Egypt, the Culture

Lisa Arsenault is an elementary-school teacher in Ajax, Ontario.

Crabtree’s latest additions to its successful Lands, Peoples, and
Cultures Series focus on Egypt (other countries featured in the series
include South Africa, Russia, France, China, India, Japan, Israel,
Greece, Tibet, Vietnam, Canada, and Peru). The books are visually very
appealing.

Egypt, the Land discusses the two most important features of Egypt’s
topography: the Nile River and the desert. The overwhelming importance
of the Nile is duly stressed. The great monuments of the past (the
pyramids, sphinx, and temples) are described and juxtaposed with
material on the modern, sprawling cities. Egypt’s challenges (the
population explosion and severe pollution problems with attendant
endangered wildlife) are addressed.

The first part of Egypt, the Culture recounts the building of the
pyramids, mummification (and modern methods of studying mummies),
hieroglyphs, and everyday life in ancient Egypt. The second part deals
with modern Egypt: Islam, modern dance and music, handicrafts, industry,
and the country’s huge film industry.

Egypt, the People chronicles Egypt’s long history—the longest
recorded history of any country—from the time of the Pharaohs to the
present; looks at its peoples (Arab, Bedouin, Nubian, and Siwan) and
their customs, religion, food, clothing, school life, sports, and
pastimes; and contrasts life in the desert with life in the cities.

Although space is limited, the three books manage to do justice to the
intricate Egyptian mosaic, both past and present. The author has
interspersed interesting tidbits of information (myths, how to write
your name in hieroglyphs, even a recipe) among the facts. Full-color
photographs, illustrations, maps, and charts supplement the text. Each
book has an enticing cover and a glossary and index for handy reference.
The trilogy is recommended.