Encyclopedia of Ancient Egypt

Gr 9 Up—This definitive third edition offers approximately 2,000 entries on various aspects of Egyptian life and civilization over several thousand years. Entries have been revised to reflect new information that has been gleaned or discovered since the last edition. The body of the encyclopedia is preceded by a list of maps and other illustrations, historical and geographical overviews, and a chronology of major events; it is followed by a section on how to study ancient Egypt and other appendixes. The text is arranged in two-column pages with the entry in bold print, appropriate dates, and a discussion that can stretch to as many as two or three pages in the case of topics such as funerary rituals; these longer entries are signed. Informatively captioned black-and-white photos, maps, or drawings accompany some pieces, and cross-references often close them. Unfortunately, the volume has some limitations. There is no time line to aid in connecting the various dynasties, and there are too few maps. The glossary is limited, especially for novices, and the entries lack pronunciation guidance. Even given these issues, though, the content makes this a valuable purchase for libraries with a need for material on the topic.—Eldon Younce, Anthony Public Library, KS