#234 The Ancient Egyptians For Dummies (2007)

Author: Charlotte Booth
Title: The Ancient Egyptians For Dummies
Genre: History
Year: 2007
Pages: 370
Origin: read on the good old Kindle
Nod Rating: 2 nods out of 5

 

What is this? Another For Dummies book consumed by the Worm? Are standards slipping? What is the reason for this? And can the Worm continue to ask questions rather than complete a review?

Yes, dear readers, a second For Dummies book in the current book-reading season. In fact – brace yourselves – this is the second of three For Dummies reads. Three! The Worm went a little crazy during the month of August and binged on The Tudors For Dummies (review posted during November), The Ancient Greeks For Dummies (to be posted soon), and this book, The Ancient Egyptians For Dummies. It appears these easy-reading textbooks are an addiction in which the Worm needs to wean himself off. Or does he? (Apologies, yet another question).

Written by Egyptologist Charlotte Booth, The Ancient Egyptians For Dummies was the Worm’s first foray into this period of history. A brief and gentle read will bring to life – in a basic way – the society of ancient Egypt. Thankfully, Booth cuts out the dense terminology that has put off the Worm from accessing this period of history previously. Instead, a portrait of this age (or indeed, ages) is built up: of various pharaohs, military victories, epic buildings and – of course – those mummies.

Of particular interest is the story of those who set out to discover Egypt’s ancient past. These include the Victorian adventurers who deciphered hieroglyphics and who walked into tombs that had remained untouched for centuries.

As with The Tudors For Dummies, there is nothing of specific interest: however, this series of books should be used for just one thing. An introduction. The Worm’s whistle has been whetted; ancient Egypt is no longer a topic off his reading limits.

Charlotte Booth's website

Buy it here