The Complete Royal Families of Egypt.

THE COMPLETE ROYAL FAMILIES OF EGYPT

AIDAN DODSON AND DYAN HILTON

The scope of this book extends beyond the well-tread territory of the famous pharaohs of ancient Egypt to other members of the royal families. Detailing known events from the dawn of Egyptian history in 3100 B.C. to Egypt's absorption into the Roman Empire around A.D. 50, this book recounts tales of some 1,300 kings, queens, princes, and princesses of ancient Egypt. It explores these families' roles in the politics, cultural life, and religion during each of the Egyptian dynasties. Dodson and Hilton begin by explaining the structure of the pharaonic state, including the nature of royalty and how its members interacted with the kingdom's bureaucracy. A chronological survey of Egyptian royalty includes historical overviews of each dynasty, a listing of the kings, and discussion of their relatives. Finally, these individuals are placed in context via 27 genealogical trees and are described in short biographies. Every page features several photographs and illustrations that help the reader and further illuminate these ancient people. Thames Hudson, 2004, 320 p., color/b&w photos/illus., hardcover, $50.00.