Product Description
Whether you travel for business, pleasure, or a combination of the two, the ever-popular CULTURE SHOCK! series belongs in your backpack or briefcase. Get the nuts-and-bolts information you need to survive and thrive wherever you go. CULTURE SHOCK! country guides are easy-to-read, accurate, and entertaining crash courses in local customs and etiquette. CULTURE SHOCK! practical guides offer the inside information you need whether you're a student, a parent, a globetrotter, or a working traveler. CULTURE SHOCK! AT YOUR DOOR guides equip you for daily life in some of the world's most cosmopolitan cities. And CULTURE SHOCK! SUCCESS SECRETS guides offer relevant, practical information with the real-life insights and cultural know-how that can make the difference between business success and failure.

Each CULTURE SHOCK! title is written by someone who's lived and worked in the country, and each book is packed with practical, accurate, and enjoyable information to help you find your way and feel at home. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

wish I didn't know
This book may be a little out of date, but having been to Egypt in Nov. 09, I don't think so.However, I wish I had not read it before going, because it may have colored some of my experiences with locals. I am usually distantly friendly with strangers but the info in this book made me pull back considerably from that, especially with Egyptian men. It may have been a case of knowing a little TOO much about the culture, and not simply experiencing it as it presented itself.

Essential for any woman traveling to Egypt
As an American woman who had already been to Egypt and experienced many different things with regard to cultural differences, I decided to purchase this book before returning again . It was a relief to get some insight on certain situations to avoid (as a woman) and how to enjoy this wonderful country while maintaining a deep respect for it's people's beliefs and customs.

A Good Read
There are two types of travel books:Those we skim through and those we read.As a book to skim, it's ok.It does not have much to reference quickly, if at all. However, as a book to read and to contemplate, it is very good.If you buy this book, take the time to read it carefully from cover to cover.Unlike a lot of commentaries on foreign culture, which tend to be trite, this author is very respectful of Egyptian culture without being ingratiating.

superb resource for the traveler
Wilson's book provided me with the "cultural common sense" that made for a successful stay in Egypt in June 2000. Her chatty tone invited me, as a reader, into her own experiences living in Egypt and set a contextfor me to be open to the warmth of the Egyptians as well as to be preparedfor the very real challenges of travel here. While other books providedguidance to the sights, Wilson's provided guidance to the people andcustoms. I'll be returning to Egypt for future work and will rely on herbook as a continuing resource.

Must Buy for anyone moving or travelling to Egypt
Thank God for this book!I recently have been accepted for a job in Egypt and boy did this book help me prepare.Without it I don't think I would have made it through.It's content is rich and full of great tips on localcustom and it is truly in depth about the "do's & don'ts"when you get there.Highly recommended. ... Read more

Product Description
This book is suitable for ages 9 to 10 years. Egypt is a land of timeless monuments and artifacts. It is also a land marked by the changes brought by the modern world; where camel drivers talk on cell phones and ancient tombs are moved to make way for modern dam building projects. With over 50 per cent new photographs, the revised "Egypt the Land" addresses the problems of pollution, global warming, and erosion on the land and the ancient monuments of Egypt. The topics include: the Nile River; farming in an arid land; Egypt's cities and villages; the country's challenges such as efforts to feed a growing population, and protect and restore the ancient treasures. ... Read more

Product Description
Living in Egypt at the turn of the millennium, cultural anthropologist L. L. Wynn was struck by the juxtapositions of Western, Gulf Arab, and Egyptian viewpoints she encountered. For some, Egypt is the land of mummies and pharaohs. For others, it is a vortex of decadence, where nightlife promises a chance to salivate over belly dancers and maybe even glimpse a movie star. Offering a new approach to ethnography, Pyramids and Nightclubs examines cross-cultural encounters to bring to light the counterintuitive ways in which Egypt is defined. Guiding readers on an armchair journey that introduces us to Russian and Australian belly dancers on Nile cruise ships, Egyptian rumors about an Arab prince and his royal entourage, Saudi girls looking for a less restrictive dating scene, and other visitors to this "antique" land, Wynn uses the lens of travel and tourism to depict a fascinating and often surprising version of Egypt, while exploring the concept of stereotype itself. Tracing the history of Western and Arab fascination with Egypt through spurious hunts for lost civilizations and the new economic disparities brought about by the oil industry, Pyramids and Nightclubs ultimately describes the ways in which moments of cultural contact, driven by tourism and labor migration, become eye-opening opportunities for defining self and other. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

snapshots of Egypt's present, ghosts of her past
As someone who visited Egypt for the first time only recently, determined to see the Pyramids and buy a few ornamental souvenirs, I found this to open up a much larger vista than I'd had of Egypt.
So I went to see a blonde belly dancer, and a brunette belly dancer, and guess what: I preferred the Pyramids. Reading "Pyramids and Nightclubs" may be the best predictor for any prospective visitor of which version of Egypt you'll prefer to visit.
I recommend the book not only for would-be tourists but for anyone who wants to sort through the myths of modern Egypt and its relation to the rest of the "Arab world."

Enlightening
Studying Egyptology for many years I find this book paints a different picture about the subject - politically as well as socially.
A must on anyone's bookshelf interested in Egypt, both ancient and modern. ... Read more

Product Description
Fascinating account of Egypt, predynastic civilization through Ptolemies: social and political structure, daily life, international relations, religion and cult of the dead, arts and crafts, science and medicine, sacred writing. Full reference to recent excavations.
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Customer Reviews (2)

Gem of a Book
I loved this book. It was the first book I bought on ancient Egyptian culture and I think it was the best choice I could possibly make. Jammed packed with information and illustrations. It's certainly worth owning this gem.

Take a tour of the Nile, its people and their Gods.
This is an informative and comprehensive introduction to Egyptology.Starting with an analysis of the Nile and how this majestic river is pivotal to understanding this ancient culture, White brings us through adescriptive tour of each of the important contributors to Ancient Egyptianculture; the Pharoh, the Priest, the Architect, the Craftsman and thecommonly disregarded peasant.This book, albeit occasionally too factual,has a wealth of information included in its mere 200 pages.The threehistorical chapters are a welcome synthesis to all of the factual data thatwas presented earlier.The fold-out summary of the major Pharohs,architectural advances and other contemporary cultures is great for keepingall of the important dates, places and people straight.I would recommendthis book to anyone interested in learning about the wonders of Egypt. ... Read more

Product Description
From the Valley of the Kings to Las Vegas, Egypt looms large in the Western imagination. So why are we intrigued by pyramids and practices of mummification? Is it because the ancient Egyptians fetishized material objects? And what do Egyptian remains tell us about biography, embodiment, memory, materiality, the self, and, indeed, ourselves? This book considers how excavated objects reveal ancient Egyptians' experiences of their material world. It also explores existential questions that not only preoccupied ancient Egyptians, but continue to fascinate people today. What is the essence of persons and things? How might we understand the situated experiences of material life? How might objects successfully mediate between worlds? Meskell ultimately moves forward through time and examines the consumption of Egyptian material objects in the contemporary world, including Las Vegas. Meskell provides an elegant analysis of the aesthetics of ancient Egyptian material culture and insights into its mysteries, including our own ongoing fascination.
... Read more

Product Description
This path-breaking study of Egyptian popular culture provides fresh and vital insights into the long struggle of modern Egypt to define its identity. Walter Armbrust examines Egyptian television, recorded music, the press, and the cinema, revealing the delicate balance between conservative nationalist imagery and a modernist ethic. However, this balance has been put in question both by producers and consumers of the media, reflecting a sense that the way modern Egypt is represented does not reflect the real experience of Egyptians. ... Read more

Product Description
In a collage of images the author attempts to convey the transformation of consumer culture and how it is related to the urban reshaping of the city of Cairo to meet with the demands of globalisation. ... Read more

Product Description
Hailed by Science News as "the new seminal text," The Pyramids is the most up-to-date, comprehensive record of Egypt's ancient monuments to become available in the last six decades. Distinguished Egyptologist Miroslav Verner draws from the research of the earliest Egyptologists as well as the startling discoveries arising from the technological advances of the 1980s and 1990s. His Pyramids offers a clear, authoritative guide to the ancient culture that created the pyramids five thousand years ago without iron or bronze, and with only the most elementary systems of calculation. As he explains the magnitude of this accomplishment, he also traces the stories and ideas of the intrepid scientists who have uncovered them. "Editor's Choice ... this comprehensive volume details everything you ever wanted to know about pyramids." -- Rosemary Herbert, The Boston Herald "Engaging, lucid ... Richly illustrated ... displays both a deep respect for the research of Egyptologists and a comprehensive knowledge of it... -- Kirkus Reviews "Miroslav Verner ... provides an accessible introduction to the culture of the ancient Egyptians." -- Die Welt ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Khufu, Kharafre, Giza, Teotihuacán, Orion, Sirius, Leo, North Star
1. Some Egyptologist believe the construction of the pyramids of Giza occurred about 5600 to 5100 BCE.
2. The fact that the pyramid of Giza is very close to the intersection of the thirtieth parallel with the thirtieth meridian is coincidence. It is unlikely that the builders of the pyramids of Giza would know that Greenwich would be chosen as the primary meridian. The Nile Valley was chosen as the site of the capital for practical reasons. Necropolis was located to the West of the capital for religious reasons.
3. Richard Proctor dated the Great pyramids at 3400 BCE.However, Stadelmann thinks the Sphinx was created at the time of Khufu's pyramid (7000 to 5000 BCE) according to his estimates.Other Egyptologist believe the Sphinx was created by Khafre.
4. There is no Egyptian artifact, inscription, pottery that would predate the Egyptian civilians to be older than 3100 BCE
5. The Egyptians had a great understanding of the constellations: Queens Chamber points to Sirius, Kings Chamber points to Orion, and the Sphinx watches for Leo.The pyramids changed orientation to East to West and highlighted the Solar God birth and death cycle.
6. The Pyramid of the Sun in Teotihuacán is considered one of the largest in Mesoamerica.The Pyramid of the Sun has a base of 755 feet, the same as Egypt's Great Pyramids.The Pyramid of the Sun, Moon, Avenue of the Dead, and Temple of Quetzalcoatl parallels the Three pyramids and the Grand Avenue of Giza in design.The symbolism suggests that the Pharoah would like as a God among mortals, died, be resurrected, and return too the Gods, from whence he came.
7. The America's seem to be a source for Egypt technology.America seems to be the source of Egyptian Technology rather than the other way around.
8.If the Pyramids of Giza are a Sideral clock then a complete revolution would take 250,000 million years to move through all the constellations.
9. There is no relation or connection between the age of Egyptian pyramid building and the conformation of the Greenwich Line as the Prime Meridian.
10. Monk Mound seems to resemble the shape and structure of the first Egyptian pyramid.Monk's Mound is 775 feet wide, 955 feet long and 30 meters high.

great detailed book, but may be more than what some people are looking for...
I am considering a trip to Egypt and wanted a book that gives an overview of archaeological sites in Egypt. This is a detailed and theoretical book about the many pyramids found all over Egypt. The author does try to write in a way to make it fairly readable to a lay person. But it is still heavy reading. It may be more that what some people are looking for... I read the beginning and ending chapters of the book, but only skimmed the middle. My eyes "glazed over", and much of the middle was just more fact and detail than I wanted to know. The beginning and ending chapters are more general about Egyptology. The book does contain many diagrams, photos (black and white), and illustrations that help the detailed info be more easy to visualize and understand.

No colored pictures
A warning to everyone interested in colored pictures. This book has NOT ONE single color picture, except for the cover pic. The theoretical content is great stuff, otherwise, I'm dissapointed. If your interested mainly in pictures, you better take a look at"The Valley of the Kings" and "Tuthankamum, the eternal splendor of the boy Pharaoh"

Excellent
This was exactly what I was looking for in a book about the Egyptian pyramids. This book is the perfect starting point for anyone to begin learning about Egyptian pyramids and ancient Egypt in general.

The pyramids of The Ancient Egypt
It's the definitive book on the subject.Great text,clear illustrations. ... Read more

Product Description
This magnificent book, written by a team of eminent international scholars, is the first to recount the history of Chinese painting over a span of some three thousand years. Both accessible to the general reader and revelatory for the scholar, the book provides the most up-to-date and detailed history of China`s pictorial art available today. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

History comes alive within the superbly illustrated pages of 'Ancient Art and Cultures'
History comes alive within the superbly illustrated pages of 'Ancient Art and Cultures', the newest six volume series from the Rosen Publishing Group. Each of the individual 40-page volumes provides a general overview of the culture addressed includes a glossary, resources for obtaining further information, a thematically appropriate bibliography for further studies, and a 'user friendly' index. The individual titles comprising this outstanding and highly recommended series written for young readers ages 9 through 12 includes: "Art and Culture of the Prehistoric World"; "Art and Culture of Ancient Egypt"; "Art and Culture of Ancient Greece"; "Art and Culture of Ancient Rome"; "Art and Culture of the Medieval World"; and "Art and Culture of the Renaissance World". While school and community libraries should acquire the hardcover library bound editions, it should also be noted that each of these titles is also available in a paperback format. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

the book covers much about Ancient Egypt
This book covers numerous facets of Ancient Egypt through 16 informative essays written by the leading international Egyptologists : Ian Shaw describes the geography and topography of the country; Jaromir Malekintroduces the beginnings of this fascinating civilization as well as itshistory; Morris Bierbrier deals with the discovery of Ancient Egypt andpresents a few of the first Egyptologists (Mariette, Maspero and AmeliaEdwards); Janine Bourriau describes life and the ancient Egyptian family;Jac Janssen covers its economic aspects; J. D. Ray explains the principlesof kingship and the pharaohs; Kenneth Kitchen tells of Ancient Egypt andits relations with Nubia, Punt, and Asia; Waltraud Guglielmi covers thereligious aspects with the many Egyptian gods; Arielle Kozloff lets thereader know more about art and architecture; Cathleen Keller describes theEgyptian monuments; Alan Bowman tells of the invaders and the Ptolemaicdynasty; C. C. Walters covers Coptic Egypt; D. S. Richards explains theimpact of Islam; Jane Jakeman describes the modern city of Cairo; PenelopeC. Johnstone describes the influence Ancient Egypt has in our modern world;and finally Fayza Haikal describes family life in modern Egypt withaccounts of marriage and other activities. This thought-provoking book isprimarily aimed for non-specialists and novices. ... Read more

Product Description
Volume 2 of MENES, the study of culture and language in ancient Egypt and the Old Kingdom.German text. ... Read more

Product Description
This digital document is an article from The Journal of the American Oriental Society, published by American Oriental Society on July 1, 1999. The length of the article is 1805 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Mass Culture and Modernism in Egypt.(Review) (book reviews)
Author: Devin J. Stewart
Publication: The Journal of the American Oriental Society (Refereed)
Date: July 1, 1999
Publisher: American Oriental Society
Volume: 119Issue: 3Page: 537

Article Type: Book Review

Distributed by Thomson Gale ... Read more

Product Description
For 40 years, the American University in Cairo Press has been publishing the very best writings on Egypt-fiction and nonfiction, by Egyptians and non-Egyptians.This selection provides a taste of the broad range of styles, topics and views of those writings. ... Read more

Product Description
The sixteenth century was a watershed in Egyptian history. After being the center of powerful Islamic empires for centuries, Egypt was conquered in 1517 and made an outlying province of the Ottoman Empire. This study illuminates aspects of Egypt's social, intellectual, and religious life in the sixteenth century, as described by the Egyptian Sufi 'Abd al-Wahhab al-Sha'ranı, one of the last original writers before cultural decadence permeated the Arab world in the late Middle Ages. A prominent social commentator, Sha'ranı reflected the intense Turkish-Egyptian struggle of the period and provided a vivid and intimate account of the Muslim world during the later medieval stage. Now in paperback, Society and Religion in Early Ottoman Egypt attempts to give a comprehensive analysis of Sha'ranı's writings. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A big let down
Ever bought a book, you start reading and before long the words "Waste of money" Spring to mind?This is one of those books, a complete let down.Mr Winter (acording to the back cover) Is teh Professor of Middle Eastern and Islamic history at the Tel Aviv University.I realy find it hard to belive that he is a professor anywhere and if so can only feel sorry for his students.

This book is full of unsupported facts and comments about both individuals and Sufi orders that the author provides no proof to back up what he is aaying.For example his acusations of alchemy and forging money to Sheikh Dermirdash.

Again p86 "The seclusion of the Khalwatis in their retreat gave them ample opportunity to practice alchemy for the purpose of producing gold, or forging money as a quick means of self enrichment" note 68 (note 68 then says "see below p171 - 176!!!) Pages 171 - 176 in the book deals with the 4 schools of thought filled with rubbish about how Ulema where 'anti Sufi' (I mean we are talking about late Mamaluk Egypt going into Ottoman Egypt probably the most active period of Sufi development and a time when links between the Sufi orders and the Ulema was almost as one)

But this rubbish about Khalwatis using a fundamental principle of their order (i.e. retreat 'Khalwa') as a chance to "Practice alchemy or forge money" Is without doubt the most basless nonsense you will ever read!

Winter has supported this nonsense with not a shread of evidence yet seems to think he is qualified to slander a fundemental practice of an order that was amongst the most productive in providing scholars to al-Azhar University, who were amongst the teachers of Sheikh Usuman Dan Fodio (who by the way, was a Maliki scholar more proof of the nonsense that Winter is talking in his book about Malikis being "Anti Sufi" I could also mention some of the great Maliki scholars who wrote comentaries on the Mukhtasar Khalil who were Khalwatis or Sheikh Nasui who wrote over a hundred books or the numerous Hanafi Qadis (judges) and civil servants (The Jerrahi Khalwati order for example, was famous for it being popular amongst the civil service of the Ottoman empire)

It sickens me that people such as this Winter can put pen to paper and have a book published which many of the reading public may innocently read and believe (especially considering him being a professor in Middle Eastern Studies)Sharani was one of the most important scholars in Islamic history.He was a Sufi, historian and jurist.His books were popular during the Ottoman period and are still read today amongst those who are serious about Islamic studies and wish to avoid the 'modernist' books and maintain the traditional outlook of Islam.Along come the likes of Winter and throw around slander based upon nothing other than 'maybes'

This book was a complete let down.I only give it 2 stars and not one because it is to my knowledge the only book in the English language on Sharani but personally, I would rather take a course in Arabic than ever put myself through reading such worthless rubbish again. ... Read more

Product Description
Family squabbles and fights over real estate were no less complex in sixth-century Egypt than they are in the modern world. In this unusual volume Peter van Minnen and Traianos Gagos investigate just such a struggle, as described in a two-part papyrus some five feet long. Composed by the ancient equivalent of a notary public, the papyrus describes the outcome (after mediation) of a family dispute about valuable real estate.
Traianos Gagos and Peter van Minnen offer an English translation and a clear Greek text of the two papyrus fragments, as well as an important discussion of the nature of such mediation, its role in contemporary society, a consideration of the town of Aphrodito and its social and political elite, as well as many other topics that spring from this kind of document.
The use of methodologies from modern jurisprudence and anthropology together with an accessible style of writing mean that Settling a Dispute will be of interest to persons in many fields, including history, Classics, and Near Eastern studies. All Greek is translated, and an extensive commentary offers much helpful information on the text.
Traianos Gagos is Associate Archivist of the University of Michigan's papyri collection. Peter van Minnen is Senior Research Associate in the papyri collection at Duke University.
... Read more