Product Description

Who was the first king of ancient Egypt, and who was the last? Which Egyptian queens ruled in their own right? What in fact do we know about the 170 or more pharoahs whose names have down to us? This book sets down in narrative form, using timelines, and other visual aids throughout, all the rulers and dynasties of Egypt in their chronological order, from Narmer, who first united the lands along the Nile, to Cleopatra 3000 years later. The biographical portraits of each pharoah build into a history of ancient Egypt. This is at once a work of popular history, a reference tool, and a visual introduction to the extraordinary diversity and richness of an ancient civilization. Other work by the author includes "Rediscovery of Ancient Egypt".

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #242753 in Books
• Published on: 1994-11-07
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 224 pages

Customer Reviews

A solid, classical approach
This Chronicle of the Pharaohs is a good introductory book for those who would like to have a map of the different Aegyptian dinasties and their pharaohs. It makes a good use of the classical pharaohnic lists (with the last confirmed updates) and gives a good over view of their military and architectonic achievements. It is complemented with beautiful images of key artifacts, esculptures and portraits, maps and building layouts. It also makes a good effort to give only hard facts and refrains from especulations and gossips. I particularly liked the translations of pharaohnic names and the additional 'tip' boxes related to key religious, artistic and social aspects.

The book sets up a good list of pharaohs and dinasties, but it lacks references to some of the most recent theories about the actual order of the pharaohs and some potential 'missing' ones. Although these new theories are not universally accepted, it would have been interesting if they had mention them and/or defended their position in sticking to their current list. I also miss a bit more depth on socio-economical issues and the position of Aegypt among other cultures and kingdoms. However, this might have made the book too lengthy and perhaps too complex for an introduction.

My advice would be to use this very good book as as introduction and as a reference for dates, places and names. It is excellent for that. You can complement it later with more in-depth books of those periods or subjects that interest you.

Full of details and excellent Family Trees of the Dynasties
The book gave a very detailed discription of all Ancient Egypt. It also gave very good family trees of all the dynasties and the date. Good book for adults. It will help broaden anyone's knowledge of Ancient Egypt.

essential guide for beginner to initiate an amazing journey
A cannot do without guide to the ancient history of the pharaohs. Gives you all essential information to start the discovery of this fascinating past. Although the many illustrations and pictures distract your reading, I will keep this guide as an essential reference book for the future.