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.
Download and start listening now!
"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, 12/26/2013Elizabeth 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.