The Complete Temples of Ancient Egypt

A comprehensive survey of all Egypt's temples, from Luxor and Karnak to those in the delta, oases and Nubia. It traces the processes of building and decorating, how they functioned, and what happened when they were robbed and desecrated. It also discusses the Egyptian pantheon, rites and festivals.

Describing the inner halls of the temple of Abu Simbel, Egyptologist Richard Wilkinson writes "In February and October, the sun's rays penetrated some 60m through its inner halls where they illuminated the statues of the deified Rameses and his companion gods". Such evocative detail brings an ancient culture to life and The Complete Temples of Ancient Egypt is full of it. As it picks its way through a "complex and tangled" story of over 3,000 years of temple building, the monuments are reconstructed and "offer a unique view into the lives and minds of the ancient Egyptians". Revealing the fascinating depth of knowledge that now exists about the nature and symbolism of Egypt's eternal stone symbols, Wilkinson also indicates how much more there is to learn. Not a lightweight book, literally or metaphorically speaking, this is a volume that asks to be pored over--although the section of descriptions of individual temples, organised by geographical area, is a useful reference tool. Specialist vocabulary (for which there is no glossary) occasionally crops up in the text but informative diagrams and stimulating page design help to make this book attractive to a wide audience. Ending with useful advice for travellers, the combination of a highly illuminating text and superb photographs which is The Complete Temples of Ancient Egypt will surely inspire and enrich many a visit to the monuments. --Karen Tiley