Short Synopsis
In this landmark work, one of the world's most renowned Egyptologists tells the epic story of this great civilization, from its birth as the first nation-state to its final absorption into the Roman Empire—three thousand years of wild drama, bold spectacle, and unforgettable characters.

Full Synopsis
In this landmark work, one of the world's most renowned Egyptologists tells the epic story of this great civilization, from its birth as the first nation-state to its final absorption into the Roman Empire—three thousand years of wild drama, bold spectacle, and unforgettable characters.

Award-winning scholar Toby Wilkinson captures not only the lavish pomp and artistic grandeur of this land of pyramids and pharaohs but for the first time reveals the constant propaganda and repression that were its foundations. Drawing upon forty years of archaeological research, Wilkinson takes us inside an exotic tribal society with a pre-monetary economy and decadent, divine kings who ruled with all-too-recognizable human emotions.

Riveting and revelatory, filled with new information and unique interpretations, The Rise and Fall of Ancient Egypt will become the standard source about this great civilization, one that lasted—so far—longer than any other.

"[Michael Page] conveys the sense of the text, and the author's implicit judgments, skillfully and subtly and renders a great number of complex Egyptian names and terms with the ring of authenticity." ---AudioFile

"This is a penetrating and authoritative overview of a violent ancient civilization often revered by contemporary scholars and enthusiasts." ---Publishers Weekly Starred Review

“Engrossing . . . Readers will find it hard to put down. . . . This book will serve as a standard for general readers and college students alike.” ---Library Journal Starred Review

“[Wilkinson] writes with considerable verve. . . . [He] is nimble at conveying the sumptuous pageantry and cultural sophistication of pharaonic Egypt.” ---New York Times

“With a literary flair and a sense for a story well told, Mr. Wilkinson offers a highly readable, factually up-to-date account.” ---Wall Street Journal

“Magisterial . . . [A] rich portrait of ancient Egypt’s complex evolution over the course of three millenniums.” ---Los Angeles Times

Publishers Weekly Review

Library Journal Review

New York Times Bestseller