Pyramids of Ancient Egypt

School Library Journal

Gr 4-6-- Around 2555 B.C. , Chephren, the fourth pharaoh of the fourth dynasty, decided to build a pyramid. This book focuses on life at that time. Morley's An Egyptian Pyramid (Peter Bederick, 1991) is just one of the titles that provides similar information about pyramid construction, mummification, and the customs and religion of the Egyptians. But there are a few differences. The illustrations here are full-color photographs of models posed as workers, courtiers, priests, and the pharoah. Although some of the shots seem almost like museum tableaus, others, like the one showing cosmetics the Egyptians used, make factual information come to life. Unfortunately, the explanations are cursory and, at times, at odd with the photos. For example, there is a textual description of hair care, but the models are shown with their heads shaven. The back endpapers feature a time chart that places the rise and fall of Egyptian civilization in context with Biblical history and other great world events. While there's not much new here, and none of the topics are covered in depth, the idea of emphasizing the human and social aspects of this ancient culture may make this presentation more exciting than other books on the subject.-- Cathryn A. Camper, Minneapolis Public Library