for people who just want to get into Egyptology. "
— Lana, 1/12/2011" A little self-conscious at times, she boxes herself in at the end. Otherwise a lively and entertaining look at what could be a very dry subject. "
— Daniel, 10/12/2010" I couldnt get into this. I tried listening to the audio while visiting Egypt but it was way too much detail for me that I got lost. I couldnt finish it. "
— Sarah, 10/3/2010" This is a fine introduction to ancient Egypt from pre-history to the Roman conquest and to Egyptology by a University of Chicago Egyptologist also known, under the pseudonyms Elizabeth Peters and Barbara Michaels, as a novelist. "
— Erik, 6/10/2010" A Popular Hx of Ancient Egypt is the reason I read this book in order to gain understanding of the country we will soon and very soon be visiting. I'm excited. Now I have some perspective of when all these pharoahs existed and what happened under their watch. "
— Penny, 1/18/2010" Enjoyed reading about alot of the Pharoahs, especially Tutmose III. <br/>Updated version. Ancient Egypt always interested me. "
— Malia, 10/19/2009" "The ka was an exact duplicate of the person, brought into existence by the gods at his or her birth, and surviving his death." "
— Amy, 7/17/2009" <br/>wish I'd known there was a new edition before I bought a used copy. "
— Linda, 6/8/2009" I'm listening to the audio book version. It's very conversational and accessible to the lay person. "
— MJ, 6/1/2009" i love stories, documentaries, and books about ancient Egypt. i'm fascinated by the religion, and all aspects of Egyptian life. But i found this book very long winded and dry. It wasn't exciting or very informative at all. It took forever for me to finish it. "
— Lynette, 4/6/2009" I listened to the audio CDs and I was able to follow along pretty well. Good writing style. "
— Michael, 2/27/2009Elizabeth Peters (1927–2013) was a pen name of Barbara Mertz, who earned her PhD in Egyptology from the University of Chicago’s famed Oriental Institute. Over the course of her fifty-year career she wrote more than seventy mystery and suspense novels and three nonfiction books on Egypt, of which many were New York Times bestsellers. She was the recipient of numerous writing awards, including grandmaster and lifetime achievement awards from the Mystery Writers of America, Malice Domestic, and Bouchercon. In 2012 she was given the first Amelia Peabody Award, created in her honor and named after her major fictional character, at the Malice Domestic convention. She also wrote books under the names Barbara Mertz and Barbara Michaels.
Lorna Raver, named one of AudioFile magazine’s Best Voices of the Year, has received numerous Audie Award nominations and many AudioFile Earphones Awards. She has appeared on stage in New York, Los Angeles, and regional theaters around the country. Among her many television credits are NYPD Blue, Judging Amy, Boston Legal, ER, and Star Trek. She starred in director Sam Raimi’s film Drag Me to Hell.
Lorna Raver, named one of AudioFile magazine’s Best Voices of the Year, has received numerous Audie Award nominations and many AudioFile Earphones Awards. She has appeared on stage in New York, Los Angeles, and regional theaters around the country. Among her many television credits are NYPD Blue, Judging Amy, Boston Legal, ER, and Star Trek. She starred in director Sam Raimi’s film Drag Me to Hell.