Ancient Egypt Transformed: The Middle Kingdom

I bought this to help with some research I am performing for a project. The Metropolitan Museum of Art has been involved in excavations in Egypt for decades (I nearly said 'over a century' but need to check my facts). Their Egyptian exhibit is one of the finest, containing some famous items (some of the Letters from Hekanakhte, which served as the inspiration for Agatha Christie's book DEATH COMES AS THE END, for example). Their texts are excellent and, it appears, their picture books are just as good. Actually, this is not a 'picture book', but the catalog for their recent exhibit covering the Middle Kingdom of Egypt.The text is very good. Informative, educational and even entertaining. The quality of the illustrations is truly superbe. The image for this listing is the cover of the book. The other pictures are equally well done.

First things first: this is an exhibition catalogue, so the majority of the text is concerned with the specific pieces in the exhibit at the Met. However, it is also an extensive overview of the Middle Kingdom and its critical role in changing every facet of life in ancient Egypt; the real value here is that these changes (in art, architecture, decoration and sculpture) are all directly connected to the pieces listed and shown in the catalogue. As such, the book is primarily geared towards those already familiar with the period; if you don't have much background exposure or knowledge of ancient Egypt generally (and the Middle Kingdom specifically), this book isn't for you. For those who do, this is a must-have volume.

As previous reviewers stated, this is an illustrated catalogue for an exhibition at the Met which featured pieces from the museum's collection as well as loaned pieces from other museums and collections. The book is organized around various essays by Egyptologists concerning aspects of Middle Kindgom life and history. There are numerous detailed maps and chronological lists of the dynasties and rulers. Would make an attractive coffee table book, but is also a good read for anyone interested in ancient Egypt.

As others have pointed out, this is a splendid volume written to accompany a magnificent exhibit. For various reasons, the Middle Kingdom, while recognized as significant, seems, at times, to be an extended footnote in many volumes on Egyptian history. Ancient Egypt Transformed makes a major course adjustment. Wonderfully illustrated with chapters written by the experts, it is up-to-date, even surprising. This volume has set a standard that will be difficult to top for some time to come. But for those interested in Egypt and the period, let's hope it challenges others to produce more, excellent work.

Not only a catalogue but a good overview about Middle Kingdom which eclipsed between glorious old kingdom and new kingdom. As Very few authrative texts available about this particular period, this book is gladly welcome. Authorative text and excellent visual source. If you wish to have only one book in Middle Kingdom this is the book for you. I bought it for real bargain price from Amazon and glad to have it.

love this book. i just was at the met and it was nice to come home and see the items i saw again.

Beautiful exhibition and a superbly produced catalog!

Excellent overview of Middle Kingdom art and history. Articles were very well written and the photographs were superb.Excellent addition to the library of anyone interested in Egyptian art and history.

This book was bought as a birthday treat and hasn't failed to delight. It covers a multitude of aspects of the Middle Kingdom, putting each of the exhibits in their context. Excellently illustrated throughout and offering the latest thoughts on this fascinting period of Egyptian history, I cannot do anything but highly recommend it. A transatlantic flight to view the actual exhibition would have been great, but most of the exhibits appear to be from the MMA itself, so hopefully will be there to appreciate in the future. Until then this book is the next best thing.

Large beautiful book with lots of illustrations and readable text

beautifully produced book, full of interest and well illustrated

Excellent!

Very pleased with purchase. Very informative essays by the world's foremost experts in their respective fields and the photography is excellent. Couldn't believe the low price for such an expensive book that normally would have been way beyond my budget.