Descripciones mejoradas de Syndetics:

The definitive reference on the diverse monuments built by the ancient Egyptians across three millennia, this generously illustrated volume surveys the ancient world's most remarkable architecture.


Dieter Arnold--a leading expert on Egyptian building and design--includes more than 300 illustrations and 600 alphabetically arranged entries spanning every type of building and every aspect of construction and design. He provides separate entries for each of the major Egyptian sites, from Abu Simbel in the south to Cleopatra's palaces in Alexandria. These document ordinary towns and houses as well as monuments as varied 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-Bahari, and the great temples that line the Upper Nile. Other entries cover materials (from reed and mud-brick to sandstone and granite) and construction techniques (including pyramid building and the erection of obelisks). The accessible text also addresses the symbolic meanings of various types of building, the importance of building orientation, and myriad architectural features, such as columns and false doors.


Destined to be the standard reference for years to come, this comprehensive encyclopedia offers a welcome overview of the magnificent structures that continue to lure pilgrims and tourists, impress architects, and inspire awe. It will be enjoyed by serious devotees of architecture and archaeology as well as by armchair travelers and all who have wondered how the great pyramids were built.

Tabla de contenidos provista por Syndetics

• Editor's Note(p. vii)
• Entries, A-Z(p. 1)
• Maps(p. 262)
• Glossary(p. 264)
• Chronological Table(p. 265)
• Select Bibliography(p. 271)

Reseñas proporcionadas por Syndetics

Library Journal Review

Hypostyle hall, rock tomb, Serapeum, and window of appearances are all terms frequently used in describing ancient Egyptian architecture. An understanding of what they (and myriad other terms) mean is critical for anyone studying the art and culture of ancient Egypt-after all, much of what is left to study is in the form of, inside of, or on the walls of buildings. One of the foremost authorities in the field, Arnold (Temples of the Last Pharaohs; Building in Egypt: Pharaonic Stone Masonry) uses a very broad definition of architecture in this critical new source, covering city planning and construction materials and methods in addition to specific building types, both public and private. Ranging from two sentences to four pages long, the 600 entries each include a bibliography to facilitate further study. Cross references appear in bold throughout the text, and the illustrations include 300 halftones and loads of very good diagrams and drawings to help clarify terms and descriptions. First published in German in 1994, this work is currently the only English-language encyclopedia of Egyptian architecture. Egyptophiles will keep it handy at their desks, and its very reasonable price makes it an essential addition to all large public and academic libraries.-Mary Morgan Smith, Northland P.L., Pittsburgh (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

School Library Journal Review

Gr 10 Up-Translated and updated from the original 1994 German edition, Encyclopedia provides 600-plus concise alphabetical entries on the archaeology of ancient Egypt, from simple houses, monuments, palaces, temples, tombs, and towns to design styles and materials and methods of construction. Numerous black-and-white photographs and crisp diagrams, plans, sections, and perspectives add considerable insight and visual interest to an overall staid presentation. Cross-referencing is accomplished by means of bold type. The volume includes bare-bones maps, a spare glossary and chronology, and a bibliography of mostly foreign-language sources. The individual articles are like unassembled puzzle pieces, rich in detail but lacking a contextual framework. Students will need considerable background in the subject to make the most of this scholarly resource.-Mary Ann Carcich, Hampton Bays Public Library, NY (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

CHOICE Review

Concise and authoritative, this reference volume consists of over 600 entries and 300 illustrations on every aspect of ancient Egyptian architecture. Arranged alphabetically, entries, ranging in length from a paragraph to several pages, include not only important architectural sites, such as the Valley of the Kings and the Step Pyramid of Djoser, but the various building materials used, construction methods and techniques, architectural features, designs and types, and the like. Black-and-white photos and drawings illustrate subject matter both for those unfamiliar with it and those seeking more detail. A short glossary, chronological table, and selected references to reliable resources complete the volume, making it an excellent reference source for both individuals and librarians. This handbook would make a good companion to any of the recently published works on ancient Egypt (e.g., The Oxford Encyclopedia of Ancient Egypt, ed. by Donald B. Redford, 2001; Encyclopedia of the Archaeology of Ancient Egypt, ed. by Kathryn A. Bard, 1999). It is also highly recommended as an affordable stand-alone for libraries supporting this subject matter and for interested general readers. ^BSumming Up: Highly recommended. All collections. M. R. Dittemore Smithsonian Institution Libraries

Booklist Review

First published in 1994 and revised and updated for this translation, this comprehensive encyclopedia by a leading expert on Egyptian architecture provides an outstanding overview of the magnificent structures of ancient Egypt. The work contains 600 alphabetical entries ranging from two sentences to several pages, with each including a bibliography to facilitate further study. More than 300 drawings (including plans and diagrams) and black-and-white photographs are provided. Cross-references appear in boldface throughout the text. Other special features include maps, a six-page chronological table, a very brief glossary, and a four-page select bibliography. Individual entries are provided for major Egyptian sites such as Djoser and monuments such as the tombs of the Valley of theings and the Ptolemaic temples of the Upper Nile. Building types, design, and construction are also examined in entries such as Obelisk, Sandstone, and Ceiling construction. The Encyclopedia of Ancient Egyptian Architecture nicely complements the multivolume Oxford Encyclopedia of Ancient Egypt (Oxford, 2001), which covers the full range of ancient Egyptian topics. Given its reasonable price, the work is a valuable addition for academic and larger public libraries. -- RBB Copyright 2003 Booklist

Notas de autor provistas por Syndetics

Dieter Arnold is Curator at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, and leads its excavations at Dahshur. His books include Temples of the Last Pharaohs and Building in Egyp t.