The Complete Pyramids: Solving the Ancient Mysteries

Like its author, this book is completely devoted to the Pyramids of Egypt. The major premise - that the archaeological record bears witness to an evolution of pyramid design, construction and function from beginning to end of the Pyramid Age - is demonstrated brilliantly and completely. It explains without exhausting the religious significance of the conceptual Pyramid Complex, then concentrates on the `brick and mortar' aspects of its subject. An informative review of explorations at the pyramid sites throughout the ages is equally as interesting as the detailed descriptions of the pyramids themselves that follows in a section fittingly titled "The Whole Pyramid Catalogue". This catalogue, comprising fully half the volume, is a description of each individual Egyptian Pyramid Complex presented (chronologically) with such clarity of detail that it dispels all ambiguity created by several lifetimes of sensationalist and speculative journalism surrounding its subject. In its latter pages the author discusses the role of the Pyramid Complex as administrative center and landlord in later antiquity, and gracefully addresses the more controversial of topics, including the ubiquitous "how did they do it" question, along with his own speculations on some unanswered sociological questions - the size of the work force and logistics. Quite reasoned and well-informed estimates lead him to conclusions that will in their own right prove controversial. One notable unintended consequence of this volume is that many artifacts, presented elsewhere as "Art", assume their appropriate contextual venue and so now hold much more meaning for this reader. The Narmer Palate as declarative stellae in a walled courtyard at Nekhen is one example, the gilded yet austere canopied boudoir of Hetepheres is another. The text is very well written and easily read. Heavily illustrated, the photographs are appropriate, of excellent quality and are well placed; line drawings are used throughout to clarify and supplement photographs. With this volume Dr. Mark Lehner joins the ranks of Egypt's most celebrated archaeologists, and surpasses them all in understanding and presentation of the facts concerning the Pyramids.

I have read many books on the pyramids, many of the alien/atlantis ilk and these were always high on theory and very low on facts. This book however was exceptional because it present facts, diagrams, site plans, cross sections and measurements and entire histories and photographs, of just about every pyramid in Egypt, which comes to about 70. There are no fanciful theories, just plain facts and information and plenty of it. It also gives a very useful section on the history of the discovery and excavations of the pyramid sites and like many of the previous reviewers, I too regret not having known about this book before I went to Egypt, as it would have been invaluable, and I think I would have visited several other sites, as a result.I give this 5 stars, because although some extra information could have been provided, the amount of data that has been included far surpasses anything else available, and I feel that this should be reflected in the rating.

I concur with the review below. I wish that I had this book with me when I went to Giza and Memphis. The pictures and text are beyond praise. Just an excellent resource for anyone interested in the pyramids.

The title of this book is so accurate! An overview of each major pyramid, replete with detailed illustrations, as well as a lot about Egyptian religion and all the excavations and explorations. If you have this book, you need no other Pyramid book! Ever!

I have read several books on pyramids and have found none that gives the reader the text with very accurate pictures and drawnings as "The Complete Pyramids". This book is a must for those who need a good, general reference. It will be the center piece of the archaeological section in my office.