Book Description
Ethan Gage, assistant to Ben Franklin and expatriate American in post–Revolutionary France, wins an ancient––and possibly cursed––medallion in a card game. Covered in seemingly undecipherable symbols, the medallion seems linked to an ancient Masonic mystery. That night, Ethan is framed for a prostitute's murder and barely escapes France his life.
Faced with either prison or death, Gage is offered a third choice––to accompany the new Emperor, Napoleon Bonaparte, as France sails to conquer Egypt, closely followed by Lord Nelson's British fleet. Incredible surprises await Gage once he arrives, in the form of both a beautiful Macedonian slave and in the dawning knowledge that the medallion may answer one of the greatest riddles of history––who built the Great Pyramids, and why––and reveal an answer more shocking and revelatory than anyone could imagine.
Customer Reviews:
Can't Decide about this book.......2007-09-25
The book was everything the following reviews have stated. Some of it was truely enjoyable and thriling, at times dull and confusing.
I have to admit that I really didn't get a lot of character building that I thought Ethan Gage should have had. Some character traces were introduced to us but somehow they didn't stick to the protagonist much. It was like certain character points had to be restated in order to move the plot forward. For instance: was Gage a gambling prostitue visiting vagabond? A scholar under the likes of Franklin? (He really turned out quite dumb on the scholarly endevors). Is he a disgruntled Mason looking for the roots of Masonry? A battle hardened warrior from the French and Indian wars? This guy is all over the place we don't get established enough care about him, then to top it off, set beside Napoleon as a character he washes out even more. I liked Napoleon better than Gage, as he was brought to life better than many treatises I have read.
Cheaply ended at the end of the story, quite rightly set up for a sequel but could have been done so much more cleaverly. Historical facts, some well researched some-not.
All in all a good read, pacing and plot points were well done but these atributes didn't make the novel great. It could have been so much better. I think that this guy was writing a screenplay that turned into a novel, or a novel that he wants to option on a screenplay. It was too much like "National Treasure" to be coincidence.
A leap into history.......2007-09-24
This fast moving novel takes the reader into the time of Napolean and his quest to dominate the world through conquering Egypt, but the story is not really about Napolean. Rather, we follow this adventure through the actions of a man caught up in something much larger than himself or even the pyramids - the quest for knowledge. Those of you who love knowledge, seek knowledge, and respect knowledge will particularly appreciate the internal struggle of good and evil, where the distinction is often unclear. In the end we all must make choices about what is truly important to us, and live with the consequences of those choices.
Move over Clive Cussler and Bernard Cornwell.......2007-09-10
Move over Clive Cussler and Bernard Cornwell, here comes William Dietrich!!! Dietrich makes a light-speed jump from his past novels Hadrian's Wall and Scourge of God with Napoleon's Pyramids. It's not only Dietrich's best work so far, it is one of the best in the genre this year. It is a pulse-pounding thriller that is tough to put down. Ethan Gage, the stories protagonist, is a great, likable, adventurer - one that I hope we will see in subsequent Dietrich novels. He manages to stay just one step ahead of the bad guys in this epic. This hair raising historical adventure has it all; Templars, Freemasons, Egyptian Rite, and Napoleon's excursion into Egypt that uncovers the mysteries of the Great Pyramid. Ethan also strikes up a romance with the exotic and mysterious Astiza - a beautiful Egyptian priestess. The book ends with a surprising thrill ride. Gage solves the dual mysteries of the Great Pyramid and the lovely Astiza. I highly recommend this book!
A pleasant mixture of fact and fiction.......2007-08-04
This is the first book I have read by William Dietrich after my local library put it on their recommended reading list. It is clear that Dietrich has done his research. Not only capturing Naploean's character as a person but also the sights and sounds of battle in 18th century Egypt.
It is a nice blend of historical fact and fiction. However, not only was Napolean larger than life in history, he is also in this book. At times, Napolean becomes the central character instead of Ethan, the fictional character whom this story is centered upon. Ethan comes across as shallow almost naive and portrayed as a playboy with no care in the world still trying to find his place. Dietirch writes him as a supporting character and maybe even a sub plot. You will fell as you are reading a Clive Clusser novel.
The ending is a let down, with the obvious hint that a sequel will come. Refer to the main page for confirmation of this. Despite this, it is wonderful and easy read.
Heavy on History.......2007-06-22
William Dietrich is a historian, and it shows. There are enough dates and facts in this novel to excite any historian. Unfortunately, it also reads like a history text at times. And therein lies my problem with this book.
While the ultimate story was good, even intriguing at certain points, there were several things that put me off this book. The first was the use of first person point of view. Though not unusual, it seemed limiting and forceful in this story. I have read many books written in first person and enjoyed them, but it did not work for me in this one.
The second problem was Dietrich's tendency toward lengthy diatribes dumping dry information on the unsuspecting reader. These passages reminded me uncomfortably of a dry history lecture. I was forced to sit through them in my college years; I don't want to have to do that when reading a book for enjoyment.
The third problem for me was the ending. No, I will not reveal the outcome, but the ending chapter made it quite obvious there will be a sequel. The lack of a conclusive end is something I loathe in modern books. It is a marketing ploy thought up by bean counters. While it forces readers to purchase the next book in the series, it does not generate fans. Though the ending here was very good, it was not satisfying.
Now, all that being said, I did enjoy parts of this story. It is reminiscent of Indiana Jones stories in that it concerns an adventurous American, a mysterious medallion and a beautiful woman and is set against the mystical background of Egypt. Throw in Napoleon and his attempt to conquer Egypt and Africa and you have the basis for a good adventure.
I will honestly admit that I did enjoy the ending much more than I did the beginning. If I hadn't been forced to read this book for review, I would probably have stopped after the first chapter. But I did read on. It took me a month to read the first five chapters and less than an evening to read the last five. If you can get through the history lessons in the beginning, you may actually enjoy this book.
If you don't mind lectures and books that will lead you to the next in the series, by all means pick this one up. If you want an adventure and action, you might be disappointed with the beginning, but the ending is well worth the read.
Reviewed by Vicky Burkholder
06/22/2007
Average customer rating:
- Calculations are only as good as your numbers
- Pants on fire?
- Accepted History & Chronology Must Be Changed.
- Very Interesting
- History as Science Fiction
|
History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
Anatoly Fomenko
Manufacturer: Mithec
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
 Chinese
| Ethnic & National
| Biographies & Memoirs
| Subjects
| Books
Irish
| Ethnic & National
| Biographies & Memoirs
| Subjects
| Books
Japanese
| Ethnic & National
| Biographies & Memoirs
| Subjects
| Books
Women
| Specific Groups
| Biographies & Memoirs
| Subjects
| Books
Augustine, Saint
| ( A )
| People, A-Z
| Biographies & Memoirs
| Subjects
| Books
Doctors & Medicine
| Humor
| Entertainment
| Subjects
| Books
Lawyers & Criminals
| Humor
| Entertainment
| Subjects
| Books
Love, Sex & Marriage
| Humor
| Entertainment
| Subjects
| Books
Assyria, Babylonia & Sumer
| Ancient
| History
| Subjects
| Books
Early Civilization
| Ancient
| History
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Ancient
| History
| Subjects
| Books
Historiography
| Historical Study
| History
| Subjects
| Books
General
| World
| History
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Asian American
| United States
| World Literature
| Literature & Fiction
| Subjects
| Books
Asian American
| Poetry
| United States
| World Literature
| Literature & Fiction
| Subjects
| Books
French
| Erotica
| Literature & Fiction
| Subjects
| Books
Victorian
| Erotica
| Literature & Fiction
| Subjects
| Books
Epic
| Poetry
| Literature & Fiction
| Subjects
| Books
German
| Poetry
| Literature & Fiction
| Subjects
| Books
Russian
| Poetry
| Literature & Fiction
| Subjects
| Books
Spanish
| Poetry
| Literature & Fiction
| Subjects
| Books
Chinese
| Classics
| Literature & Fiction
| Subjects
| Books
Conspiracy Theories
| Current Events
| Nonfiction
| Subjects
| Books
War on Drugs
| Crime & Criminals
| Nonfiction
| Subjects
| Books
English (All)
| Dictionaries & Thesauruses
| Reference
| Subjects
| Books
Arabic
| Foreign Language
| Dictionaries & Thesauruses
| Reference
| Subjects
| Books
Armenian
| Foreign Language
| Dictionaries & Thesauruses
| Reference
| Subjects
| Books
Czech
| Foreign Language
| Dictionaries & Thesauruses
| Reference
| Subjects
| Books
Greek
| Foreign Language
| Dictionaries & Thesauruses
| Reference
| Subjects
| Books
Hungarian
| Foreign Language
| Dictionaries & Thesauruses
| Reference
| Subjects
| Books
Japanese
| Foreign Language
| Dictionaries & Thesauruses
| Reference
| Subjects
| Books
Korean
| Foreign Language
| Dictionaries & Thesauruses
| Reference
| Subjects
| Books
Norwegian
| Foreign Language
| Dictionaries & Thesauruses
| Reference
| Subjects
| Books
Persian & Farsi
| Foreign Language
| Dictionaries & Thesauruses
| Reference
| Subjects
| Books
Polish
| Foreign Language
| Dictionaries & Thesauruses
| Reference
| Subjects
| Books
Portuguese
| Foreign Language
| Dictionaries & Thesauruses
| Reference
| Subjects
| Books
Romanian
| Foreign Language
| Dictionaries & Thesauruses
| Reference
| Subjects
| Books
Russian
| Foreign Language
| Dictionaries & Thesauruses
| Reference
| Subjects
| Books
Swedish
| Foreign Language
| Dictionaries & Thesauruses
| Reference
| Subjects
| Books
Turkish
| Foreign Language
| Dictionaries & Thesauruses
| Reference
| Subjects
| Books
Science
| Dictionaries & Thesauruses
| Reference
| Subjects
| Books
Online Research
| Genealogy
| Reference
| Subjects
| Books
Native American
| Earth-Based Religions
| Religion & Spirituality
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Science
| Subjects
| Books
General
| History & Philosophy
| Science
| Subjects
| Books
History of Science
| History & Philosophy
| Science
| Subjects
| Books
Magic & Wizards
| Fantasy
| Science Fiction & Fantasy
| Subjects
| Books
Sailor Moon
| Popular Characters
| Children's Books
| Subjects
| Books
Pilates
| Exercise & Fitness
| Health, Mind & Body
| Subjects
| Books
History
| Fashion
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
Look Inside Fiction Books
| Trip
| Specialty Stores
| Books
Look Inside Nonfiction Books
| Trip
| Specialty Stores
| Books
Look Inside Reference Books
| Trip
| Specialty Stores
| Books
Look Inside Religion & Spirituality Books
| Trip
| Specialty Stores
| Books
Look Inside Romance Books
| Trip
| Specialty Stores
| Books
Look Inside Science Books
| Trip
| Specialty Stores
| Books
Look Inside Science Fiction & Fantasy Books
| Trip
| Specialty Stores
| Books
All Titles
| Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007
| Stores
| Books
Similar Items:
-
History: Fiction or Science? Chronology 2 (Chronology)
-
History: Fiction or Science? Astronomical methods as applied to chronology. Ptolemy's Almagest. Chronology III
-
Discovering the Mysteries of Ancient America: Lost History And Legends, Unearthed And Explored
-
Before the Pharaohs: Egypt's Mysterious Prehistory
-
They Cast No Shadows: A Collection of Essays on the Illuminati, Revisionist History, and Suppressed Technologies
ASIN: 2913621058 |
Book Description
Recorded history is a finely-woven magic fabric of intricate lies about events predating the sixteenth century. There is not a single piece of evidence that can be reliably and independently traced back earlier than the eleventh century. This book details events that are substantiated by hard facts and logic, and validated by new astronomical research and statistical analysis of ancient sources.
Customer Reviews:
Calculations are only as good as your numbers.......2007-08-03
Yes, we can all agree that mainstream history is nearly 100% BS due to politics, economics, ego, problems with dating techniques, and various conspiracies. Agreed. But, I've been researching the distinct possibility that human history (in terms of civilizations) are much more ancient than we've been told, so coming across this book was very interesting to me. I wondered how Fomenko could be wrong (if at all) because he is very persuasive in his presentations. Then it dawned on me. If at previous times in prehistory, due to the various catastrophies that are well documented (comets, asteroids, planetary disruptions, plasma discharge, pole reversals, etc) the Earth was in a different position in relation to the sun, different tilt on its axis, different orbit, different rotation (in terms of velocity and DIRECTION), and the continents were in different positions, then would this not cause the ancients to see the sky (constellations) differently? In other words, is Fomenko making erronious assumptions about the physics of the Earth in pre-history, which then corrupt his data with regards to dating the relevant astrology? The last event to seriously disrupt our planet occured roughly 3500 years ago, according to other good researchers, so is it possible Fomenko has been confused by this? The vastly different physics of our planet in the not so distant past may explain this confusion, which is not to say the "mainstream" version of history is correct; on the contrary. I am not an expert in these fields, but wanted to see if this idea could spark discussion.
Pants on fire?.......2007-07-19
Will people ever read before spamming? Yes, Jesuits could not rewrite world history alone, they had help. Anyway, Dr Prof Acad A.Fomenko does not point to jesuits as the driving force of world wide history manipulation in published volumes 1,2,3;, actually he barely mentions the poor devils. Check it with 'Search inside' feature, please. China is rarely mentioned either, in fact, Dr Fomenko is completely eurocentric. Right, his theory contradicts all mainstream schools of history, because in their actual state they are all built on blatantly erroneus chronology. You don't need a mysterious cabal (conspiracy) to falsify history, the falsification is its modus operandi. It is inherent to history(ians) to falsify (distort) events, as it is inherent to humans to boast as it is inherent to power (authority) to legimize itself by referrring to glorious past made to its own order. Dr Prof Fomenko and team have identified scores of instances of such manipulation in Russian, European, etc.. history, and delivered valid statistical proof thereof. His own 'reconstruction' is completely another story. Forget c14 as a valid method of dating. W.Libby has initially discovered a brilliant method of INDEPENDENT dating. Too bad, c14 method has become a joke after a forced marrige with dendrochronology with consensual chronological scale inbuilt. Radiocarbon method can't stand blind tests, but is so very productive as a rubberstamp.
Accepted History & Chronology Must Be Changed. .......2007-04-09
There is no doubt that history as most know it is a sham, & institution's version of History both University & Church is fradulent & inaccurate. Everything was established with an agenda, The real "Dark Ages" are now when we have access to incredible amounts of information past authorities & more important 'common folk' didn't have but our institutions & educators are slow to evolve because of what has ignorantly & arrogantly been taught for too long. This is on many subjects not just Chronology.
For anyone to question "Why would a Mathematician have anything credible to say of History?" The answer is from Dr. Fomenko's preface in the book: "It would be worthwhile to remind the reader that in the XVI-XVII century Chronology was considered to be a subdivision of Mathematics." These volumes could possibly be some of the most important works to date & should be read by everyone with an interest in History, especially professors & educators who have a duty to the public. I have read both books & must say that 'Chronology 1' has some very eye opening & revolutionary information. Even if these volumes are part true the implications are profound & opens the doors to further investigations & questions which must be done. I speak several different lanquages & must say the logic Dr. Fomenko uses with "inflection" of words & words being read from left to right in one region & right to left in another then written backwards, the removal of vowels & get down to basics of words, or different cities & locations having the same name etc. is correct. Vowel usage has always been optional & varied, actually complicating linquistics & study. The first thing one has to understand is that words never had a fixed spelling in history like we do now, the spelling of words was mutable & regional, as well as names & titles of people were vast, varied & changed, NOTHING WAS FIXED or understood linear. Matters of Life & Death as well as financial profiteering yesterday & today were & are made with ignorant, illogical & conspiratorial views of history & reality, it's time people get closer to the Truth & society collectively grow up.
Very Interesting.......2007-03-07
It is a good proposal and I believe it will mature into something even better in the future. I think it deserves to be read.
History as Science Fiction.......2007-01-10
Anatoly Fomenko has written a very intriguing book, full of pictures, charts, and computer 'proof' of his thesis: backwards of AD900 we don't really know what happened or when. Between AD900 and AD1600 there is more certainty, but there is still a lot of fuzzy ground, and things don't get reliable until we get past the 1600's where the printing press made it very difficult for the perpetrators of this timeline manipulation to change anything that had been committed to print. The Dark Ages did not happen. Books were burned for a reason. One organization has doubled the actual length of its existence by expanding the real chronology. Read why.
I had always wondered why Christ died about AD33 and yet men waited until the 11th century to form the Knights Templar, the Cathars, etc and go after the Holy Land by force. Why the 1000 year gap? Turns out there wasn't more than a 10-12 year gap and he proves it using astronomy. This also implies that the planet is not as old as we have been told, and current Christian and other creationist scientists are already championing that idea without being aware of Fomenko's book. The two groups, creationist scientists and the Russian mathematical analysts corroborate each other. Fascinating.
Of course, all this flies in the face of what we have been told traditionally is the 'proper' chronology of western civilization, and most readers will experience 'cognitive dissonance' in reading this book. It means that our history going backwards from AD1600 becomes progressively more incorrect and unreliable until it cannot be trusted at all... in the space of 700-800 years.
Naturally, the curious, open-minded reader will want to know WHO did this, WHY, and did any of the events we think of as really ancient ever happen?
Dr. Fomenko is a respected scientist/mathematician at Moscow State University who has already answered these questions to the satisfaction of his initially skeptical colleagues. Most of them are now believers, a few still refuse to believe (the usual diehards), and of course the western press has ignored Fomenko's work -- for obvious reasons when you read the book. The ones who perpetrated this chronology ruse have a lot to answer for. They are still with us. That's why this book is a well-kept secret.
I gave the book a 4-star rating because I was unable to check out some of his claims; those I checked were as he said. But if even 1/3 of his claims are true, this punches a big hole in what we think is our history, the meaning of western civilization, our educational process (for repeating the ruse as gospel), and the trustworthiness of the organization that perpetrated this ruse, well-intentioned or not.
This book relates to current research into a Young Earth paradigm, to John Keel's discoveries about our planet, and Fr Malachi Martin's insights (in his now out-of-print books). We are indeed sheep who are manipulated and kept ignorant -- for a reason. While knowing what these men have to say may be the "booby prize" (as in: 'what can you do with this knowledge?'), it will provide interesting reading. Didn't someone say: "...and the Truth will set you free."?? For you to judge if this book contains the truth.
Amazon.com
If the first thing that comes to mind when someone mentions a mummy is a ghastly, bandaged creature staggering forth from a tomb, it's time to take a look at Mummies and Pyramids. This entertaining and enlightening research companion to Mary Pope Osborne's Mummies in the Morning is perfect for readers who developed an insatiable taste for the mysteries and science of ancient Egypt while reading about Jack and Annie's time- and space-traveling adventures at the pyramid of Queen Hutepi. Guided by siblings Jack and Annie, stars of the Magic Tree House series, the easy-to-read text offers up the secrets of pharaohs, hieroglyphic writing, the building of pyramids, how and why mummies were made, the Book of the Dead, Egyptian gods and goddesses, tomb treasures--and tomb robbers--and more. Divided into chapters covering everyday life in ancient Egypt, religion, funerals, and the most famous mummy of all, King Tutankhamen, the book also offers suggestions on how children can do their own research. Plentiful black and white illustrations and reproductions of Egyptian art make learning extra fun, as do regular appearances by Jack and Annie as they explain details of the text or offer commentary ("Not fair!" Annie says, "Only boys could go to school and become scribes!"). Stimulating and lively, this research guide is a stellar introduction to a subject guaranteed to intrigue young readers. (Ages 6 to 10) --Emilie Coulter
Book Description
How were pyramids built? Why did people make mummies? What magic charms were buried with mummies? Who discovered King Tut's tomb? Unwrap the answers to these questions and more in Magic Tree House Research Guide #3: Mummies and Pyramids, Jack and Annie's very own guide to the secrets of ancient Egypt. Includes information on hieroglyphics, how mummies were made, tomb treasures and robbers, Egyptian gods and goddesses, and much more!
Customer Reviews:
This is a "fantabulous" book.......2006-12-22
This book provides a lot of information about ancient Egypt. For example, I learned how ancient Egyptians lived and what they did in their everyday life. The book has a solid chapter about ancient Egyptian art. I was surprised at how many different types of art there were. Ancient Egyptians painted, weaved and made pots, statues and jars out of clay. They also made jewelry and large pots out of gold. I also learned about their burial chambers in the pyramids. They put paintings and all of their belongings in the tombs for use in their after lives. The pyramids are made of big stone blocks. Workers would move the heavy stone blocks into the shape of a pyramid. The book describes how the ancient Egyptians also built large ships and small canoes to go down the Nile River. This book is an interesting introduction to ancient Egypt. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn about ancient Egypt and the pyramids.
I liked it alot!.......2006-02-05
This book was really fun! What I learned from this book is about the tomb robbers. And that Egypt is in Africa.
Elizabeth 7 years old.
Great Book!.......2006-01-01
This was a great book. I finished it in 1 day. I thought it was the best reasearch guide you have ever written. (Steven)
Researchers Don't Believe Pyramids Built By Slaves.......2005-04-17
This is a very good book for children. It contains a lot of great information about Ancient Egypt. I read another review by a reader who was offended by the thought that the Pyramids weren't built by slaves. This was obviously a surprise to him but I had heard it elsewhere so it was no news to me. There were slaves in Egypt and I'm sure they were badly used in other jobs. They could have also been used to help build the pyramids, I doubt we will ever know exactly. This is a good book and no reader should pass it up over one shocked review. There's plenty of good information here and it is very interesting.
Who built the pyramids?.......2004-04-30
My six year old pointed out the following 'bold' statement by the authors of this book:
"Many people think the work on the pyramids was done by slaves.
This is not true." p.81.
No mention of slaves!
Revisionist thinking?
Certainly not the book I want my children learning from.
Average customer rating:
- Fingerprints part 2
- a most intriguing work
- The Message of the Spinx
- A review of the audiobook by a history teacher
- Look To The Sky And Find The Truth
|
The Message of the Sphinx: A Quest for the Hidden Legacy of Mankind
GRAHAM HANCOCK , and
ROBERT BAUVAL
Manufacturer: Crown
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Egypt
| Ancient
| History
| Subjects
| Books
Egypt
| Middle East
| History
| Subjects
| Books
General
| World
| History
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Egypt
| Africa
| History
| Subjects
| Books
Psychology & Counseling
| Health, Mind & Body
| Subjects
| Books
| Adolescent Psychology
| Applied Psychology
| By Topic
| Child Psychology
| Clinical Psychology
| Cognitive
| Counseling
| Creativity & Genius
| Developmental Psychology
| Education & Training
| Ethnopsychology
| Experimental Psychology
| Forensic Psychology
| General
| History
| Hypnosis
| Industrial Psychology
| Logotherapy
| Medicine & Psychology
| Mental Illness
| Movements
| Neuropsychology
| Occupational & Organizational
| Pathologies
| Personality
| Philosophy of Psychology
| Physical Illness & Psychiatry
| Physiological Aspects
| Psychiatry
| Psychoanalysis
| Psychobiology
| Psychopharmacology
| Psychosomatic Medicine
| Psychotherapy, TA & NLP
| Reference
| Research
| Sexuality
| Social Psychology & Interactions
| Statistics
| Suicide
| Testing & Measurement
General
| Occult
| Religion & Spirituality
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Archaeology
| Social Sciences
| Nonfiction
| Subjects
| Books
Egyptian
| Archaeology
| Social Sciences
| Nonfiction
| Subjects
| Books
Similar Items:
-
Fingerprints of the Gods
-
The Orion Mystery: Unlocking the Secrets of the Pyramids
-
Sign and the Seal: The Quest for the Lost Ark of the Covenant
-
Underworld: The Mysterious Origins of Civilization
-
The Mars Mystery: The Secret Connection Between Earth and the Red Planet
ASIN: 0517705036
Release Date: 1996-06-11 |
Book Description
The authors of the bestselling Fingerprints of the Gods, The Sign and the Seal, and The Orion Mystery team up to posit a revolutionary theory: that the Sphinx and the other great Egyptian monuments are of prehistoric origina and that they are arranged in such a way as to be a giant stone "hologram, " sending a message to us from the silent past. 16 pp. of photos. 30 line drawings.
Customer Reviews:
Fingerprints part 2.......2007-05-29
Basically this book feels like the Egypt chapters of "Fingerprints of the Gods" slightly expanded with more detail. It isn't as interesting or as terrifying as "Fingerprints" but it is shorter and brings a more specific set of "evidence" to the table.
Bringing up Edgar Cayce weakens the authors' position considerably. Psychic readings, though fascinating, cannot be accepted as evidence in any scientific debate.
The authors beat us over the head with the concept of precession, leaving the reader to gasp out "Okay, I get it!"
Ample quotes from ancient Egyptian texts help to build up a seemingly plausible picture of a sky/earth duality and the construction of the Giza complex as a "model" of the sky around the constellation Orion. Descriptions of the Pyramids and the freakish degree of accuracy in their design seem to indicate that whatever they were built for, it was something very specific and intentional. The orthodox Egyptological view that the Queen's Chamber was "abandoned" unfinished in favor of the King's Chamber just doesn't hold up, in view of the apparent care which was taken by Pyramid architects. This would not have been a construction project that you could make up as you went along.
One problem I had with the authors' theory of a mysterious "Brotherhood of Horus" which had preserved technological and astronomical secrets through the ages from 10,500 bc (supposed date of the "First Time" and the building of the Sphinx) to the Pyramid Age (2500 bc) ... if they were able to sustain their secret society for that length of time, where are they now? Such a "brotherhood" should, conceivably, be robust enough to survive and continue to "manipulate society from behind the scenes" even today. Seems fishy to me, and is another weak point in the authors' presentation.
Their most compelling evidence cited is the unmistakeable signs of water erosion on the body of the Sphinx (also a crucial element from "Fingerprints.") Why do Egyptologists wilfully ignore this clear indication of the actual age of the monument?? I'd like to hear the orthodox explanation, which of course is not presented in this book.
One point that is driven home is the notion that modern Egyptology is a religion rather than a science. The "orthodox" view of ancient Egyptian history is based largely on findings made by amateur treasure hunters during the British colonial period a century or more ago. We have much more sophisticated techinques and a better quality of information now at our disposal; why are we clinging to beliefs based on older, less reliable research? In a true science, theories are changed when new data becomes available, but Egyptologists have a tendency to dismiss or ignore any data that challenges what they already believe. There's always value to be found in divergent thinking, even if it is eventually proven wrong. Off the top of my head, I refer to Galileo and Darwin as "divergent thinkers" whose theories (of a heliocentric solar system and of evolution, respectively) were ridiculed at first.
I can understand Egyptologists' professional indignance when confronted with theories from "armchair researchers" who have done no actual fieldwork, and have not devoted their lives to study of Egyptian antiquity. But Hancock and Bauval have come armed with a formidable collection of evidence, much of which consists of FACTS which can be proven (or debunked.) Where is the scholarly rebuttal from thw Egyptological community? It's not enough to dismiss these theories as "ridiculous." Can somebody prove WHY they're ridiculous? It should be easy for an expert to shoot down the so-called "fanciful yarn" presented in this book, but so far I've seen no-one do it.
Meanwhile there are legitimate discoveries to be made at Giza, based on clues found by ACTUAL field work at the site. There's tangible evidence suggesting the presence of still-undiscovered chambers inside the Great Pyramid and under the plateau near the Sphinx. Work on following these leads proceeds frustratingly slowly. Dr. Zahi Hawas jealously guards the area almost as if it was his own personal property ... any "secrets" found there could be of profound importance to all of mankind, but based on some follow-up reading I've done (beyond the scope of this book) I question whether the public will even be told the truth about what, if anything, is discovered.
a most intriguing work.......2007-04-21
Asking rather more questions than it answers, "The Message of the Sphinx" purports to use geology to prove that the Sphinx is much older than normally suspected. Also, astronomy is used to show once again that the layout of the Giza plateau represents the sky overhead at the summer solstice in 10,500 BC, which the author theorizes is when the First Time began. Having recently read "The Kybalion," which is a hermetic work supposedly handed down from the Sages discussed in this book, it actually all does sort of fit together - as above so below, as below so above is a mainstay of their system of belief and as such the layout of the Giza plateau and other pyramids in the general area fit the pattern. While I pride myself in not being a credulous person, I found the theories and suppositions put forth by the author to have a strong ring of truth to them - it does make me want to conduct further research and I can feel the frustration in the author that further studies have been so heavily curtailed.
A must-read for anyone interested in Egyptology, ancient civilizations and alternative theories of history.
The Message of the Spinx.......2007-03-09
Way has it taken so long for anyone to come up with this information. I think for the most part HandCock is right on the subject.
A review of the audiobook by a history teacher.......2007-02-08
I picked this one up on a whim. Having already read and reviewed Hancock's "Heaven's Mirror" several years ago, I knew what I was getting myself into - lots of alternative, well-researched ideas that cause you to think, "Well...maybe..."
The first half of the audiobook was just that. Questions about the weathering on the Sphinx. Unexplained unwillingness to research into what lies below the Sphinx (is it a cavern? a room? a geologic anomaly?), challenges to the orthodox Egyptology's interpretions.
Lots of good fun and as a history teacher I encourage challenges to Orthodoxy - for example, until fairly recently the Maya were considered to be wise sages of the rain forest who abhorred violence (turns out they readily engaged in human sacrfices all of the time), the Assyrians of Ninevah were considered to be a fantasy of the Bible and the city of Troy? - a figment of Homer's imagination. So, putting pinholes in orthodoxy has its place.
However, Hancock and Bauval lost me when they began to use Edgar Cayce's psychic readings from the 1930s and 1940s as a legitimate source. Star charts and weathering are legitimate sources. Not mediums. Come on!
To make it worse, Hancock and Bauval launch into an extended discourse on the movement of stars across the sky over the cenutires (called procession). While this had a legitimate point, one that Hancock fleshes out even more in his book "Heaven's Mirror," he goes on and on with it to the point where I couldn't hardly stand to listen to it any longer. The reader, Nick Ullett, did a superb job with the material he was asked to read, but there is no way that listening to nearly an hour of facts and figures about star charts and mathematical equations will be anything but mind-numbingly, eye-crossingly, stupifyingly boring. I listen to audiobooks to perk up my long daily commute. I actually had to turn off the relentless march of the equations just to stay awake! Hancock's points were made in the first 15 minutes - yet he continued on and on and on and on and on...
So, this is really two books - the first half is interesting and full of legitimate points. The second half is butressed by facts from the mouth of a psychic and then becomes an endless lecture on procession that should have been edited.
Final grade: D+
Look To The Sky And Find The Truth.......2007-02-05
In a compelling follow-up to Robert Bauval's (co-author, 1995) The Orion Mystery, and setting the foundation for Graham Hancock's (co-author, 1999) Heaven's Mirror, The Message of the Sphinx is a true history of a great civilization that mainstream history would rather ignore.
The book is split into two sections that are based on an encoded message in the Giza Plateau that is a template for records of a "lost" civilization through the alignment of the pyramids and understanding the true age of the Sphinx.
With the latter, the authors researched then new geological evidence of erosion patterns on the flanks of the Sphinx and conclude it was caused by 1,000 years of heavy rains. By using historical knowledge of weather conditions - those conditions date back to the end of the last ice age -it may make the Sphinx more than 12,000 years old.
The use of computer simulations of the sky show how the pyramids precisely line up to represent the three stars of Orion's Belt at 10,500 B.C. The authors write that this understanding of the sky was crucial to the pharoh's initiation rituals and - with the Sphinx - unlock the records of a civilization that looked to the skies to chronicle their history.
It should be no surprise that the book was then and continues to be discounted by the majority of Egyptologists. But it's these same researchers who have skirted the fact that it was the science, technology and history of grand black civilizations that made this region truly a cradle of human existence.
The Message of the Sphinx is an important exploration into who we were and how the truth is viewed in a clear sky of unbiased research.
Average customer rating:
- Interesting, but not Macaulay's best
- David Macaulay has done it again
- Pyramids for Dummies
- A captivating book on a popular subject with children
- good introduction
|
Pyramid
David Macaulay
Manufacturer: Houghton Mifflin/Walter Lorraine Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Architecture
| Arts & Music
| Children's Books
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Ages 9-12
| Children's Books
| Subjects
| Books
Macaulay, David
| ( M )
| Authors & Illustrators, A-Z
| Children's Books
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Education
| Nonfiction
| Subjects
| Books
Ages 9-12
| Children's Books
| 4-for-3 Books Store
| Stores
| Books
Architecture
| Arts & Music
| Children's Books
| 4-for-3 Books Store
| Stores
| Books
( M )
| Authors & Illustrators, A-Z
| Children's Books
| 4-for-3 Books Store
| Stores
| Books
| Marshall, James
| Martchenko, Michael
| Mayer, Mercer
| McPhail, David
| Milne, A.A.
General
| Education
| Nonfiction
| 4-for-3 Books Store
| Stores
| Books
All 4-for-3 Deals
| 4-for-3 Books Store
| Stores
| Books
Similar Items:
-
City: A Story of Roman Planning and Construction
-
Castle
-
Cathedral: The Story of Its Construction (Sandpiper)
-
The Pharaohs of Ancient Egypt (Landmark Books)
-
Underground
ASIN: 0395321212 |
Amazon.com
When children catch their first glimpse of a pyramid, a sea of questions inevitably tumbles forth. "Why are they shaped like that?" "How were they made?" "Who made them?" "What were they used for?" Perplexed adults can sigh with relief now that David Macaulay has found a way to thoroughly answer all those deserving questions. His exquisitely crosshatched pen-and-ink illustrations frame the engaging fictional story of an ancient pharaoh who commissions a pyramid to be built for him. With great patience and respect for minute detail (not unlike the creators of the early pyramids), Macaulay explains the sometimes backbreaking tasks of planning, hauling, chiseling, digging, and hoisting that went into the construction of this awe-inspiring monument. Just when the narrative teeters on the edge of textbook doldrums, Macaulay brings us back to the engaging human drama of death and superstition. This respectful blending of architecture, history, and mysticism will certainly satiate pyramid-passionate children as well as their obliging parents. ALA Notable Book. (Ages 9 and older) --Gail Hudson
Book Description
Through concise text and richly detailed black and white illustrations we come to know the philosophy of life and death in ancient Egypt.
Customer Reviews:
Interesting, but not Macaulay's best.......2007-09-30
Visual explanation of how Egyptians living nearly 4500 years ago were able to construct such large and magnificent structures. Shows the construction from conception by the Pharaoh's architect, to clearing and leveling the site, transporting the stones, tediously dragging them up and placing them to create the 124 layers of the pyramid, and finally chipping them down the form the distinctive triangular sides of the pyramid. Of course Macaulay goes further to show construction of the underground tombs, and nearby temples.
This book is not quite as interestsing as Mr. Macaulay's City book, but the subject matter was not as interesting either. Drawing men hauling stones up ramps doesn't compare to the richness of the Roman architecture and bustling city life.
David Macaulay has done it again.......2007-06-05
Following in the tradition of other terrific books about complex construction projects using simple technology - such as Castle and Cathedral - Macaulay introduces children to the pyramids of ancient Egypt. And once again he hits a homerun, with a storyline that's just informative enough to create context but simple enough for young children to follow. Oh, did I mention the outstanding illustrations? This is a terrific book for kids and children alike. I bought it for my four-year-old son but I ended up learning quite a bit myself.
Pyramids for Dummies.......2007-04-29
What a consummate waste of money this book is! It reads like it was written by a 14 year old to be read by 8 year olds. David Macaulay should be ashamed to have written it; and Amazon should be ashamed to be marketing it to literate adults! I resent that Amazon and Mr. Macaulay actually accept money for this worthless publication.
A captivating book on a popular subject with children.......2004-09-15
With exquisitely detailed black-line drawings, this book shows how the pyramids in Egypt may have been constructed. A two-page introduction gives some background of life in Egypt, including an overview of Egyptian spiritual beliefs and practices, especially those related to death and dying. The introduction makes clear that this book is based on an imaginary pharaoh and an imaginary pyramid and that there are differences of opinion about the construction process the Egyptians used.
After the brief introduction, the illustrations dominate, comprising as much as 80% of the pages. Almost like time-lapse photography, readers can see the pyramid grow in vast landscapes, giving children a good sense of the scale of the pyramids, where people are just specks dotting the sides of the massive structure. In addition to these landscapes, Macaulay includes background on the people who designed and built their pyramids and their techniques with illustrations of the different workers and their tools, as well as architectural floor plans and cutaway diagrams.
The text is difficult and presents challenges with its vocabulary and syntax as well as its concepts. A one-page glossary of Egyptian and architectural terms provides some assistance. However, the account of how the priest uses the stars to locate true north is a difficult concept to comprehend; the textual and pictorial explanations may not be sufficient for any but advanced readers.
Though the text and many of the concepts are demanding, young readers will be carried along by the drawings that truly offer a step-by-step guide to how the pyramids were built. The distant and perhaps "quaint"-seeming aspects of Egyptian beliefs and practices are nicely contrasted with their highly advanced, ingenious construction techniques. Children familiar with some aspects of ancient Egypt will perhaps be able to see the "bigger picture" and gain insight and appreciation into the culture of the ancient Egyptians. Younger children will enjoy following the process and watching the pyramid grow from page to page, while older children interested in the "how's" behind history will appreciate this novel approach to learning about ancient Egypt.
good introduction.......2004-07-08
Though this was written nearly thirty years ago, this is still one of the best introductions to the building of the pyramids out there, as he distills the basics down to the bare minimum without sacrificing much detail. The drawings, too, are superb, though the one page showing the various bald-headed workers made me think of Blue Man Group.
I do have some minor reservations, however, which are not necessarily Macaulay's fault (I am not going to go into alternative theories about how the pyramids were built, or speculation about the "real" purpose of the pyramids). One, to have built a pyramid of 2 million blocks in 30 years (working 5 months of the year) would have required that over 400 blocks be cut, finished, transported, and set into place EVERY DAY. Two, he doesn't state how the ramps were built so they could withstand the weight of so many tons of blocks day in and day out. And third, how was this enormous operation made to run so smoothly despite accidents and other problems that had to have occurred?
Despite my reservations, this is still a wonderful book to teach people, especially children, how such a massive undertaking was accomplished.
Customer Reviews:
The best Pyramid book ever written.......2007-08-23
The book is informative and interesting. It tells the knowledge the ancients built into the Great Pyramid. This monument is still the shining
indestructable top accomplishment of mankind, it was built to withstand all disasters and leave a lasting record of mankind's intelligence and awareness.
The Best Book on Ancient Egypt Ever Written.......2007-03-05
"Secrets of the Great Pyramid" by Peter Tompkins is my all around fovorite book. I have been reading this book for the past 30 years and its still a delight to open its pages for another discovery. The most valuable part of this book is the appendix written by Livio Catullo Stecchini. Stecchini is perhaps the most educated author I have ever read and he writes with facts and figures - not assumptions as do many other authors on this subject. "Secrets of the Great Pyramid" is an enigma that gradually reveals itself, supplying all the pieces of the puzzle on this sacred journey - but you will have to dig deep in the end!
To those who hate me, I sincerely apologize.....my theories are bunk........2006-06-09
Please allow me to say this: I am tremendously sorry for the offensive review I have written regarding this book's topic. I am certain I've offended many, many good people with my other reviews, let alone this one. My fascination with Egypt led me to postulate a bogus, balloney theory that I'll admit falls flat on its face under any logical scrutiny. The need to express my regret is overwhelming and has altered my life, my outlook, everything that once mattered to me. I am a jerk for the things I've said and done, and can only hope you will consider my saying sorry as being genuine and real. I am a wretched person who knows not what he does at times. Writing this review, and others like it, are evidence of just that. Please forgive me. And if not, I can only say I am immensely sorry for what I've said, done, everything. Good day.
Very intruiging book.......2006-03-04
A friend of mine recommended that I read this book, so I picked up a copy from the library and sat down one night to start reading it. I then proceeded to stay up until 6 AM because it was such an interesting book that I didn't want to put it down. If it were not for the vast amounts of evidence that Tompkins provides, I would have dismissed his theory (that the pyramids were designed and built by a very advanced race who existed before the Egyptians) as a wacky conspiracy theory. I am still not completely convinced that he is correct in his theories, but I am doing more research into the subject as a result of this book. Other authors seem to agree with his conclusions (i.e. Graham Hancock, John West, Robert Bauval, etc.), and they provide further evidence, so it is not something you can simply dismiss. Even if you disagree with Tompkin's conclusions, this book will make you think. All of the exceptional properties of the pyramid which Tompkin outlines cannot all be coincidental as conventional Egyptologists claim, so at the very least Tomkins provides a rather stunning blow to contemporary Egyptology.
If you have not yet delved into the mysteries of the Pyramid, Sphinx, etc. then this is a good starting place, though I think that Graham Hancock's "The Message of the Sphinx" was easier to understand.
I have only two complaints about this book:
1. Tompkins tends to give a lot of credible facts, then throw in something which is not so credible (i.e. he claims that the shape of the Great Pyramid has special power, and that model pyramids can keep milk inside of them from going bad even if placed out in the heat). The non-credible thing is not usually part of his main argument, but it still does not help his image.
2. He is not always easy to follow, though I am sure that if I had a better knowledge of topography and geometry I would be able to follow along better. The massive appendix is the toughest part of the book to follow, as it is almost completely formulas and equations. Hancock does a much better job of explaining things in terms the average reader can understand.
Overall, this is a great book. He has some strange theories, but he also has the evidence to back them up. To the best of my knowledge, no modern Egyptologist has yet written a book refuting the position of Tompkins/Hankock/etc., and this book was published 35 years ago.
Overall grade: A-
THE Classic Great Pyramid Book!.......2006-02-15
Secrets of the Great Pyramids is the original book that first alighted my interest in ancient Egypt, Atlantis, and the mystery of who we really are. Richly illustrated with photographs, engravings, and diagrams, it still inflames my imagination about this only existing wonder of the ancient world.
The author Peter Tompkins expertly weaves enticing anecdotes about the history of the Great Pyramid. This is a book that's jam-packed with so much information, that even though I've read it numerous times, I still learn more every time I pick it up.
Tompkins describes how ancient people probed the Great Pyramid's mysteries, that Isaac Newton was fascinated with the Pyramid, how Napoleon conquered Egypt with a battle fought in sight of the Pyramid, and the stories of early explorers such as Richard Howard-Vyse, Piazzi Smyth, and William Flinders Petrie.
Do you know that mummy flesh was once a popular medical remedy in Europe? That's the kind of intriguing anecdote you'll find interspersed among the captivating stories of the early theories, exploration, and discoveries at the Pyramid.
I also love the photographs of 19th century tourists including President Ulysses S. Grant and a number of ladies in long Victorian skirts and bonnets climbing up the multi-tonned blocks that make up this monumental structure. Tompkins also connects theories about the purpose and the builders of the Pyramid with theories about other ancient ruins such as Stonehenge and observational towers in old Ireland.
Interspersed are stories and photographs of Egyptian ruins of temples, bas relief carvings, and hieroglyphics. In exploring these theories on the purpose of the Great Pyramid, he weaves enticing anecdotes with mathematical descriptions, including the mysterious phi relationship, or Golden Section.
Tompkins describes the inner chambers of the Pyramid, its puzzling passageways and speculations of their original use, including the idea that the Pyramid had once been a temple of initiation.
He also delves into recent experiments done with computers and the discovery that the shape of the pyramid dries out or mummifies dead animals. In addition, he explores theories of secret passageways and secret chambers yet undiscovered in the monolithic structures.
Tompkins even goes bravely into theories that the Great Pyramid could have been a landing pad for extraterrestrials and that it might have been used as an astrological observatory as well as an astronomical observatory.
Because Secrets of the Great Pyramid was first published in 1971, it does not contain recent experiments to determine the purpose of the air ducts in the Kings Chambers, or theories of the alignment of the three pyramids with the belt stars in the constellation Orion as described in books by Graham Hancock and Robert Bauval.
However, there is so much fascinating information in this book that the first time I read it, my imagination was so ignited that I had a dream in which I could read hieroglyphics. Read it. You'll love it.
Book Description
A revolutionary book that explains the most enigmatic and fascinating wonder of the ancient world: the Pyramids of Egypt. "[An] absorbing and fascinating work of archaeological detection...clearly and rivetingly told...the book is highly and compulsively readable."--
London Sunday Times.
16-page black-and-white inserts.
Customer Reviews:
good Fiction.......2005-06-20
Just like the old Chariots of Gods, his books are very interesting and and entertaining. But please dont think that you are reading a scientific work. Real historical works are not as sexy and entertaining as these books just as real archeologists are not Indiana Joneses.
Amazingly boring.......2005-01-06
Granted, the author got some interesting ideas. But why does he hide them for the most part of the book? About 80% of the book is a repetitive description of different facts, theories and opinions, with the author arguing about "what is not correct", and no clue at what is he getting at. Well, not fare, he gives some clues, but not more. Sometimes it looks like he's got carried away with a need to talk (or write) without any point to deliver.
Again, that's not to say that he does not have any interesting things inside, he certainly has. It's just those interesting things would fit into 20 pages if described without well-known, repetitive and not-so-exciting things.
AMAZING.......2004-06-14
Next to Grahm Hancock, Robert Bauval is the creme de la creme of astro-archeology.
Everything you thought you knew about the pyramids is WRONG.
In the future the work of Bauval and Hancock is the marker that determines our understanding of ancient works like The Great Pyramid.
We are in a 'new age' of understanding our past thanks to the works of geniuses like Bauval and Hancock.
AMAZING
Interesting but over-wrought.......2004-01-12
The story has some very interesting points, some very well researched. But there are some conclusions made which seem illogical and strain plausibility. There are points made which could have simple explanations that have already been offered, yet the authours try to explain them in a different, more circumstancial way, to fit in with their thesis.
There are some very interesting parts and the book contains a large amount of useful information. If you have an open mind (or if you are a conspiracy theorist) there is much too enjoy in this book.
The importance of having purpose........2002-09-16
What was the purpose behind building the pyramids? I know. Why do archeologists feel compelled to drill thru every door leading to secret rooms within pyramids? I know the purpose behind that as well. More importantly I know that unless you wish to end up like Atlantis and every other ancient civilization that being vanished and vanquished you will remove urselves from all juxtapositions against pyramids. Ur better off rock or mountain climbing. Don't tell me I didn't tell u so! Does the book address these issues?
Book Description
A radical reinterpretation of the Pyramid Texts as shamanic mystical wisdom rather than funerary rituals
• Reveals the mystical nature of Egyptian civilization denied by orthodox Egyptologists
• Examines the similarity between the pharaoh’s afterlife voyage and shamanic journeying
• Shows shamanism to be the foundation of the Egyptian mystical tradition
To the Greek philosophers and other peoples of the ancient world, Egypt was regarded as the home of a profound mystical wisdom. While there are many today who still share that view, the consensus of most Egyptologists is that no evidence exists that Egypt possessed any mystical tradition whatsoever. Jeremy Naydler’s radical reinterpretation of the Pyramid Texts--the earliest body of religious literature to have survived from ancient Egypt--places these documents into the ritual context in which they belong.
Until now, the Pyramid Texts have been viewed primarily as royal funerary texts that were used in the liturgy of the dead pharaoh or to aid him in his afterlife journey. This emphasis on funerary interpretation has served only to externalize what were actually experiences of the living, not the dead, king. In order to understand the character and significance of the extreme psychological states the pharaoh experienced--states often involving perilous encounters with alternate realities--we need to approach them as spiritual and religious phenomena that reveal the extraordinary possibilities of human consciousness. It is the shamanic spiritual tradition, argues Naydler, that is the undercurrent of the Pyramid Texts and that holds the key to understanding both the true nature of these experiences and the basis of ancient Egyptian mysticism.
Customer Reviews:
One Facet of the Mysticism of Ancient Egypt and Its Cover Up/Misinterpretation of Modern Western "Science".......2007-09-21
Originally published in 2005, this book is some 480 pages thick. Some 330 pages are filled with regular text (including 131 figures), 85 pages with small print footnotes (including 4 figures). That makes the footnotes equalling more than a fourth of the regular text, part of them may be forgiven...
The author is taking neither the pyramids nor their texts as funerary or funerary only respectively. The focus is on the pyramid of Unas, with many references to other pyramids as well. He is not alone in the knowledge that the pyramids were used primarily/only for spiritual purposes, not tombs or referring solely to the afterlife. Instead as an initiation or renewal of initiation of a pharao for the well being of the entire kingdom. Hence, the hyroglyphs and vignettes are not describing the so-called afterlife of the pharao, but induced "near death" experiences of very much alive pharaos.
For a better overstanding of ancient Egyptian religion, Jeremy Naydler reasons to take the learning on ancient Egypt away from the realm of Egyptologists with their modern scientific attitude of culture references and give it to the mystics. Of any ages, as the Europeans of classic, medievil and later Imes up to the end of the 18th century hadn't been conditioned yet to belittle the ancient Egyptian religion and the knowledge of the latter representing the very roots of all the "world religions". The way of overstanding is the phenomenological approach, already taught by early 19th century Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.
The (universal) mystical message being: "Unless you make yourself equal to God, you cannot understand Him." Naydler goes further by suggesting the shamanic roots of the ancient Egyptian religion. Which makes perfect sense, I may say, as in: How else than ancient Egypt representing the "missing link" between shamanic religion and organised/world religion? Also the related so-called Egyptian Book of the Dead and Coffin Texts are to be seen in the light of this mystical reading of the pyramid texts.
In reading this book and the pyramid texts with it, Naydler invites us to actually learn from the Egyptians. For example that they considered a progression of Imes (time) a degeneration of history and human society. Considering the loss of a large section of society of mystic knowledge, but ever more constructs of separations ever more severely persecuted, they were perfectly right. As were the ancients from Mesopotamia, India, Persia and Greece who all adopted this view until the modern global society reversed that philosophy, bribed by technical advancement in most areas.
The author is only slightly repetitive. He obviously uses the progressive Imes frame of ancient Egypt without diving into that issue. Yet, he uses the Western rendered versions of ancient Egyptian names other than Khufu ("Cheops"). Likewise he provides occasional references only to modern Western derivations of ancient Egyptian sources such as the Christian concept of the ladder of virtues into heaven. Other references he leaves out, obviously not to overstrain the reader. (Some 150 pages are devoted to disconnecting old synapse links of faulty believes about the pyramid( text)s, before even starting with them.) For example he mentions the "running with the bull" by the pharao, but doesn't reference the later Spanish tradition of this. (Read about the connection in Egyptian Romany: The Essence of Hispania.)
Definitely too much would have been the gender concept. Mystics eliminate all constructs of separations, all dualisms. The gender construct is no exception. Yet, today's mainstream is blinding it this intensely that Naydler would have lost the very most readers. Many references to gender bending are still included, some of them unavoidably so as they are part of the pyramid texts. We hear about the male pharao drinking the milk from the nipples of "Isis" (female) and Horus (male). Even though metaphorical, there is such a thing as male lactation. The pharao's bones transform into ones of falcon godDESSES. In spiritual and sexual prowess, we are told, he merges with Min (male), depicted with an erection. A godDESS named Mowe is defined as possibly being the personification of semen, while Atum (male god) takes the form of Mafdet (female). And the pharao says to Ra (male, as much as "he" may be male with no concept of gender): "I will love you with my body."
I concur with Naydler that the pyramid texts have to be seen as mystical for the LIVING pharao, not funerary. Yet, he fails to mention that mystics do not believe in the construct of death anyway. In other words, when the pharao really passes on, the texts are largely valid the same way, other than that certain rituals to be performed by a BODILY living pharao cannot be performed anymore. This train of thought would probably have confused the non-mystic reader too much, who has to get convinced that the ancient Egyptians didn't "deny death" in these supposed funerary texts. As the thought behind this current orthodox Egyptologists' approach is wrong indeed.
The upper line is: This is a very good, in fact a very informative and important book. Be sure not to leave it at that, but to read further progressive/mystic/African centered books on ancient Egypt, her strong influence on the later ancient and the modern world, as well as books on mysticism in general and Egypt specifically. A good start is The Mystical Journey from Jesus to Christ, but also other books by Muata Ashby, such as Egyptian Yoga Vol. 1:: The Philosophy of Enlightenment which references e.g. Ani's Book of the Dead in a mystical context.
***** A Gift to the Gods of Truth -- a.k.a., Thoth *****.......2006-09-21
"The trance state is actually the real perception of mankind. It is just that it has been consigned to oblivion by a grand-scale cover-up strategy."--Holger Kalweit, German psychologist and author of Shamans, Healers, and Medicine Men
A masterpiece of scholarship! Indeed I have found no other single text today that confirms my own musings on this point: The oldest and wisest are the shamans of every culture. Why? It is because as we healers of every tradition realize, "The psychotherapist listens, the shaman speaks!" In other words, the shaman has knowledge based upon the ability to see via the mind's eye in trance the aura and soul travel multi-dimensionally to correct the dysfunction at its source: the energy field. This skill separates the true medicine people from the charlatans in fact. So, when are schools, licensing agencies, and insurance companies going to start distinguishing between the two medics with a test focused on who can -- and cannot -- see into the invisible realms of spirit? I can't wait to watch the fireworks on that day that this legislation becomes a reality in our modern world ... can you?
Dr. Harper is author of Tranceformers: Shamans of the 21st Century and the DVD Science of Soul: The End-Time Solar Cycle of Chaos in 2012 A.D.
Traveling through the gates of death for superbundant life.......2005-01-02
Jeremy Naydler has rescued the deep wisdom of Egypt - experiential insight into the deeper reality and how we can travel there for initiation and empowerment - from the Egyptologists. For all of us who have long suspected, or remembered, that the palace tombs and pyramid texts of Egypt are about much, much more than funerary arrangements, here is ringing confirmation that the Egyptians traveled beyond the gates of death while very much alive, not only to bring back first-hand knowledge of the afterlife, but to enter into sacred union with the gods and enthrone their power in the body, and so acquire the spiritual and sexual potency to marry the worlds. Shamanic Wisdom of the Pyramid Texts is a splendid melding of fine scholarship and passionate engagement with themes that are vitally important to us today. It is must reading not only for lovers of Egypt, students of shamanism and religion, and modern practitioners of soul travel, but for all of us who hunger for the real history of humanity's encounters with the more-than-human
Customer Reviews:
How cool is this book?.......2007-06-06
This book will keep a child entertained for days on end. There is a huge wealth of fun and interesting information within, plus great activities. As a children's librarian I was able to plan a whole program around this title complete with activities. Loved it.
Dress, dance, draw, build and play like an Ancient Egyptian.......2006-03-11
I freely admit that as soon as I saw the over of "Pyramids: 50 Hands-On Activities to Experience Ancient Egypt," that I immediately saw in my mind's eye teachers yoking their students to harnesses so they could drag giant stone blocks around the playground (think of the scenes from "The Ten Commandments"), or subjecting a most unruly student to mummification. Now, all of this would be wrong, very wrong indeed, so you should just stick to what Avery Hart & Paul Mantell come up with for young students to do in this Kaleidoscope Kids book.
Ancient Egypt is presented in these pages as the land where magic and mystery meet, and young students are encouraged to "Egyptianize" themselves, forgetting about things like cars and televisions to focus on what sort of objects (e.g., rope, jewelry, balls, etc.) that were a part of the life of people living in ancient Egypt. You can play Egyptian-Style Tug 'o War, make your own scarab (so you can honor the beetle), and make up your own spell having being inspired by the ancient spell for a stomach bug. You can even make a pull horse toy or Egyptian lady (or goddess doll). Consequently, by the time you finish the opening section where you learn that kids are still kids, even when separated by thousands of miles and thousands of years, teaches and students alike will find these activities to be fun.
Granted, a class is not going to get to do four dozen activities for a unit on Ancient Egypt, but teaches can certainly pick and choose. Besides, some of these activities, such as making a Time Line, can be done for any culture or period being studied. Some, such as making a miniature Egypt or a reed boat, are pretty specific. No surprise here, but the section on Pyramids has some of the most interesting activities, such as making a sledge, to understand how they moved around those giant stones, creating a little clay or cardboard pyramid, a pop-up pyramid with a pop-out pharaoh, or actually making a Lego or block step-pyramid. I also like the instructions on how to "Draw Like an Ancient Egyptians" (are the Bangles still in vogue with elementary school kids?).
Actually, I think you can easily work in a dozen of these projects in the classroom, perhaps having different students do different activities. While some are making a cartouche, others can be making a Soul House model or an amulet. Students might be impressed if the teacher shows up wearing the White Crown of Upper Egypt one day, the Red Crown of Lower Egypt the next (with a Silver Cobra added on), and then a Nemes. You can also throw an Ancient Egyptian Costume Party and play Senat, an ancient board game, not to mention dance like an Egyptian. Certainly teachers looking for activities that are both fun and educational will find several to their liking n this book and the others in this series. The bottom line is that I wish we had books like this when I was in grade school.
wonderful creative ideas.......2003-06-10
This book is packed with many wonderful creative ideas to help children become very involved in learning about ancient Egypt. I was really impressed. We homeschool and found this to be one of the best purchases we've made while learning about this ancient civilization. I should note that online the recommended age is 9-12. However, on the back of the book it is clearly printed for kids ages 6-12. My daughter is 7 and we found it to be age appropriate.
What an asset.......2000-04-11
THis book is jam-packed with great activites and information. I have went through it numerous times and found new things everytime I pick it up. The activities are not difficult and do not require alot of expense to create. I really enjoyed the animation and colored type. It is nice to look through a book that is made appealing and is well illustrated.
Book Description
The Great Pyramid's eerily precise architecture has for centuries both astounded and puzzled archaeologists and has given rise to numerous modern fantasies concerning the so-called 'Mystery of the Pyramids'. Sweeping away centuries of myth and confusion, John Romer describes for the first time exactly how the Great Pyramid was designed and built. He argues that the pyramid makers worked from a single plan whose existence has long been doubted and even denied by scholars. Moreover, the Great Pyramid's unique architecture is integral to the way it was built, and for its builders the tasks of construction and design were not separate as they are now. By placing this awesome monument in its genuine contemporary context, this book underlines the extraordinary talents and the originality of the ancient Egyptians at the time of King Khufu.
Customer Reviews:
A Fascinating and Memorable Book.......2007-07-10
Since many illustrious and famous Egyptologists have already written their praise for this book on its cover, I shall not try to emulate their eloquent praise for John Romer's quite extraordinary book. However, as an amateur lover of ancient Egypt's history, engineering and artistic achievements, I was spellbound by Romer's quite amazing conhesion of painstaking research and found myself totally absorbed and amazed. The reader is taken on a spellbinding journey through every aspect of the building of the great Pyramid and back in time. His text is elegant and fluidly written, the pictures and diagrams most interesting and easy to understand. I loved this book.
Out of Africa. Johannesburg
Excellent.......2007-05-14
John Romer has outdone himself with his book, The Great Pyramid. Highly readable, this well researched book shows the remarkable engineering skills of the ancient Egyptians. For those who will look for such silly theories as building assistance by extra-terrestrias and other rubbish, this is not the book for them. It is a book for rational, intelligent readers who admire and wish to have a better understanding of the creative abilities of older civilizations.
Greg Slater
Australia
Another fascinating Romer Book.......2007-04-23
John Romer has always had the talent to bring Ancient Egypt to life and he's done it again with his latest book. It is large and beautifully illustrated, but the main reason for buying this book is Romer's lucid writing; detailed but never boring. A must for anyone interested in Ancient Egypt. P.S. When will his TV series called Ancient Lives be available on DVD?
Books:
- New Worlds: The Great Voyages of Discovery 1400-1600
- Patty Reed's Doll: The Story of the Donner Party
- Phaidon Design Classics (3 Volume Set) (Design Classics)
- Physik (Septimus Heap, Book 3)
- Planet Earth: As You've Never Seen It Before
- Point of Impact
- Present Tense: The United States Since 1945
- Public Administration: Understanding Management, Politics, and Law in the Public Sector
- Religious Literacy: What Every American Needs to Know--And Doesn't
- Return to the River: The Classic Story of the Chinook Run and of the Men Who Fish It
Books Index
Books Home
Recommended Books
- History: Fiction or Science
- Wolf Hunting
- Microarrays and Microplates: Applications in Biomedical Sciences
- Out
The Book of Air and Shadows
The Echelon Vendetta
Hadrian's Wall: A Novel
The Religion: A Novel
Mistress of the Art of Death
