Books like The pharaohs, master-builders by Henri Stierlin

Explore the mysteries of ancient Egypt—from its legendary pyramids and mortuary temples to the gods, pharaohs, and rich cultural rituals that defined this pioneering civilization.

"The ancient Egyptians' massive stone monuments, ranging from Abu Simbel in the south of Cleopatra's palaces in Alexandria, were built over a period of three millennia, and yet a common architectural tradition links them all." "The Encyclopedia of Ancient Egyptian Architecture documents that tradition and provides a single-volume reference on one of the most remarkable architectures of the ancient world. Separate entries are provided for each of the most important sites, covering monuments such as the Step Pyramid of Djoser (the world's first significant stone building), the tombs of the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut's mortuary temple at Deir el-Bhari, and the great Ptolemaic temples that line the Upper Nile. Every aspect of building design and construction is also considered in separate entries, covering technical aspects such as building materials (from reed and mud brick to sandstone and granite) and construction techniques (including pyramid building and the erection of obelisks)." "With more than 600 entries and 300 illustrations, this encyclopedia provides a comprehensive perspective on ancient Egyptian architecture and is destined to become the standard reference on the subject for many years to come."--Book jacket.

"The Old Kingdom (about 2650 2150 B.C.E.) was the first golden age of Egyptian culture, a period that determined the form and character of Egyptian art for centuries to come." "This volume, published to accompany a landmark exhibition organized by The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, the Reunion des Musees Nationaux in Paris, and the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto, brings together 115 Old Kingdom masterworks from museum collections throughout the world. The text by Dorothea Arnold offers an overview of the history society, and art of the Old Kingdom and an informative discussion of each of the illustrated works. All of the pieces were newly photographed for the book by Bruce White."--BOOK JACKET.

A vivid look at how an Egyptian pharaoh’s tomb was built, exploring the lives of construction workers, their skills and daily routines, and the ceremony that sealed the king’s final resting place.

Surveying more than 3,000 years of Egyptian civilization, this work offers a comprehensive introduction to this most rich and complex of early societies. From high politics to the concerns of everyday Egyptians, the book explores every aspect of Egyptian culture and society, including religion, language, art, architecture, cities, and mummuification. Fully revised and updated, this new edition looks more closely at the role of women in Egypt, delves deeper into the Egyptian Neolithic and Egypt's transition to an agricultural society, and includes many new illustrations. -- From book jacket.