One of the world's earliest civilizations flowered in the valley of the Nile River. For three thousand years the Pharaohs ruled over ancient Egypt, and the glorious works of art and architecture created in this period have never been surpassed.

In this addition to her acclaimed "Art of..." series, Shirley Glubok offers an absorbing view of Egyptian art and life—from the time of the Pharaoh Menes, who united Upper and Lower Egypt, through the Old, Middle and New Kingdoms, to Cleopatra VII, the last ruler before Egypt felt to the Romans.

Superb photographs show lofty pyramids, mysterious sphinxes and graceful temples in their desert settings, vivid paintings on the walls of tombs, statues of kings, queens and nobles; mummy cases and royal jewelry. The extraordinary range of Egyptian artistic achievement is examined and explained in a clearly written text that discusses the history, mythology, daily life, customs and religious beliefs of the ancient Egyptians.

From the dust jacket