Artistry In Stone: Great Structures Of Ancient Egypt

Children's Literature

Part of the "Lucent Library of Historical Eras" series, this study of Egyptian monuments is both thorough and interesting. As a fitting tribute to the "forgotten millions," the book begins with an explanation of who built these amazing structures—mostly conscripted farmers paying off their taxes, although there was also likely a desire to please the gods. Thereafter, each chapter covers a different type of monument, from simple religious obelisks to grand defensive fortresses, including, of course, the pyramids, sphinx, and the lighthouse at Alexandria. Readers will discover both how and why these structures were erected. Adding interest, the author uses information from a variety of scholars and sources, showing how some older theories are now disproved. Numerous photographs, drawings, maps, and even scenes from movies will help readers visualize and understand not only the buildings but also the culture of a fascinating civilization. An excellent addition to any school classroom or library, this title will help many young people with research while piquing their interest in ancient Egypt. Also elucidating are the glossary, list of web sites, and a chronology from 5500 B.C. to current times. 2005, Lucent Books/Thomson Gale, Ages 9 up.
—Kathryn Erskine

School Library Journal

Gr 6-10-Quoting extensively from 19th- and 20th-century Egyptologists, as well as from available ancient sources, Nardo presents a great deal of information in a smooth narrative, accompanied by archival photographs and reproductions of artifacts, illustrations from the past century or so, and even scenes taken from films and documentaries. Artistry looks at pyramids, colossal statues, tombs, and temples, as well as at the lives of the workers who built them. Arts covers music, dance, board games, and hunting and fishing, along with the wealth of artwork that survives. Nardo discusses the social status of the people who created these works and notes how different the Egyptian concept of art was from our own. Mummies looks at the rituals connected with the dead and the afterlife, as well as creation stories, beliefs about the major gods, and ritual practice. These three sociological titles will serve report writers well. Cleopatra also features quotations from ancient authors, along with Nardo's discussion of how many of these authors were biased, for or against one of the most powerful women in history. He includes her romantic liaisons with Julius Caesar and Marc Antony, which he does not see as mere political unions, and makes it clear that these were not the only reasons for her importance as leader of Egypt. A final chapter looks at how Cleopatra has been rendered in literature.-Coop Renner, Hillside Elementary, El Paso, TX Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.