Ancient Egypt books

Social life and customs

• Callender, Gae 1993, The eye of Horus: a history of ancient Egypt, Longman Cheshire, Melbourne.
  Paperback, 223 p
  Covers in detail Dynasties I to XX with a historical overview from the paleolithic period to the Roman conquest of Egypt. Each main historical period is dealt with in three sections: its political history; its social history; and its religious beliefs and the development of tombs and burial customs. Photographs, maps, line drawings and appendices with plans of Luxor and Karnak are included. Detailed references and footnotes will be of particular use to teachers.
  932 CAL 1993 (Level: US)
• Clayton, Peter A. 1995, Family life in ancient Egypt, Wayland, Hove.
  Hardcoiver, 32 p
  This delightful book presents a comprehensive picture of family life in Egypt from approximately 2000 B.C. All aspects that affect families - food, clothing, religion, work, education, marriages etc. - are covered simply and interestingly. There is an excellent choice of pictures of tomb models and paintings to illustrate each aspect. The book would entice even reluctant readers. Illustrations (photographs of artefacts and architectural sketches) dominate each page. Basic information under subheadings is simply written. A glossary and index are provided. The material is useful for primary students doing units of work on other times.
  932 CLA 1995 (Level: MP-UP)
• Coote, Roger 1993, The Egyptians, (Looking into the past), Wayland, Hove.
  Hardcover, 32 p.
  After a brief introduction to each topic, colourful and interesting pictures are used to reveal Egyptian history, with extended captions providing the relevant information. Simply but comprehensively, this accessible book covers the life and social structure of the ancient Egyptians in a manner that will interest but not daunt young readers. A useful resource for Year 6 Social Studies Units 1 and 2.
  932 COO 1993 (Level: MP-UP)
• Morley, Jacqueline 2000, The living tomb, (Pinpoints), Hodder Wayland, London.
  Hardcover, 45 p.
  This hardcover book examines all aspects of the burial process of Ancient Egypt including the excavation and decoration of the tombs, the history of the coffin, embalming, the life of the tomb builders, stocking the tomb, tomb robbers and the rediscovery of the tombs. Chapters themselves are clearly headed and follow a logical progression. Double page spreads carry one or two main paragraphs providing a general overview of the topic being dealt with. Information is then organised around a large diagram illustrating this theme. The index is comprehensive and concludes with a time span describing major periods of the civilization.
  932 MOR 2000 (Level: MP-LS)
• Shuter, Jane 1998, Egypt, (The ancient world), Wayland, Hove.
  Hardcover, 63 p.
  This volume provides a fascinating overview of ancient Egypt. Highlights include a synopsis of what is thought to be the first written story; a photograph of one of the world's oldest surviving garments; and a translation of a sailor's life story. It would be useful to support studies of 'Other societies' in primary Social Studies and for individual research in Junior Ancient History. Ancient Egyptian civilisation is divided into major periods, with aspects of everyday life, religion, art and architecture investigated. In the final chapter, the legacy of that civilisation is examined. Maps and photographs in colour and black-and-white augment the text. Boxes give supplementary information and quotes that support the text. A timeline, glossary, useful list of further reading and an index are also included.
  932 SHU 1998 (Level: MP- LS)
• Shuter, Jane 1998, Farming & food, Heinemann Library, Oxford.
  Hardcover, 32 p
  This resource presents an insight into the way of life of the Ancient Egyptian people. The information centres around the production and consumption of food using evidence from tomb exploration as the primary sources of information about the people and the period of time. Important information is set apart in coloured boxes to attract the readers' attention. The information is presented through a variety of medium including timelines, tables, maps, colour illustrations, pictures of models and drawings from tombs and written text. The use of primary and secondary sources of information is valuable for developing skills of inquiry and research. This book supports the SOSE strand of Time, Continuity and Change Level 4.
  932 SHU 1998 (Level: MP-UP)
• Steedman, Scott 1997, The Egyptian news, (The History news), Walker, London.
  Hardcover, 32 p
  The Egyptian news is history recreated in newspaper format. The articles cover topics as varied as the death of Tutankhamun, Egyptian pets, family planning and how to dress for a banquet. Advertisements act as information boxes, giving novel insights into the Egyptian way of life. A timeline, index and list of key historical figures (not all of whom are mentioned in the text) are included. Whilst the 'articles' are not in depth, they do give a very good overview of a topic and they certainly whet the appetite for more.
  Year 8 History students studying ancient civilisations would find this an unusual and entertaining introduction to ancient history. Could also be used as an exemplar for Years 8 and 9 English students newspaper studies.
  932 STE 1997 (Level: MP-LS)

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Pharoahs

• Halliwell, Sarah 1998, Gods and pharaohs of ancient Egypt, Sandstone, Leichhardt, N.S.W.
  Hardcover, 64 p
  Superbly illustrated and captioned, this comprehensive introduction to the subject covers: the different types and functions of Egyptian gods and goddesses and the edifices dedicated to them; the lifestyle and role of the pharaohs at various periods of history and their tombs; the scribes and hieroglyphics; the sources of the known information about this ancient culture; and Eygpt's legacy to the world. A section is devoted to the discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb and the treasures within. This is an excellent resource, full of reference points for further research.
  932 GOD 1998 (Level: MP-LS)
• Murdoch, David H. 2003, Tutankhamun: the life and death of a pharaoh, Dorling Kindersley, London.
  Paperback, 48 p
  This fascinating book gives a historical account of Howard Carter's archaeology team's painstaking search for the entrance to Tutankhamun's tomb in the Valley of the Kings. Readers will be captivated by the descriptive text that describes the team's lengthy work on discovering, uncovering, documenting, protecting, and clearing its treasures, including Tutankhuman's mummy. A fold out spread describes and illustrates a pharaoh's funeral: religious beliefs about death and the afterlife, the journey to the tomb, important ceremonies and burial in the tomb. The remainder of the book pays attention to the life and times of Tutankhumun: the Nile river, gods and religion, pharaohs, research on who Tutankhuman really was, and the eight step process of embalming and mummifying bodies to preserve them for the afterlife. The well-formatted book design provides a wealth of information and is supported by fascinating illustrations, photographs, fact files, timelines and quotes.
  The information presented would support senior Ancient History studies on Pre-History, the Civilisations of the Near-East and Egypt, which requires background study on the work of the archaeologist, and could be used as a reference book for a wide audience.
  932 TUT 2003 (Level: UP-US)
• Ross, Stewart 2001, Pharaohs, Hodder Children's, Lewes.
  Hardcover, 48 p
  The rise and fall of pharaohs and dynasties, the changing status of the kings and their contributions to Ancient Egypt are described in this accessible resource. It gives some interesting insight into how the pharaohs viewed themselves and their place in the world. A useful resource for Time, Continuity and Change strand. The first chapter is a narrative depicting children witnessing the building of the Great Pyramid of Giza. This effectively clinches the readers' attention and helps to place them in context. Straightforward text in large print is then used to describe complex concepts such as the development of organisational systems that enabled civilization to evolve in Ancient Egypt. Plenty of interesting visual material such as photographs, maps, artefacts and corners of parchment carrying quotations from ancient writings illuminates the text. A contents page, glossary, brief time line and index are included. Additional books, internet sites and places to visit (out of range for most Australian children!) are listed under 'Further Information'.
  932 ROS 2001 (Level: MP-LS)

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Mummies

• Malam, John 2001, Mummies: and the secrets of Ancient Egypt, (Megabites), Dorling Kindersley, London.
  Paperback, 96 p.
  This high quality text takes you back to ancient Egypt and discloses some mysteries about mummies of the time. Websites listed throughout the text provide on the spot references for further research. The interesting text discusses: Egypt; mummification; early beliefs about life and the gods; pyramids; tomb raiders; medicinal remedies; everyday life; scribe forms; and animal mummies. The historical illustrations are intriguing and support the text. A reference section includes: historical dates; facts on Egyptian gods and pharaohs; websites and a glossary. An index and credit notes are included. Interesting facts are highlighted in coloured panels and boxes. This captivating information text could be well used as a reference text for Science and History studies.
  932 MAL 2001 (Level: UP-LS)
• Pemberton, Delia 2000, Egyptian mummies: people from the past, British Museum Press, London.
  Hardcover, 47 p.
  This comprehensive reference book goes beyond describing the usual Egyptian Tomb discovery to provide insight into the culture, traditions and beliefs of a past civilization. Real-life examples of mummies are photographed and used as the basis of information that develops the history of the Egyptian tradition of mummification, the life and culture of these people and their beliefs. The history of grave robbery and fate of the mummies that were discovered provides an interesting and informative study. The book also provides information about the work of archaeologists, evidence from diverse sources and examples of primary/secondary evidence.
  The information in the book, both written and visual supports the SOSE strands of Time, Continuity and Change and Culture and Identity. The work of archaeologists and their contribution to scientific knowledge supports the Science and Society Strand of Science. The language used throughout develops key concepts and uses accurate terminology. Diagrams and pictures encourage the reader to practice skills of observation and analysis, similar to scientists and archaeologists. Reference to technology and modern applications of scientific knowledge are relevant and informative.
  932 PEM 2000 (Level: UP-LS)

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Cleopatra

• Flamarion, Edith 1997, Cleopatra: from history to legend, Thames and Hudson, London.
  Paperback, 159 p
  This fascinating study presents a picture of a queen who is a dominant figure in twentieth century minds, yet was seen by contemporary writers as merely a political element in a quarrel between great powers. Using contemporary art and near-contemporary accounts, Flamarion presents a balanced portrait of Cleopatra set against the background of an expanding Roman Empire. The text is profusely and beautifully illustrated, and extended captions reinforce the text and comment on events. Lively contemporary gossip is repeated (with cold facts as a balance) and Caesar, Mark Antony and Octavian are treated at equal length. One third of the book is devoted to documents, which include the writings of Horace, Sextus Propertius, Pliny, Lucan, Suetonius and Plutarch. Dramatic versions of events such as plays by Shaw and Shakespeare, and more modern accounts by writers such as Gautier and Flaubert, flesh out the picture. Paintings, largely from the seventeenth and eighteenth century, are used to depict the elevation of Cleopatra to near-mythic status. Upper secondary students of Ancient History would find the book most enjoyable and very useful in their studies of Ancient Egypt and Rome.
  932 CLE 1997 (Level: US)
• Green, Robert 1996, Cleopatra, Watts, New York.
  Hardcover, 63 p
  Covers in detail Dynasties I to XX with a historical overview from the paleolithic period to the Roman conquest of Egypt. Each main historical period is dealt with in three sections: its political history; its social history; and its religious beliefs and the development of tombs and burial customs. Photographs, maps, line drawings and appendices with plans of Luxor and Karnak are included. Detailed references and footnotes will be of particular use to teachers.
  932 CLE 1996 (Level: LS)
• Harris, Geraldine 1997, Who was Cleopatra?, (Who was -?), Macdonald Young, Hove.
  Hardcover, 45 p
  This is a fascinating insight into one of the most famous women rulers of history, Cleopatra. This portrait not only gives a warts-and-all picture of the woman, but also of key figures of the time, who were also key figures in her life - Julius Caesar, Mark Antony and Octavian (Augustus Caesar). A map, spread across the endpapers, shows the extent of the Roman provinces at the time of Cleopatra's accession and how they virtually surrounded and isolated Egypt.
  Well presented and aimed at upper primary students and lower secondary reluctant readers. Relevant trivia and curious anecdotal pieces are enclosed in boxes. Colour photographs of contemporary artworks and vivid colour drawings bring the text to life for slower readers. A timeline, a list of important dates preceding and following the timeline, a glossary and an index are included.
  Useful for upper primary Social Studies units on 'Other societies' and for Year 8 studies of ancient civilisations.
  932 CLE:H (Level: MP-LS)
• MacDonald, Fiona 2001, Cleopatra: the queen of kings, Dorling Kindersley, London.
  Hardcover, 48 p
  Setting the scene with a description of Egypt's failing power and the danger of being taken over by Rome, this fascinating book gives a detailed account of the rule of a 'daring and courageous queen, and one of the most famous women who has ever lived.' Cleopatra's past is brought to life in the descriptive text and fascinating images that retell of the conflict within her family and with the people it ruled, her rise to being queen, life in Egypt for the first two years of her reign, fleeing to Syria in exile from Ptolemy and Pothinus, her first secret meeting with Caesar, her royal beauty, Caesar as her protector, her plan with Antony (the ruler of the eastern Mediterranean region of Rome that included Egypt) to set up an empire of their own, the battle of Actum, and the death of Antony and Cleopatra. The text concludes with a description of how Egypt became part of the Roman Empire, and speculation about elements of Cleopatra's story being fictitious.
  The well-formatted book design provides a wealth of information and is supported by fascinating illustrations, photographs, fact files, timelines and quotes. Would support studies on the history and civilisation of the Roman world for senior Ancient History and could be used as a reference book for a wide audience.
  932 CLE 2001 (Level: UP-LS)
• Prior, Natalie Jane 1998, Cleopatra: last queen of Egypt, (An extraordinary life), Omnibus, Norwood, S. Aust.
  Paperback 102 p.
  An informative biography of one of history's more notorious female figures, written as 'faction'. Cleopatra is painted as a focused 'career' autocrat, every bit as ruthless and successful as her male counterparts. This popularised account contains graphic descriptions of the more bloodthirsty historical events, e.g. the death of Mark Antony. The characters are listed with a brief explanation of the role each plays. The colloquial style and eye-catching design are sure to appeal to a young audience. Well indexed, with the very useful addition of a timeline, glossary and bibliography. Provides support for Studies of Society and Environment, and material for students' own biography writing.
  932 CLE:P 1998 (Level: MP-LS)

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Pyramids

• McCall, Henrietta 1999, Pyramids, (Fast forward), Macdonald Young, Hove.
  Hardcover, 32 p.
  Pyramids around the world from Egypt to Central America and Asia, and their modern equivalents in Paris, London and San Francisco are featured here. The building of a pyramid in Egypt and the process of mummification are treated in more detail. This includes the laying of the ground plan and the simple tools involved. A table of contents, index, glossary and fact file are all included.
  932 MACC 1999 (Level: MP-LS)
• Mellett, Peter; Kay, Ann (ed) 2000, Pyramids, (Fantastic facts), Southwater, London.
  Paperback, 48 p.
  This impressive resource explores Ancient Pyramids of the world. After introducing the topic by describing the shape of pyramids, short two-page chapters focus on: mathematics of pyramids, age of pyramids, uncovering the past, ancient Egypt, pyramids of Giza, building pyramids, mummies, ancient evidence, pyramids and stars, pyramids of North and South America, Mayan people, the city of Teotihuacan, the Toltecs and Aztecs, modern pyramids, using pyramid shapes, pyramids and chemistry, pyramids as stairways to heaven, and myths and mysteries. Student projects include studies on: shape and strength, preparing a pyramid site, moving loads, preservation, using seals and paint, finding North and South, working with stone, measuring a pyramid's base and creating a scale model, learning about shapes and making a mini earthquake, making crystal models and growing crystals.
  Could contribute to studies on 'Issues in the Distant Past' - Ancient Egypt for Junior History.
  909 MEL 2000 (Level: MP-LS)
• Millard, Anne 1996, The best-ever book of pyramids, (Best-ever), Kingfisher, London.
  Hardcover, 63 p.
  This appealing book encompasses how and why pyramids were constructed, Egyptian religious beliefs and customs, the building materials used, and the lives of the craftsmen. Other interesting sections include the tools used, the decorative techniques and mummy embalming. Particular pyramids, such as the Giza pyramids, are presented in more detail. A section on pyramids around the world offers a variety of facts about the buildings of the Incas, Mayas, Aztecs and Moche. There is a brief section on other cultures which incorporated the pyramid form into their architecture.
  The book would be very useful for the Year 6 Social Studies unit on Changing times, Activity 2 and in Year 8 History.
  726 MIL 1996 (Level: MP-LS)
• Putnam, James 2002, Pyramid, (Eyewitness), Dorling Kindersley, London.
  Paperback, 72 p.
  This text provides a great scope of information on the ancient pyramids of Egypt and Central America and would be useful for students studying Ancient Egypt under 'Issues of the Distant Past' in Junior History. Students will read fascinating information on the pyramids of Giza, Nubia and Mexico: theories on how and why they were built and the treasures that lie within them, pharaohs, social structure and beliefs. Packed with high quality and clearly labelled photographs from cover to cover. The large volume of information is presented in 'bite-sized' pieces to avoid information overload. Also includes partly illustrated glossaries, 'find out more' tips, identification tables and pages, fact pages, question and answer pages, 'record breaking' contents pages, timelines and 'Who's who?' pages of significant people.
  932 PUT 2002 (Level: UP-LS)

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Legends of Ancient Egypt

• Mike, Jan M 1993, Gift of the Nile: an ancient Egyptian legend, (Legends of the world), Troll, United States.
  Paperback, 32 p.
  Of the many legends about the Pharaohs of Egypt, this retold story tells of Pharaoh Senefru who learns to enjoy the company of the gentle, honest and loving Mutemwia. Accustomed to the throngs who flock to him with empty and unexciting counsel, Senefru is comforted by the wonderful harp music and truth from the lips of Mutemwia. As their friendship grows, so too do the many events that unfold to bond them together.
  Elegantly stylised watercolour illustrations with fluid lines, simple shapes and skilful use of flat areas of harmonising colours capture well the spirit of the story. The folktale is retold in a vibrant style reflecting the ethos of the country of origin. Ideal for reading aloud and also within comfortable reach of established middle school readers. Accompanied by a full-page description of the country of origin, its people, their beliefs, livelihoods and lifestyles. The style of illustration is also matched to the story and its location. The covers are eye-catching and full of promise of what the book delivers.
  398.23232 MIK 1993 (Level: LP-MP)

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Ancient Egypt - Fiction

• Clark, Margaret; Denton, Terry (illus) 2002, Mummy's boy, (Aussie bites), Penguin, Camberwell, Vic.
  Paperback, 89 p.
  Knot attempts to keep his 'mountain-of-blubber' uncle Pharoah Gut alive so that Knot himself doesn't have to become pharaoh until he turns eighteen. Gut is a bachelor and vastly overweight, so Knot concentrates on keeping Gut fit and healthy and arranging a tryst with May, a Nubian princess. Knot and mate Phlat's efforts to become 'Gut Busters' are often hilarious and accompanied by word plays, anachronisms (mum goes to lingerie parties) and gross descriptions. There are a number of references to food and pyramids to keep young readers interested. The story is slender but will have wide appeal to reluctant readers.
  F CLA 2002 (Level: MP-UP)
• McSkimming, Geoffrey 1999, Cairo Jim and the secret sepulchre of the Sphinx: a tale of incalculable inversion, (Cairo Jim chronicles), Hodder Headline Australia, Sydney, N.S.W.
  Paperback, 256 p.
  In this book in the series, Neptune Bone is presumed dead and Cairo Jim is a happy man as he digs contentedly in the sands of the Giza plateau, looking for an eighth Wonder of the World. When his 'good friend' Jocelyn Osgood, flight attendant for Valkyrian Airways Ltd. arrives, his happiness is complete. But fate is about to deal him a cruel blow: not only is Neptune Bone alive, but he is about to destroy Jim's good reputation. In breathless prose, with alliterative descriptions ('gormless, gruesome glob of grunge') and some low-level and amusing vulgarity, the adventures of Cairo Jim, Brenda the Wonder Camel and the Shakespeare-quoting macaw, Doris, continue. Genuine titbits of archaeological knowledge underpin the hilarious plot, which is often hijacked by terrible puns and word plays. The vocabulary makes no concessions to the age of the reader and McSkimming has a definite taste for melodrama. This is a winner for those primary students who want some amusing extension reading for the 'Other societies' unit in Studies of Society and Environment; and for Year 8 students of other civilisations.
  F MCS 1999 (Level: MP-LS)
• McSkimming Geoffrey 1994, Cairo Jim and the sunken sarcophagus of Sekheret: a tale of mayhem, mystery and moisture, Hodder Children's, Rydalmere, N.S.W.
  Paperback, 209 p.
  The familiar characters are here: Cairo Jim the poet-archaeologist, Brenda the telepathic Wonder Camel, Doris the yellow-and-blue Shakespeare-quoting macaw and Captain Neptune Bone with his raven companion Desdemona. This time, Bone is seeking the lost mummy of Sekheret for what its sarcophagus contains and Cairo Jim is set to thwart Neptune's archaeological piracy.
  F MCS 1994 (Level: MP-LS)
• Platt, Richard; Parkins, David (illus) 2005, Egyptian diary: the journal of Nakht, Walker, London.
  Hardcover, 64 p.
  This non-fiction text uses a fictional diary of a young trainee scribe to give an extensive picture of everyday life in Ancient Egypt. Study of Ancient Civilizations (SOSE - Time, Continuity and Change) It has great potential as the accurate information is related in small blocks of text, making it user friendly and less daunting. There is a considerable amount of humour, especially in the illustrations which include some generous double page spreads and add to the informative text by showing construction techniques, clothing and landscape. Most aspects of Ancient Egyptian life are covered, for instance the complex irrigation system is explained when he has to work out the size of the stones required to build each stage of a pyramid. Other topics are covered, such as funeral customs, gods, festivals and the king’s court. An excellent 'notes for the reader' section at the conclusion is written as a non-fiction text on all topics covered in the diary. This last addition also includes a timeline making it a definitive text on Ancient Egypt. The language used reflects the lifestyle, 'slower than a snail up a reed' or 'in less time than it takes an ibis to pluck a fish from the water'.
  F PLA 2005 (Level: UP-LS)
• Wilkinson, Carole 2001, Ramose: prince in exile, Black Dog Books, Fitzroy, Vic.
  Paperback, 136 p.
  This first of a trilogy tells the story of a spoilt prince who suddenly becomes an endangered species when his stepmother tries to poison him. His nurse and his faithful tutor devise a plan to ensure his safety. The story of his apprenticeship to the fat tomb scribe, his friendship with the black slave girl and his conflict with other young boys makes enjoyable reading. The story captures the daily lives of the tomb builders of Egypt who painstakingly carve out and decorate the places where the Pharaoh and his family, including Ramose, will be entombed.
  F WIL 2001 (Level: UP-LS)
• Wilkinson, Carole 2001, Ramose and the tomb robbers, Black Dog Books, Fitzroy, Vic.
  Paperback, 134 p.
  The story opens with a recapitulation of the previous account, where Ramose, prince in hiding, having befriended an apprenticed painter and a black slave girl is now moving towards reinstating himself in his father's kingdom. On the journey to Memphis, Ramose is captured by a band of tomb robbers and forced to interpret a papyrus scroll describing how to get into the burial chamber of a tomb. The story ends with the three young people lucky to escape with their lives to continue their journey to Ramose's reinstatement with his father.
  F WIL 2001 (Level: UP-LS)
• Wilkinson, Carole 2001, Ramose: sting of the scorpion, Black Dog Books, Fitzroy, Vic.
  Paperback, 148 p.
  This third volume in the trilogy sees Ramose fulfill his quest to see his father, the pharaoh, before he dies. Along the way he and his two companions, apprentice tomb painter Hapu and slave girl Karoya, are rescued by nomads, meet a blind 'oracle', and are enriched by their experiences of cultures other than those they know.
  F WIL 2001 (Level: UP-LS)

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