For centuries, the Pyramids and Great Sphinx have been the visible reminders of the power and enduring legacy of ancient Egypt. Mysterious and irresistible to the eye, these monumental structures—over eighty of which remain, scattered along the west bank of the Nile—evoke the religious system and beliefs of one of the most highly refined and evolved of ancient civilizations. Even today, we don’t entirely understand how they were constructed and what techniques were used, but the most recent research and excavations have thrown new light on life at the building sites and on the daily existence of generations of designers and craftsmen who dedicated their lives to these immense constructions. Replete with full-color photographs and drawings, this beautifully illustrated book serves as a wonderful introduction to these royal monuments. This straightforward text explains the history and significance not only of the famous Sphinx and the Pyramids of Giza—the emblems and legacy of the powerful Fourth Dynasty—but also of the lesser-known tombs that stretch from Saqqara to Meidum and Dahshur. The Pyramids and the Sphinx draws on the most recent archaeological findings to lead the reader on a discovery of the most fascinating aspects of Egyptian civilization. Here, too, are the pharaohs who ordered the pyramids’ construction, the treasures found in the most famous tombs, and the men who revealed their secrets. Combining majestic aerial shots with close-up photographs of interior artwork and statuary, this guide offers a close look at some of the most impressive monuments in human history. Also available in French, German, Italian, Russian, and Spanish.
The Pyramids and the Sphinx
Art and Archaeology
Corinna Rossi
160 pp.
224 color illus.
25.5X34.5cm
ISBN 9788854003163
For sale only in the Middle East
Also available by this author
The Treasures of the Monastery of Saint Catherine
Text by
Corinna RossiPhotographs byAraldo De Luca
With a foreword byArchbishop Damianos of Sinai
The origins of the Monastery of Saint Catherine at the foot of Mount Sinai date to A.D. 324, when a community of monks requested Helena, the mother of Emperor Constantine, to build a chapel on the spot where they believed the Burning Bush had stood. Two centuries later, Emperor Justinian had the building enlarged and massive walls built, and thus the Monastery remained for centuries—an oasis of peace, shrouded in mystery and sacredness. Not even the Crusades left a trace of their passing, except for some graffiti carved in the refectory. Today St. Catherine’s has become a place of pilgrimage and international tourism. Visitors are attracted by the route—which crosses the colorful Sinai Desert to reach Jebel Musa, the Mount Sinai of the Old Testament—and, above all, by the charm of the monastery itself, rich in artistic and historical treasures and deep in serenity. This book takes the reader inside one of the most important places in the Christian landscape, through stunning pictures taken by renowned photographers. The text gives an account of the history of the holy site, as well as of recent investigations and discoveries. The exceptional quality of the illustrations and text make this very affordable book a worthy tribute to one of the Christian world’s most famous monasteries.
...read more
Hardbound
208 pp.Over 200 color photographs
25.5X35.5cm
24.95
Related products
Abu Simbel, Aswan, and the Nubian Temples
Art and Archaeology
Text by Marco ZecchiIn ancient times, Egypt’s influence extended over Nubia, a vast geographical area that starts south of Aswan and ends at the confluence of the White Nile and the Blue Nile. Because of its strategic importance, the area of Nubia around Lake Nasser and Aswan is full of archaeological treasures and impressive monuments. This fully illustrated book gives a concise history of the exploration of Nubia and the sites and temples of Lower Nubia, as well as explaining in depth the archaeological rescue mission that captured the world’s imagination in the 1960s: the salvage of Abu Simbel and the Nubian temples. Detailed descriptions, plans, maps, and photographs are given of all the sites involved, including the temples that were dismantled and rebuilt in new locations above the rising waters, as well as those that were donated in thanks to nations assisting in the rescue. The most up-to-date scientific research, color photographs, and maps allow the reader to make a virtual visit to the archaeological sites and absorb the history of Nubia in all its complexity.
...read more
Paperback
158 pp.192 color, 21 b/w illus., 12 maps and plans
19X29.5cm
Authentic Egyptian Cooking
From the Table of Abou El Sid
Nehal LehetaTraditionally, Egyptian cooking has been best practiced and enjoyed at home, where generations of unrecorded family recipes have been the sustaining repertoire for daily meals as well as sumptuous holiday feasts. Abou El Sid, one of Cairo’s most famous restaurants, has become well known for its authentic Egyptian dishes, and now presents more than fifty of its most classic recipes in a cookbook for the enjoyment of home cooks all over the world.
Egyptians will recognize their favorites, from holiday dishes such as Fettah to the arrays of appetizers like aubergine with garlic, special lentils, and tahina; those new to Middle Eastern food will find the recipes simple and simply delicious, and enjoy the Egyptian table even if they don’t have the heritage of the pharaohs in their family backgrounds.
– 57 authentic Egyptian recipes from starters to main courses to desserts.
– Each recipe illustrated with gorgeous, full color photographs.
– Beautifully designed and visually sumptuous boutique book.
...read more
1 October 2017
Flexibound
144 pp.70 color photos
19X24cm
19.95
Cairo
The Family Guide - New Revised Edition
Lesley LababidiIn collaboration with Lisa Sabbahy
Although there is a wealth of guidebooks to Cairo, this is the first to specifically target the needs of families with children. Now fully revised and updated, Cairo: The Family Guide provides all families living in Cairo—expatriate and Egyptian alike—with the resources and information needed to explore the city to the fullest. Organized by geographical area, each section begins with an overview of the area’s history and residents. Then the author takes us on a detailed journey to the special treasures of each Cairo neighborhood, with photographs, line drawings, maps that pinpoint sites of interest, and plans of museums and other places of importance in the area. Each section also includes practical advice on how to get to each location, what to take on visits, opening hours, and much more. And, as many people know, an enjoyable afternoon means something entirely different to a six-year-old than to a thirteen-year-old: to this end, suggestions are age-sensitive, and a variety of activities are proposed.
...read more
Paperback
280 pp.15X21cm
16.95
Cats of Egypt
An AUC Press Nature Foldout
Dominique NavarroRichard Hoath
Cats were just as favored in ancient Egypt as they are today. Egyptian paintings of domesticated cats date back 3,600 years, and animal cults included worship to the cat goddess Bastet. This AUC Press Nature Foldout explores wild and domestic cats of Egypt: large cats like the Cheetah, the Leopard, and the Caracal, which are all extremely threatened or near extinction within Egypt; and smaller cats including the African Wild Cat, Swamp Cat, Sand Cat, and Egyptian Mau. Whether wild or household pets, cats have long been beloved by people.
– Each species described and illustrated, alongside examples of their natural prey in the wild
– Map of Egypt describing the various habitats of wild cats, as well as locations of ancient Egyptian sites where the cat was worshiped and mummified
– Noted appearances of felines in hieroglyphs and reliefs
– Conservation efforts for threatened cat species
About the series: The AUC Press Nature Foldout series combine, in beautifully practical form, a wealth of information written by leading experts with striking full-color illustrations on the flora and fauna of Egypt and the Middle East. Designed for nature lovers and outdoor adventurers, as well as for indoor use, the foldouts come in an easily foldable format, at once compact, waterproof, and portable, making them durable and convenient travel guides. Size is 23 x 8.5 in. / 58.5 x 21.5 cm unfolded.
...read more
Foldout
8 pp.Illustrated in color
58.5X21.5cm
6.95