The Egyptian Pyramids: A Comprehensive, Illustrated Reference

Rating:
Summary: Worth the Price of Admission
Review: First off, thanks supreme to Lepre for compiling the information and writing this book. While Lepre is an avid believer that the pyramids were tombs, the author presents here a large amount of very useful detail about the more popular pyramids such as those at Giza and Dashur, as well as many smaller or lesser known structures. The admirable plan of organization consists of part database, part review of previous historical treatment, and part on-site observations. In no other source will you find even remotely comparable information gathered into one place. The book is well illustrated and as complete as humanly possible.

The texts for each of 42 known pyramid building pharoahs includes biographical information, such as various their names, dates of reign, available portrait imagery, and cartouche. After an article analyzing the known and unknown about each structure--presented in the standard Club Egyptology sequence--Lepre summarizes the structures in terms of available plans, interior and exterior photography, recovered artifacts such as mummy, treasure, and presence of a sarcophagus; then treats similarly information about subsidary buildings or satellite pyramids. Also included are mention of the Sphinx and closeby temples.

Throughout the book, the text reaffirms the standard academic approach to the pyramids. Lepre, however, is fair enough to mention other explanations, and to show the inadequacies of all theories where possible. The chapter on pyramid construction is a bit disappointing in its assurance of "this is the way things were done," but it's a clear report of the academic view.

What makes this book intriguing for all those who look for the as-yet-undiscovered is the chapter "Secret Chambers" in the back of the volume which discuss many anomalous elements and unpursued mysteries. Lepre does, especially, treat us to exact descriptions and line drawings of very likely unopened chambers in or at the Great Pyramid, and the Red and Bent Pyramids at Dashur. Amazingly, as Lepre notes, there seems little interest among the controlling authorities to pursue these tantalizing and specific leads. Makes you want to rush right out to Giza with a forklift!

Get this book and spend time with the whole text. Even though the later pyramids are scarcely comparable to early great ones, Lepre supplies a constant stream of information that integrates knowledge of, pardon the pun, the whole field. Take the scholarly adherence about tomb theory with the standard dose of salt, and read on!

Rating:
Summary: I'm getting a copy for my very own ASAP.
Review: I was so impressed with the amount of information that I'm going to keep my overdue copy from the library until I can get a copy of my own. HELP me get a copy ASAP!