This is the accompanying book to the Channel 4 series of the same name. I found the series promised far more than it delivered; unfortunately, the book does the same. After an introduction the book falls into three sections which reflect the three parts of the TV show. These cover the building of the Pyramids, the medical evidence concerning the end of the 18th Dynasty and the investigation of the mummy of the Chantress Asru. The first part is the most satisfactory and seems to give a reasonable overview of current ideas concerning the construction of the pyramids. The third part concerning the investigation of the remains of Asru is also interesting but far too short for my taste. It does present some fairly recent data concerning narcotic use in ancient Egypt and certainly presents a compelling counter view to the healthy strapping individuals usually portrayed in Egyptian art, but it is still not really satisfactory (Christine El Mahdy's 'Mummies Myth & Magic is a far better, although rather older treatment of this area). The second section is by far the weakest. If it had focused on DNA profiling and the demands of applying it to ancient Egyptian remains it would have been well worth reading. Instead very inconclusive DNA results are presented and the rest hangs on the anatomical evidence which was already, and better, covered in the same authors 'Nefertiti, Egypt's Sun Queen' (see above).
So interesting, but I'm sure each topic is better covered in other books.
Channel 4 Books, 192 pages
Comments