The Complete Temples of Ancient Egypt »

The temples of ancient Egypt include the largest and perhaps most splendidreligious monuments the world has ever known. This book traces their development from earliest times through their period of glory and ultimate decline to their rediscovery and study in modern times. All of Egypt's surviving temples--from the gargantuan temple of Amun at Karnak to minuscule shrines such as the oasis Oracle of Siwa, where Alexander went to hear himself proclaimed god--are discussed and illustrated with factfiles, photographs, plans, and specially commissioned perspective views.

* "Houses of Eternity" considers the historical origin and development of Egyptian temples, describing their role in ancient Egyptian society, their later Christian and Muslim use, and their modern rediscovery.

* "Buildings Fit for Gods" looks at how the temples were built, decorated, expanded--and sometimes destroyed.

* "Worlds Within Worlds" examines each part of the sacred structures in detail--from the massive pylon towers, colossal statues, and obelisks that fronted many temples to the darkened sanctuaries and mysterious crypts of their inner depths.

* "Between Heaven and Earth" discusses the temple's relationship to the pantheon of Egypt's gods, along with the roles and rituals of pharaohs and priests, and the sacred rites and festivals enacted there.

* "Temples of Gods and Kings" is the most extensive catalogue of Egyptian temples yet published in one volume and serves as a guide to the ancient sites.

The book's format follows the highly successful, visual style of the other volumes in Thames & Hudson's best-selling "Complete" series, creating both anauthoritative reference book and an entertaining guide for everyone fascinated by the eternal mysteries of ancient Egypt.

Library Journal

Following the format of other "Complete" books in Thames & Hudson's informal series, Wilkinson, director of the University of Arizona's Egyptian Expedition and coauthor of The Complete Valley of the Kings, pulls together a huge amount of data to give a clear and concise look at the development, rise, decline, and excavation of Egyptian temples. His coverage ranges from the earliest predynastic sites to Roman, Christian, and Islamic adaptations of the temples. When theories are in dispute (as they often are), Wilkinson says so and then explains his preference. The illustrations, elevations, plans, and reconstructions make even the most complicated temple plans clear. An indispensable work for a student of Egyptian life or architecture, this unique and excellent resource is essential for large high school and all public, academic, and specialized libraries.--Mary Morgan Smith, Northland P.L., Pittsburgh Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.\