History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)

Book Description

Recorded history is a finely-woven magic fabric of intricate lies about events predating the sixteenth century. There is not a single piece of evidence that can be reliably and independently traced back earlier than the eleventh century. This book details events that are substantiated by hard facts and logic, and validated by new astronomical research and statistical analysis of ancient sources.

Customer Reviews:

Calculations are only as good as your numbers.......2007-08-03

Yes, we can all agree that mainstream history is nearly 100% BS due to politics, economics, ego, problems with dating techniques, and various conspiracies. Agreed. But, I've been researching the distinct possibility that human history (in terms of civilizations) are much more ancient than we've been told, so coming across this book was very interesting to me. I wondered how Fomenko could be wrong (if at all) because he is very persuasive in his presentations. Then it dawned on me. If at previous times in prehistory, due to the various catastrophies that are well documented (comets, asteroids, planetary disruptions, plasma discharge, pole reversals, etc) the Earth was in a different position in relation to the sun, different tilt on its axis, different orbit, different rotation (in terms of velocity and DIRECTION), and the continents were in different positions, then would this not cause the ancients to see the sky (constellations) differently? In other words, is Fomenko making erronious assumptions about the physics of the Earth in pre-history, which then corrupt his data with regards to dating the relevant astrology? The last event to seriously disrupt our planet occured roughly 3500 years ago, according to other good researchers, so is it possible Fomenko has been confused by this? The vastly different physics of our planet in the not so distant past may explain this confusion, which is not to say the "mainstream" version of history is correct; on the contrary. I am not an expert in these fields, but wanted to see if this idea could spark discussion.

Pants on fire?.......2007-07-19

Will people ever read before spamming? Yes, Jesuits could not rewrite world history alone, they had help. Anyway, Dr Prof Acad A.Fomenko does not point to jesuits as the driving force of world wide history manipulation in published volumes 1,2,3;, actually he barely mentions the poor devils. Check it with 'Search inside' feature, please. China is rarely mentioned either, in fact, Dr Fomenko is completely eurocentric. Right, his theory contradicts all mainstream schools of history, because in their actual state they are all built on blatantly erroneus chronology. You don't need a mysterious cabal (conspiracy) to falsify history, the falsification is its modus operandi. It is inherent to history(ians) to falsify (distort) events, as it is inherent to humans to boast as it is inherent to power (authority) to legimize itself by referrring to glorious past made to its own order. Dr Prof Fomenko and team have identified scores of instances of such manipulation in Russian, European, etc.. history, and delivered valid statistical proof thereof. His own 'reconstruction' is completely another story. Forget c14 as a valid method of dating. W.Libby has initially discovered a brilliant method of INDEPENDENT dating. Too bad, c14 method has become a joke after a forced marrige with dendrochronology with consensual chronological scale inbuilt. Radiocarbon method can't stand blind tests, but is so very productive as a rubberstamp.

Accepted History & Chronology Must Be Changed. .......2007-04-09

There is no doubt that history as most know it is a sham, & institution's version of History both University & Church is fradulent & inaccurate. Everything was established with an agenda, The real "Dark Ages" are now when we have access to incredible amounts of information past authorities & more important 'common folk' didn't have but our institutions & educators are slow to evolve because of what has ignorantly & arrogantly been taught for too long. This is on many subjects not just Chronology.

For anyone to question "Why would a Mathematician have anything credible to say of History?" The answer is from Dr. Fomenko's preface in the book: "It would be worthwhile to remind the reader that in the XVI-XVII century Chronology was considered to be a subdivision of Mathematics." These volumes could possibly be some of the most important works to date & should be read by everyone with an interest in History, especially professors & educators who have a duty to the public. I have read both books & must say that 'Chronology 1' has some very eye opening & revolutionary information. Even if these volumes are part true the implications are profound & opens the doors to further investigations & questions which must be done. I speak several different lanquages & must say the logic Dr. Fomenko uses with "inflection" of words & words being read from left to right in one region & right to left in another then written backwards, the removal of vowels & get down to basics of words, or different cities & locations having the same name etc. is correct. Vowel usage has always been optional & varied, actually complicating linquistics & study. The first thing one has to understand is that words never had a fixed spelling in history like we do now, the spelling of words was mutable & regional, as well as names & titles of people were vast, varied & changed, NOTHING WAS FIXED or understood linear. Matters of Life & Death as well as financial profiteering yesterday & today were & are made with ignorant, illogical & conspiratorial views of history & reality, it's time people get closer to the Truth & society collectively grow up.

Very Interesting.......2007-03-07

It is a good proposal and I believe it will mature into something even better in the future. I think it deserves to be read.

History as Science Fiction.......2007-01-10

Anatoly Fomenko has written a very intriguing book, full of pictures, charts, and computer 'proof' of his thesis: backwards of AD900 we don't really know what happened or when. Between AD900 and AD1600 there is more certainty, but there is still a lot of fuzzy ground, and things don't get reliable until we get past the 1600's where the printing press made it very difficult for the perpetrators of this timeline manipulation to change anything that had been committed to print. The Dark Ages did not happen. Books were burned for a reason. One organization has doubled the actual length of its existence by expanding the real chronology. Read why.

I had always wondered why Christ died about AD33 and yet men waited until the 11th century to form the Knights Templar, the Cathars, etc and go after the Holy Land by force. Why the 1000 year gap? Turns out there wasn't more than a 10-12 year gap and he proves it using astronomy. This also implies that the planet is not as old as we have been told, and current Christian and other creationist scientists are already championing that idea without being aware of Fomenko's book. The two groups, creationist scientists and the Russian mathematical analysts corroborate each other. Fascinating.

Of course, all this flies in the face of what we have been told traditionally is the 'proper' chronology of western civilization, and most readers will experience 'cognitive dissonance' in reading this book. It means that our history going backwards from AD1600 becomes progressively more incorrect and unreliable until it cannot be trusted at all... in the space of 700-800 years.

Naturally, the curious, open-minded reader will want to know WHO did this, WHY, and did any of the events we think of as really ancient ever happen?
Dr. Fomenko is a respected scientist/mathematician at Moscow State University who has already answered these questions to the satisfaction of his initially skeptical colleagues. Most of them are now believers, a few still refuse to believe (the usual diehards), and of course the western press has ignored Fomenko's work -- for obvious reasons when you read the book. The ones who perpetrated this chronology ruse have a lot to answer for. They are still with us. That's why this book is a well-kept secret.

I gave the book a 4-star rating because I was unable to check out some of his claims; those I checked were as he said. But if even 1/3 of his claims are true, this punches a big hole in what we think is our history, the meaning of western civilization, our educational process (for repeating the ruse as gospel), and the trustworthiness of the organization that perpetrated this ruse, well-intentioned or not.

This book relates to current research into a Young Earth paradigm, to John Keel's discoveries about our planet, and Fr Malachi Martin's insights (in his now out-of-print books). We are indeed sheep who are manipulated and kept ignorant -- for a reason. While knowing what these men have to say may be the "booby prize" (as in: 'what can you do with this knowledge?'), it will provide interesting reading. Didn't someone say: "...and the Truth will set you free."?? For you to judge if this book contains the truth.

Cleopatra VII: Daughter of the Nile, Egypt, 57 B.C. (The Royal Diaries)

Average customer rating:

A Leap Into History...
To be continued?
Exciting Book!
Cleopatra VII... =a GREAT book!!!
Daughter of the Nile, Egypt, 57 B.C.

Cleopatra VII: Daughter of the Nile, Egypt, 57 B.C. (The Royal Diaries)
Kristiana Gregory
Manufacturer: Scholastic Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0590819755

Amazon.com

The year is 57 B.C., and 12-year-old Cleopatra, Princess of the Nile, has a lot on her mind. Her father, the Pharaoh of Egypt, nearly died when a venomous adder meant for him attacked and killed his favorite servant. Now the Pharaoh has gone into hiding, hunted by his enemies, and the young princess has to keep her head--literally--as her power-hungry older sister Tryphaena threatens to grab her father's throne.

"I took the cup and raised it toward Tryphaena as if toasting her, but really I was watching the liquid, looking for oil floating on its surface, or powder sticking to the sides of the cup. If I suspected poison and tossed it into the pool, she would have her guards behead me on the spot. If it was indeed poison, one sip and I could die..."

In an elegantly written royal diary, Cleopatra VII has recorded every rich detail from this tumultuous time: her hairsbreadth escape by boat to Rome, where she and her father must plead for help; her struggle to absorb the overwhelming sights (and smells) of this new city and its "barbarian" ways; and her poise and quick thinking as she deals with the likes of General Pompey, Marc Antony, and the famous orator Cicero ("words fly from him like darts!").

Kristiana Gregory, a contributor to the excellent Dear America series, has done an admirable job ghostwriting for the princess, painting an engaging portrait of a resourceful, intelligent, compassionate young woman forged by the forces of her time. The book concludes with a helpful section of maps, portraits, a Pharaonic family tree, and 20 pages of illustrations. (Ages 8 to 12) --Paul Hughes

Book Description

Established Dear America author Kristiana Gregory kicks off the Royal Diaries with the captivating story of young Cleopatra's tumultuous life. Daughter of King Ptolemy Autletes, Pharaoh of Egypt, Cleopatra lives a life filled with opulence and mystery.

Customer Reviews:

A Leap Into History..........2007-08-04

From start to finish this book is a real joy! Delve into the thoughts of Cleopatra VII in this historically accurate account of her early teenage years. A good book for children and adults alike, you can watch your child become fascinated with the goings-on and intrigues of an age that is not written about enough. The Cleopatra we meet in the story is easy to sympathize with and relate to, as well as a character to admire. The book also paints a detailed picture of the setting and age and what it was like to be a princess in ancient Egypt.

I have read most of the Royal Diaries books aloud to my daughters (7, 9, 11), which always succeed to help enamour them with history. However, of the ones I have read, I find Cleopatra VII: Daughter of the Nile, Egypt, 57 B.C. to be all of our's favorite.

Also, my children love the wonderful style of all the books: the hardbacks are a lovely gold, with a detailed color representation of the princess and gold-tipped pages. They make my children feel like royalty themselves!

Educational and entertaining, this is a wonderful choice for a gift or for your own enjoyment.

To be continued?.......2007-06-27

This is a charming, small book concerning a very short period of Cleopatra's life. It generally concords with what is known of Cleopatra. I am disappointed that it was not larger in scope.

Exciting Book!.......2007-04-30

This is a great book! (Much better than Elizabeth) It is like listening to a real person. This is my favorite book in the royal diary series that I have read so far. It is packed with action, adventure, emotion, sadness, happiness, and much more! I just finished reading this about an hour ago. It is wonderful. I really recommend it!

Cleopatra VII... =a GREAT book!!!.......2007-03-26

Cleopatra... is an awesome book about Cleopatra VII when she was 12-14 years old. The story begins when her father, King Ptolemy Alutes, begins losing support among the commoners. He leaves on a ship to go to the Romans for help, and Cleopatra figures that two Ptolmies are better than one, so Cleopatra sneaks aboard to caome. Her father knows no Latin, so she finds it hard to figure out how he will speak to Ceasar, so she ends up doing all the talking after Pompey and his men decide to get smart and insult them in Latin so (he thinks) they won't know what he's saying. Cleopatra has two sisters, Berenice, who is eight years older and very nice, and Tryphaena, who is as "mean and snappish as a crocodile." Whilist Cleopatra and her father are in Rome, Tryphaena takes over the throne and sends them a message that if they ever set foot in Egypt again, they will be beheaded. One night, the King's friends kill Tryphaena in the middle of the night, and afterwards are killed with flying swords be Berenice's guards. Then Berenice takes over. Meanwhile, Cleopatra and her father have finally won the Romans over, and when they return, the King orders Berenice to be put to death for pretending to be Queen. The epilouge is sad, but you can't change history. Overall one of the best books I have ever read, and if you're smart, you'll read it too.

Daughter of the Nile, Egypt, 57 B.C........2007-03-19

-"I could feel my insides shaking. Would this sister try to poison me? Yes, I believe so. As for my other older sister, Berenice-never! She and I adore each other even though I am eight years younger. I took the cup and raised it toward Tryphaena as if toasting her, but really I was watching the liquid, looking for oil floating on the surface, or powder sticking to the sides of the cup. If I suspected poison and tossed it into the pool, she would have her guards behead me on the spot. If it was indeed poison, one sip and I could die... My eyes closed as I took the first sip, as if savoring such and excellent taste, but really my thought was, O Isis, I am afraid... My stomach turned with nervousness, or was it from a fearsome death beginning in me?" Cleopatra was the third daughter of Ptolemy XII and Cleopatra V Tryphaena. Cleopatra's mother died when Cleopatra was very young. When Cleopatra's father is awoken by a hissing sound in his room, he is frightened to see a black adder in the striking position, while his favorite slave jumps on the adder to save the pharaoh, his slave is bitten and killed, then the snake got away. The next day, one of his slaves brings him his food and the Pharaoh orders him to test it, and after his slave takes the first sip of wine he is writhing on the floor in pain. The Pharaoh decides to go into hiding so his guards can find the assassin and kill him. While the king is gone, Tryphaena, the Pharaohs oldest daughter, decided that she was going to be Pharaoh. While Cleopatra's father is gone, Cleopatra suspects her oldest sister for the assassination attempts. Then one night Tryphaena is drug out to the theater, and beheaded on the spot, the same fait was to her guards. The Pharaoh comes back to the palace and announced that he was going to go to Rome to get help to gain control over his people once and for all. When Cleopatra hears the news she decides to go with him so she can translate the Roman language into Egyptian. When they finally arrive in Rome, the royal family soon finds out that the Roman troops are in the northern part of the hemisphere and can't come back for about a half a year. When they finally come back to Rome, there is a huge hurricane out in the ocean, so Cleopatra and her father cannot make the journey home until the sea subsides. It isn't till two years later that Cleopatra and her father can return home. All the while, Berenice has taken the throne and has married six times, each one of her husbands hanged for not meeting her standards. I liked this book, because it had a very unusual story line and many "father killing daughter" scenes.
-One reason I liked this book because it has many funny parts in it, even when Cleopatra may not mean for it to be funny. For example, "I enjoy my father when his high spirits are from good news, not good wine." Another example, "I did not want to wipe off my fingers on the soiled tablecloth or in me hair (like two of the senators were doing)."
-Another reason I liked this book is because of all of the deaths that the family ordered on one another. An example is this, "For three days, there has been much celebrating. Tryphaena is dead... After we left Alexandria, his friends sneaked into the palace while Tryphaena slept, then killed her guards. Awakened by the commotion, she sat up in bed and screamed for help while putting on her slippers (an odd thing to do, in my opinion.) But men tied up her arms and carried her through the dark streets to the Gymnasion, where some of our wrestlers were waiting. One of them stood behind her, grabbed her around the neck, and then with his strong arms lifted her up until she had strangled. A slipper that had fallen from her foot was delivered to Father as proof."
-I liked this book because of all the letters that were written, you can tell who they are and what they are writing about. One example is "Olympus, friend, loyal companion, and student of medicine in Alexandria, to Princess Cleopatra in Rome, friend much missed: Good news, come home."
-I enjoyed reading this book because Cleopatra could understand different languages and a general didn't know that and insulted the Pharaoh while she was there. "As our meal began, Pompey walked over to our table, smiling broadly. When Father stood to greet him, Pompey clasped both his arms and began speaking rapidly in Latin. Father didn't understand one word, but I surely did. `King Auletes,' the general said, `so we finally meet, you gorilla face. Indeed you are a half-baked, a decrepit drunk with a nose like a plum. Did out trumpets wake you from your nap, you lazy dullard?' Dropping Fathers arms, he turned to where I reclined. `Ah, little child,' He smiled. Slowly I stood up and looked around me. The soldiers were grinning with pleasure at their leader's clever trick. I thought in my heart that I must be brave and strong, like Queen Ester and the Queen of Sheba who in their day spoke before the most powerful men on earth. `Sir,' I began in Latin, `I am Cleopatra, Princess of the Nile, third daughter of the King and Pharaoh of Egypt, the man you have so cruelly insulted.' At first, I was so nervous my voice trembled. The Latin words felt awkward on my tongue, but soon I was speaking with confidence, quite well, it seems, because the look on Pompey's face was one of shock. His soldiers' smiles dropped like dead flies. I began to relax." I really enjoyed this book and I think that many others will enjoy it as well.
D. Foster

How the Amazon Queen Fought the Prince of Egypt (Bccb Blue Ribbon Nonfiction Book Award (Awards))

Average customer rating:

Historical Fiction for the Younger Set
Beautiful and Edifying
Beautifully told and illustrated

How the Amazon Queen Fought the Prince of Egypt (Bccb Blue Ribbon Nonfiction Book Award (Awards))

Manufacturer: Atheneum
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0689844344

Book Description

CAN WOMAN EVER CONQUER MAN?

Queen Serpot rules the Land of Women, where the Amazon women live free, without men, and hunt and fight their own battles. But one day their peace is broken. An army of Egyptian soldiers is approaching their land, led by their prince, Pedikhons.

Pedikhons has heard stories of these warrior women. Now he has come to see them with his own eyes -- and to challenge them to combat. But the brave Serpot and her women are full of surprises. Can woman truly equal man in strength and courage?

This story of love and war is based on an actual Egyptian scroll from the Greco-Roman period. Hieroglyphic translations of key phrases, intricate paintings in the Egyptian and Assyrian styles, and extensive notes about both cultures enrich this fascinating, untold legend.

Customer Reviews:

Historical Fiction for the Younger Set.......2005-10-13

Strong women, battling men, first at war, and eventually in love. Loosely based on real-life ancient history, this book is a feast for young imaginations with glimpses of past Assyria (the modern day Middle East), Egypt, and hieroglyphics. The book is educational as well as entertaining.

A fairly short book that won't overwhelm younger children (artistically stimulating for the pre-reader), but also keeps us old folks visually engaged.

Beautiful and Edifying.......2005-05-08

Applause to Tamara Bower for bringing back to life a story heard by ancient ears. Her attention to artistic detail makes this book a visual feast. With all of the information included in this book it is interesting for children as well as for adults.
Thank you Tamara Bower for this treasure!

Beautifully told and illustrated.......2005-05-05

This story is an ancient tale with a modern sensibility. Two great leaders, a prince and a queen, who do not know much about each other at first, rise to battle each other, then learn to respect each other and join forces. It's a great story of adventure, empowerment and acceptance, beautifully told with Tamara Bower's rich, colorful, hieroglyphic style paintings. This is a great book for anyone who likes Egyptian art and classic storytelling.

Average customer rating:

Prince Who Knew Fate
Lise Manniche
Manufacturer: Philomel
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Folklore & Mythology | Social Sciences | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 039920850X

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The Crusade which Preceded the 'War on Terror'
beautiful book, but anti-Christian
Great Book For Kids
Why the name "Good King Richard" is an oxymoron
Great Book

Saladin: Noble Prince of Islam

Manufacturer: HarperCollins
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Medieval | History & Historical Fiction | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

Middle East | History & Historical Fiction | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0688171354
Release Date: 2002-08-06

Book Description

Forty years before the boy was born, a horde of bloodthirsty barbarians thundered out of the west and conquered his native land. They had succeeded because his people, ever at war with one another, had not fought together to defend their cities. In time the boy was destined to become the very leader that was needed, a man with the courage and vision to unite his people and face the most fearsome and brilliant warrior of the age.

The time was the twelfth century; the barbarian horde was the armies of the First Crusade; the great warrior was Richard the Lionhearted; and the leader was Saladin. This is more than the other side of a familiar Western story, the Crusades. It is the tale of an extraordinary man, remarkable for his generous and chivalrous ways, a warrior who longed for peace. Courageous in battle and merciful in victory, he would be revered even by his enemies as the "marvel of his time."

In her vibrant narrative and magnificently detailed illustrations inspired by the Islamic art of the time, Diane Stanley presents a hero whose compassion, piety, tolerance, and wisdom made him a model for his time -- and for ours.

Customer Reviews:

The Crusade which Preceded the 'War on Terror'.......2006-10-09

Many people have seen the excellent PBS documentary, "Holy Warriors", about Saladin and Richard the Lionheart in the Third Crusade. For me it opened up a whole new field of inquiry, for although I am myself an historian, my field is not the Middle Ages. I sought out and read many books on Saladin, and found him a fascinating and admirable character, and an excellent antidote to the hatred of Islam which is presently being fomented by our government. It seemed to me that it was important to get the word out-- especially to the next generation-- about this Muslim whose character was so contrary to prevalent stereotypes. Diane Stanley's book fulfills this need. It presents the true history of Saladin and the Third Crusade in a manner which is readily understandable to children and accompanied by beautiful illustrations. It seems unlikely that any child who has read this book will grow up feeling the hatred that our government wants us to feel for all Muslims, and in that lies its greatest virtue.

beautiful book, but anti-Christian.......2005-11-04

This book caught my eye at the library because it has beautiful illustrations, and the title obviously gives away its very positive view of Saladin and the Muslim faith. Given the publication date, it is not surprising that the book presents Muslims and their faith in a positive light; however, the book goes to the extreme in presenting Muslims as good and Christians as evil. Children in this age group are likely to be confused by this portrayal of their faith if they are Christians, while those of a Muslim background could very well see the current atrocities committed by Islamic jihadists as justified. Moreover, children at this age don't have the analytical skills to realize that there is more to the history of the Crusades than is presented here. In my opinion, this book may well be an excellent biography of Saladin, but given the age of the intended audience, the slant of the book gives an inappropriate message.

Great Book For Kids.......2005-08-09

It's a great book, pretty good for kids. The book did overlook the fact that Saladin was also a physician and chemist (or alchemist as they used to be called back then).

Why the name "Good King Richard" is an oxymoron.......2004-09-20

When you look at the British involvement in that farcical escapade known as the Crusades, it seems remarkable that ANYONE living today could side with England. I mean, let's look at it soberly. They come into a country in the Middle East, take over huge swaths of it, claim it as their own, are shocked when the residents of the area don't like being oppressed, then set about hacking their way back in only to fail in the end. Just a scant overview of their actions is enough to make them look vaguely ridiculous. Once you start learning a little more about their actions (or rather, the actions of their leaders) you see just how violent and, not to put too fine a point on it, evil they were. Therefore, it's a bit surprising that a popular kid's book about Saladin hasn't been written before now. At this moment in time, circumstances have given kids a chance to learn more about the followers of Islam and their history. It seems fitting, then, that we should look at one of their greatest heroes and grant him the respect he's due. "Saladin: Noble Prince of Islam" does just that.

Saladin was born along the Tigris River well after Jerusalem fell into the hands of the marauding Crusaders from England. As a child, he attended to his studies well and learned the tenants of Islam by heart. All this gave him the understanding he required to be a good and righteous man amongst his people. As a teen Saladin became the chief aide of the Turkish sultan Nur al-Din, a fair leader who earned the respect of his subjects. From him Saladin found his role model and guide. After Nur al-Din's death, he staked his claim on the man's empire and brought together his warring brothers. This allowed him the army he needed to set out to defeat the Franks and to reclaim Jerusalem once more. To do this he faced Reginald of Chatillon, "perhaps the greatest villain in the history of the Crusade" (which is saying quite a lot), Richard the Lionhearted, and other adversaries. The book recounts a myriad of battles undertaken by both the Crusaders and the Muslims. Both sides had their wins and losses. In the end, however, Saladin was victorious and in 1291 (years after his death), "the Franks were driven out of the Holy Land altogether". So well done there.

Though it doesn't look it, this book is an excellent reference for any kid interested in battles and battle strategy. It summarizes the greatest confrontations of both sides and makes them understandable and interesting. There is also no question at any time as to who the heroes are. The Franks (to the Muslims all Crusaders were regarded as "Franks") break treaties, lie, kill for pleasure, and remain the greediest of no-goodniks. Saladin would often spare his captured enemies or give them a chance to pay a price to avoid being sold as slaves. King Richard, on the other hand, was prone to slaughtering three thousand Muslim men when he captured them. A cruel barbarian, he met a violent death, as was his due. Saladin died in his bed, having ended his life to his own liking. Touche.

I suspect that there are people out there who can't imagine a man like Saladin being far more generous and compassionate than a man like Richard. To back up her information, therefore, author Diane Stanley has included an excellent Bibliography for further reading. Terms that might not be readily recognizable to readers are included in a Glossary in the back. Accompanying the text itself are beautiful glossy illustrations that perfectly compliment the book's plot and storyline. All this and the book is respectful to the people of the Islam faith.

Biographies of historical figures well known in their native lands but little known in American schools are difficult to create. With that in mind, Stanley has done a remarkable job. She even ties in the events of the book to the modern day, commenting that, "Two hundred years of Frankish invasion, senseless slaughter, and religious fanaticism left a tragic legacy. A shadow of hatred and mistrust had fallen over this great land, holy to three faiths. A thousand years later, it is still there". And not likely to leave soon. Let us hope then that beautifully written biographies like "Saladin" dispel the myths that remain about the man, his life, and his religion. This book should be in every school library in America.

Great Book.......2003-01-03

Great book, pretty good for kids. The book did overlook the fact that Saladin was also a physician and chemist (or alchemist as they used to be called back then). But over all a very good book.

Average customer rating:

Intresting Insight into the excavation process
Fascinating History
Weeks' excavation did more damage than good
A little muddled and superficial
One of the worst popular-science books I've ever read

The Lost Tomb
Kent R. Weeks
Manufacturer: William Morrow & Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Egypt | Ancient | History | Subjects | Books

Amazon.com

Working for the American university in Cairo in 1988, Kent Weeks embarked on an archeological dig into KV5, the sparsely explored fifth tomb in the Valley of the Kings, burial ground of Egypt's major Pharaohs. In 1995, he discovered the T-shaped burial complex of Ramses II's 50 sons--arguably the most significant discovery since Howard Carter unearthed King Tut's tomb in 1922. Weeks's account of this historic event is filled with a sense of awe and wonder. "[I]n my imagination," he writes, recalling a vision of the statue of Osiris, god of the afterlife, "I could see the ancient funerals that took place three thousand years ago. I could hear ancient priests chanting prayers and shaking tambourines ... I could smell incense and feel priestly robes brush my arm as the funeral procession moved slowly past. For an instant I felt transported back in time: it was 1275 BCE and this was ancient Thebes."

Weeks also points out what his discovery may tell us about the powerful, redhaired pharoah who ruled ancient Egypt for 67 years (1279-1212 BC), including the possibility that he was the pharaoh of Exodus. He elaborates upon his profession's risks, from excavations in narrow, debris-filled and claustraphobic surroundings to working under the gunfire of terrorist attacks. And he reminds us that his discovery by no means brings Egyptology to a conclusion: "Every generation of Egyptologists asks different questions of its data and data are a finite resource. We will leave parts of KV5 undug so that archeologists of the future, armed with new questions and new excavation techniques, can seek new answers to old questions and to others we haven't even dreamed of." --Eugene Holley Jr.

Book Description

Kent Weeks made international headlines when, seventy feet below the surface of Egypt's Valley of the Kings he found the largest and most complicated mausoleum yet discovered, the tomb of Ramesses II's sons. Now for the first time, Weeks shares up-to-the-minute details on the thrilling discoveryand contemplates what the tomb, called KV5, will reveal as the excavation moves forward. Built in the age of Exodus, the tomb could potentially transform ancient and biblical history. Its lower levels, possibly containing mummies of Ramesses II's sons, may shed new light on many of the mysteries of the Old Testament, including the story of Moses and the flight of the Israelites from Egypt.

Weeks draws on his own diaries, as well as those of his wife and his foreman, to describe the excitement and risks that surround such a significant find. From floodwaters that threatened the opened tomb and the precarious craw spaces deep within it, to thieving tourists and scorpions, this adventure is not for the weak of heart. Photographs and sketches illustrate the crew's progress and the objects and decorations found in the tomb's chambers and hallways The resulta true-life, impossibly thrilling Raiders of the Lost Arkwill entrance readers from beginning to end.

Customer Reviews:

Intresting Insight into the excavation process.......2005-06-11

I thought this book was well imformed. Though it is not exactly a step by step work on the tomb KV 5 itself, it does give insight into the difficulties and emotions that one goes through during an excavation. It also makes valid points about the lack of conservation that the Egyptian officials have been willing to do. The building of the Dam destroyed so much, and it is well known that many of the floods that destroy tombs in the Valley of the Kings could be stopped if the Egyptian officals would devote the money to it. This book is good for anyone who is intrested in Egyptology causally.

And a note:
There have been a couple of reviews that have been quite negative, and I think without basis. Given, it is bad that one of the mummies in a picture is mis-marked, but that could be the editors fault. And the review came from a 'student' of Egyptology, who also happens to be in high school, and his/her claims presurpose that they know much more than Weeks.

I am in college and actually major in Egyptology. I know that indescrepancies occur, and this is because of different theories and interpretations that come from the translations of heiroglyphics.

Read the book and judge for yourself how good this book is!

Fascinating History.......2004-02-06

Kent Weeks did not actually "discover" KV5. That was done by James Burton in the early part of the 19th century. Weeks more or less stumbled upon the entrance to the tomb while working on his Theban Mapping Project. However accidental, you have to give Dr. Weeks his due. The re-discovery of KV5 is perhaps one of the greatest events in Egyptology ever, definitely since the days of Howard Carter. This book is a gripping, detail-filled account of Weeks' excavation of some of the first chambers of the tomb. Yes, there is a lot of detail here about pottery fragments among the debris but Weeks makes it very clear that the debris in the tomb is just as important to learning about the ancient Egyptians as the tomb paintings. Maybe the discovery of KV5 was not flashy enough for some - no rooms filled with gold and riches. Dr. Weeks deserves a lot of credit for his dedicated , painstaking work on KV5 and in the Valley of the Kings in general. This book is perfect for all amateur Egyptologists or anyone interested in ancient history.

Weeks' excavation did more damage than good.......2003-04-08

It is amazing reading these reviews and realizing that people actually enjoyed this man's book. This was a botched excavation from the start. There was no real great discoveries in KV5, just more of the same stuff that we find in the Valley of the Kings (KV5 was discovered long before in the 18th century to boot). It is wise to remember this when Weeks' excavation damaged the tomb itself. He had his work-crews removed wet flood debris (dirt) from the tomb and then only put rocks at the doorway to allow "air to dry up the inside" for an entire season!

However, if you are familiar with John Romer's studies on the Valley of the Kings' geology, you would know that the limestone walls would have expanded with moisture and contracted when dried. Weeks' ignorance of this simple fact (he did know of Romer's report but called his study 'unmodern') allowed the tomb roof and walls to contract at an uncontrolled speed. The result was the walls cracked, lost paint and ultiamately the roof fell in an area.

The damage Weeks' excavation did was totally atrocious and it even continues to this day. Support conservation in the Valley of the Kings instead of destructive excavation and ecourage excavations in the Delta (where Egyptologies knowledge is lacking). In conclusion, don't buy this book.

A little muddled and superficial.......2002-05-01

Kent Weeks and his wife come across as enthusiastic, dedicated and eager to introduce the general public to the pleasures of Egyptology in this account of the first few years of his investigations at KV5. As can be seen from the biographical information he provides in this work he has devoted most of his life to investigating the Valley of the Kings. That is why it is a pity that this work comes across as jumbled and a little superficial. Accounts of the dig are interspersed so frequently with accounts of the lives of various pharaohs, of the problems the Weeks face from lackadaisical Egyptian officials, the eccentricity of the local laborers, and so on, that it is very difficult to keep track of what the team is finding in KV5 and its historical significance. (I would guess that this format was forced on Professor Weeks by a commercially minded publisher, presumably in the belief that the average layman reader is not willing to plod through several hundred pages of architectural accounts.)

Another problem with this work: although the discovery of KV5 is the most important discovery in the Valley of the Kings since the discovery of King Tut's tomb, the actual material found in the tomb is probably not particularly exciting for readers who are not dedicated Egyptologists. Most of the discoveries consist of minute brick and porcelain fragments which poor Mrs. Weeks is charged with cataloguing. For the layman Egyptologist I would recommend instead the classic by Howard Carter, The Discovery of the Tomb of Tutankhamen, also available from Amazon.com This is a truly exciting account of the discovery of Tut's tomb which was packed with fantastic treasures.
One of the worst popular-science books I've ever read.......2001-07-05

This book easily qualifies as one of the worst popular-science books I've ever read. It is like "Indiana Jones" minus the Nazis and all the other fun stuff. The thing is that of course I didn't expect to get an action-packed book about mummies and hidden treasures. What I expected to get was a nice description of that "lost" tomb they found plus background information. And the book simply doesn't give enough of that. The "lost" tomb which supposedly was discovered by Mr Weeks had actually been discovered before already. So the book starts with some wrong information on the cover. And it doesn't really get any better than that. There are pages and pages of completely useless information but no explanation of the background. In particular, if you want to learn about Egypt's past you're more than well-advised to look elsewhere. Instead, here you'll find a dozen pages about how Mr Weeks had to deal with the press and similar stuff which is just not interesting at all. The few pages about Egypt's past are filled with narration-like stuff. I know it might be difficult to say a lot about ancient Egypt but if the level of a popular-science book is about that of a mediocre Hollywood movie something is wrong. I know reviews which don't give books four or five stars are pretty unpopular on Amazon but I give this book one star anyway. I'd give it zero if I could.

Kv5: A Preliminary Report on the Excavation of the Tomb of the Sons of Ramesses II in the Valley of the Kings, Revised Edition (Publications of the Theban Mapping Project)

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Kv5: A Preliminary Report on the Excavation of the Tomb of the Sons of Ramesses II in the Valley of the Kings, Revised Edition (Publications of the Theban Mapping Project)

Manufacturer: American University in Cairo Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Egypt | Ancient | History | Subjects | Books

Egypt | Middle East | History | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 9774249518

Book Description

The discovery in 1995 that a long-ignored doorway in the Valley of the Kings was actually the entrance to the largest tomb ever found in Egypt made headlines around the world. Called KV5, it contains over 150 corridors and chambers, and was used as a family mausoleum for
several sons of the New Kingdom pharaoh, Ramesses II. The first edition of this preliminary report was the first comprehensive, technical publication on the work of the Theban Mapping Project in the tomb; it has now been revised and expanded to take account of the latest
discoveries and analyses. It includes detailed archaeological and architectural studies, epigraphic surveys, object and pottery descriptions, discussions of conservation work, and extensive reports on the site’s geology, hydrology, mineralogy, and geotechnical engineering.
Copiously illustrated with photographs and line drawings, KV5 is the essential source for the study of this fascinating and important tomb.

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Magnifficent Epic marred by one major flaw
A Wonderful Novel
what a suprise!

Moses: Prince of Egypt
Howard Fast
Manufacturer: I Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0671039113

Book Description

From the author of Spartacus and Freedom Road, comes a novel of the BibleÂ¹s greatest freedom fighter, the rebellious prince of Egypt, Moses! This definitive new edition of Howard FastÂ¹s riveting novel portrays the early years of the man who would lead his people out of slavery to freedom.

In Moses, Howard Fast uses his widely acclaimed storytelling skills to paint a portrait of the most fascinating figure of the Bible. The child Moses grows to adulthood in the royal household of Ramses II, surrounded by the political factions, sending, but not fully understanding, the paradox of his singular position.

Through the strikingly contrasting events of MosesÂ¹ epic life, Howard Fast traces the growth of his character as a biblical hero. an outsider in the court of Egypt, Moses sees the corruption and decadence of the royal family for what it is. Their autocracy acts as a forge for his moral character.

Fast takes us into the white house above the first cataract as Moses experiences his first love; watches as Moses endures the savage Egyptian campaigning against the black men of Kush; and recalls the young manÂ¹s rebellion against the Egyptian priesthood.

Renouncing his royal trappings, Moses casts his lot with his own enslaved people, the Jews, and becomes, for all time, an inspiration to the world.

Customer Reviews:

Magnifficent Epic marred by one major flaw.......2004-10-10

This work by Howard Fast tries to present the early life of Moses, growing up in the palace of the Royal House of Ancient Egypt.

It is certainly a magnificently written work. The setting and people are vividly brought to life, and Howard Fast shows an extensive and imaginative understanding of Ancient Egypt.

The sights and sound, the smells and passions jump out from the page, and it is hard to put down. From the Great House of Pharaoh Ramses II to the slave pens international bazaar of the Egyptian capital, where slaves where sold from every corner of the known world, and deep into the heart of Kush (Sudan) and Ethiopia, this is a rich and richly sensuous novel.

And yet there where parts which I found extremely aggravating. It seems Fast has some sort of agenda to deny the existence of the Hebrew people as a distinct nation in Egypt, and his departure not only from Biblical accounts and from the works of Jewish historians like Josephus, but also of Egyptian and accounts of other ancient peoples, go's beyond artistic license. Where does Howard Fast get his facts on the early history of the Hebrew people in Goshen? He does not refer to them as Hebrews or Israelites but as Bedouins, amongst whom he narrates there was clan known as the Levites.

He completely ignores the other 11 tribes of Israel, and also ignores some basic facts, corroborated by non-Hebrew ancient sources, that the Hebrew where a deeply monotheistic people, worshiping the G-D, Yahweh. He is completely off the rails asserting that Moses' people worshipped a snake god called Nehushtan, and that Moses was put in the river as a sacrifice to this entity, Nehushtan. He even writes of the Hebrew boys as being uncircumcised.
I don't know why he negates Hebrew national consciousness and worship of Yahweh, in the Egyptian exile.
Because if he had not done so, it would have in no way taken away from the rhythm or narrative of the novel. And this is not a matter of artistic license. Very annoying to say the least.
Ignoring the fact that Moses was always from birth in touch with his real Jewish family is forgivable. Obscuring the history of the Hebrew people is not.

And yet, there are definitely some intriguing and inspiring elements in this novel. Moses, as a commander in the Egyptian army, sickens of the genocide perpetrated by the Egyptians against the Black tribesman of Irgebayn Southern Kush (Sudan) , which is chillingly similar to the holocaust today carried out by the Arab Moslems against the Black Christians and Animists of Southern Sudan.
Colour is added to the novel by the wisdom of the Ethiopian witchdoctor Doogana, and the love that Moses learns for his people is beautiful to read (Even if Howard Fast has somewhat misread the nature of the early Nation of Israel, and their deep routed faith in the one and only G-D).
We read of the little Israelite children gathering about Moses, which beautifully complements the saga of Moses and Israel. Now look at such beautiful and compassionate righting which really brings the saga of Moses and of Israel to life as it must have been: " They came to an old well with a few palm trees growing around it, and there they paused to rest and shelter a moment from the heat of the sun. Three naked children, very small and thin, perhaps six or seven years of age, played in the sun , and they looked up and saw Nun before they saw the man behind him. He spoke to them in the tongue of the Levites, and their eyes widened, fixed upon the silver bracelets that circled each arm above the elbow. They did not reply, but stared at him wide-eyed and immobile, as children do when curiosity struggles against timidity. Then they saw behind him the tall figure of Moses, the clean -shaven face and the neck length cropped hair, and their curiosity turned to panic as they fled, whimpering and running as fast as their skinny little legs could carry them...Skinny and scabious they where, but also beautiful, with their long brown eyes, and silken black hair "
What beautiful writing!
I also liked the way the incident where Moses killed the Egyptian slavemaster (who beat the Hebrew slave).
If Fast hadn't have partly spoiled the novel with silly and baseless theory about origins of the Israelites, Moses Prince of Egypt would have been one of the very best pieces of literature ever.

A Wonderful Novel.......2000-05-06

How might a boy raised as a prince in the palace of Ramses II become the Moses who led the Jews out of slavery in Egypt? That is the question addressed by Howard Fast in this extraordinarily rich novelization of Moses' early life. The answer is through patient nurturing and love from friends and through hard personal lessons learned from adventure, love, loss, hate and war.

Being the great writer he is, Mr. Fast make the friends of Moses' youth - his mother, a priest, a builder, an old soldier, a doctor, and a great Egyptian general - real people, each with his or her own strengths, weaknesses and ambitions. These are people who themselves have been shaped by the struggle to survive in the imperial court of Ramses - and often by unfulfilled hopes which almost died upon the death of a previous Egyptian Pharaoh. That Pharaoh was the historical heretic Akh-en-ton, who had tried to overthrow the old polytheistic Egyptian religion that focused on death and afterlife, and replace it with a simpler religion worshiping one God who honored life and knowledge. Many of his friends - who are not all without selfishness - see Moses both as a possible successor to Ramses and a restorer of the wise rule of Akh-en-ton.

And again, because this a Howard Fast novel, the adversaries the young Moses must deal with are themselves complex people, each compelled to act out their own mixture of ambitions, strengths, fears and weaknesses. At the head of the list is the great Ramses himself, who can order the death of anyone and has wives and children without number, but in fact both fears Moses and wants his friendship. A man who Moses recognizes as "the loneliest man in Egypt."

In the background is a vivid evocation of ancient Egyptian life, from the hushed throne room of Ramses, to the harsh and beautiful desert facing an Egyptian army marching along the upper Nile on a expedition to the land of Kush, to the pitiful homes of the enslaved Bedouins, the Children of Israel, in the Land of Goshen, in the Nile delta.

I strongly recommend this novel to anyone. Certainly this is not the way Moses grew up, but some similar remarkable happenings must have made the man we are told about in the Bible

what a suprise!.......1998-11-11

I had assumed Fast was just one of those historical novelists with no prose style or imagination. In fact he writes a good deal better than Upton Sinclair here, (although he is also rather often somewhat worse). This novel is so little known and yet is better than 'Frontier' or 'The American', or really any of the more popular. This is a novel you should read. You could compare it to Orwell without being silly.

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The Prince of Egypt Recorder Fun! Pack

Manufacturer: Cherry Lane Music Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Songbooks | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

General | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1575601575

Book Description

This book/instrument pack includes a high-quality recorder and a songbook featuring seven great songs from the film: All I Ever Wanted ¥ Deliver Us ¥ I Will Get There ¥ The Plagues ¥ Playing with the Big Boys ¥ Through HeavenÕs Eyes ¥ When You Believe.

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Great
One Of My Favourites
EXCELLENT

The Prince of Egypt

Manufacturer: Cherry Lane Music
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Songbooks | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

General | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 1575601559

Product Description

Selections from the acclaimed DreamWorks animated film include all feature songs by Stephen Schwartz including the Oscar-winning 'When You Believe' as well as themes from the Hans Zimmer soundtrack. Illustrated throughout with full-color reproductions of the stunning artwork!All I Ever Wanted (with Queen's Reprise)Death Of The First BornDeliver UsFollowing TzipporahI Will Get TherePlaying With The Big BoysThe Burning BushThe PlaguesThe ReprimandThrough Heaven's EyesWhen You Believe

Customer Reviews:

Great.......2005-06-04

I bought this piano book on amazon, and I was just a beginner. This is an excellent book for advanced piano players, but not so great for beginners.

One Of My Favourites.......2000-10-01

I would recommend this book to all music lovers who had a grade 3 and above.Fantastic,I love the tunes and some of it were soothing.Keeps you relaxed too!

EXCELLENT.......2000-03-13

As a singer and pianist, this music book was very exciting as well as helpful! I would recommend it to any piano player, as well as piano teacher!

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