- ISBN13: 9780061252754
- Condition: NEW
- Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
Product Description
Internationally renowned Egyptologist Barbara Mertz transports us back thousands of years and immerses us in the sights and sounds of day-to-day life in a vanished desert culture. Their civilization has inspired myriad films, books, pieces of art, myths, and dreams, and they built grand monuments that still stagger the imagination five thousand years later. But who were these people? Mertz ushers us into their homes, workplaces, temples, and palaces to give us an intimate view of the everyday worlds of royals and commoners alike. Displaying the unparalleled descriptive power, unerring eye for detail, keen insight, and trenchant wit that have made the novels she writes (as Elizabeth Peters and Barbara Mic… More >>
Red Land, Black Land: Daily Life in Ancient Egypt
This is a basic history of Egypt, of the life of the average people, written by B. Mertz PH.D, otherwise known as Elizabeth Peters, author of the Amelia Peabody series. It is referenced in many of the non-fiction books I have read or skimmed. Unfortunately, not too many photographs and they are black and white. The writing is clear, not dry and boring or text-bookish although it was originally a textbook I believe. It is readable, and fun to “dip into” for selections on various aspects of life, such as clothes over time, army life, etc.
Rating: 3 / 5
I wish that Dr. Mertz would write more non-fiction. Her Amanda Peabody mystery series, written under the nom de plume of Elizabeth Peters, is harmless entertainment. But her books on ancient Egypt are sharp, witty, well-researched and accessible. She brings to the sometimes dry subject matter a lively style and easy competence; it’s like being taken on a tour of the ancient land of Egypt by an old and knowledgeable friend. She tells us about the everyday life of farmers, scribes, warriors, kings and commoners, with pithy comments on their art, furniture, clothing and diet. It is a comprehensive and interesting introduction to Egypt, the Egyptians, and Egyptology. Too many books aimed at laymen on this topic dwell overmuch on tombs and mummies and kings; Dr. Mertz’ summation of the daily routines of quite ordinary Egyptians brings them vividly to life. The people of the Black Land (their name for Egypt) come alive as quite approachable human beings, whose lives, diets, and attitudes are much more familiar than the lives of, say, medieval European peasants. The Egyptians, by all accounts, loved life so much, and lived such pleasant lives, that their idea of the afterlife was merely a continuation of this one. From the smallest detail of a child’s toy to the grand marvel of the Great Pyramid, their attention to every facet of daily life, their excellent faculty for observation, and their quick wits shine through in this story of their lives. This is a book every lover of Egypt should have on the shelf.
Also recommended: Temples, Tombs, and Hieroglyphs: A Popular History of Ancient Egypt Rating: 5 / 5
I love all things Barbara Mertz. She injects humor in her writing and her books are always entertaining and informative. I have a fascination with ancient Egypt and have read many, many books on the subject, but I always learn new things from Barbara’s books. I’d certainly recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn and laugh at the same time. Rating: 5 / 5
This book was purchased for my daughter, who teaches at the elementary level. She has always been fascinated by history and she and her sons have been studying Egyptian history. She read the book and thought it was wonderfully informative. If you have an interest in ancient history, Barbara Mertz is a well educated and very informed source of information about ancient Egypt. Rating: 5 / 5
Ms. Mertz (aka. Elizabeth Peters and Barbara Michaels) has one of the most delightful writing styles I have ever encountered–especially on her beloved Egypt. This interesting work is divided topically into chapters on clothing, housing, food, art, war, mummification, etc. Though relatively few, the pictures are helpful, and the selection of color plates is well reproduced. Occasionally the points of revision are visible, but this is still a wonderfully delightful introduction on “how to be an Ancient Egyptian.” Rating: 5 / 5