Booklist

This title from the Understanding World History series thoroughly examines the conditions that led to the rise of ancient Egypt and its pharaohs, as well as their legacy. Complemented by numerous maps and photographs (including several of mummies), the straightforward text explains how geography and religion influenced the culture. The most fascinating chapter highlights the building of the pyramids, their remarkable features (e.g., ball-and-socket construction that allows the structures to expand and contract with heat and cold), and the mysteries that still surround their near perfection in a time without modern technology. Other chapters look at the rise of arts and literature and the shift from a polytheistic to a monotheistic society. Sidebars on such topics as peasants’ diets and the development of papyrus paper add further interest. Other features include a time line, source notes, and lists of books, websites, and “Important People.” For more information on art and mythology, pair with Joann Fletcher’s Exploring the Life, Myth, and Art of Ancient Egypt (2009).