The Pyramids of Egypt by I. E. S. Edwards
"The Pyramids of Egypt" by I. E. S. Edwards offers an insightful exploration of one of the most iconic symbols of ancient Egypt: the pyramids. The book traces the evolution of royal tombs from simple burial mounds to the intricate designs of the true pyramids, emphasizing their religious and spiritual significance. Each pyramid typically faces the cardinal points and features a solid rectangular base with sloping triangular sides, culminating in a pointed apex. A significant portion of the text is dedicated to the Giza pyramids, highlighting their grandeur and the surrounding architectural complexes, which often included chapels for religious ceremonies.
Edwards delves into the historical context, artistic representations, and construction techniques of these monumental structures, while also contemplating their purpose as representations of the sun's rays, facilitating the ascent of deceased kings to the heavens. The book is well-illustrated, featuring color and black-and-white plates, maps, and sketches, enhancing the reader's understanding of ancient Egyptian art and architecture. Additionally, a comprehensive bibliography provides avenues for further research in multiple languages. Overall, Edwards' work ignites curiosity about these ancient wonders, encouraging readers to delve deeper into the rich tapestry of Egyptian history and culture.
Subject Terms
The Pyramids of Egypt by I. E. S. Edwards
First published: 1947; illustrated
Subjects: Arts, death, religion, science, and the supernatural
Type of work: History
Time of work: From approximately 2686 b.c. to a.d. 350
Recommended Ages: 13-18
Locale: Upper and Lower Egypt
Principal Personages:
Zoser , the king of the Third Dynasty who built the first stone step pyramid at Saqqara near CairoCheops (Khufu) , the king who founded the Fourth Dynasty and built the Great Pyramid of Giza, marking the apogee of these monumentsTutankhamen , the king of the Eighteenth Dynasty whose highly valued tomb was discovered by British Egyptologist Howard Carter in 1922 under a natural pyramid at Luxor, Upper EgyptNapoleon Bonaparte , the French general and later emperor whose scholars surveyed the pyramids of Giza during his Egyptian campaignAuguste Mariette , an important French Egyptologist who studied the pyramid of Chephren at Giza in 1853Gaston-Camille-Charles Maspero , an important French Egyptologist who, like Mariette, discovered structures in pyramid complexes
Form and Content
Against an outline of Egyptian dynastic history and an analysis of ancient Egyptian religion, I. E. S. Edwards, who once served as the keeper of Egyptian antiquities at the British Museum in London, traces the evolution of the royal tomb from the simple burial mound through the subsequent mastaba (bench), the step pyramid, and the familiar true pyramid, only found in Egypt. All of these are funerary monuments with wider religious and spiritual significance.
For those not conversant with pyramid complexes, Edwards describes the solid pile of stones, square in plan and with triangular sides, directly facing the points of the compass, sloping at varying angles of about fifty degrees, and meeting at the apex. By far the longest chapter of the eight in the book is devoted to the Giza group of pyramids, the largest and finest of their kind. A general description, often with illustrations, is offered of the buildings adjacent to the pyramid, which frequently include a chapel for the performance of religious rites as well as the smaller pyramids of the most important wives, lesser kin, and notables.
Historic, artistic, and religious presentations of pyramids defined by date, sites, size, and other details follow. The final chapter of The Pyramids of Egypt speculates on the probable methods of construction and on the purpose of the pyramids. The author covers the problems connected with the exact orientation of a pyramid on the four cardinal points, ensuring that its base forms a perfect square as nearly as possible, as well as several other difficulties associated with this type of construction. For the purpose underlying these monuments, Edwards suggests a material representation of the sun’s rays and hence a means whereby dead kings (in the case of true pyramids) could ascend to heaven.
The book contains color plates, a larger set of black-and-white plates, and figures of various kinds, such as maps, plans, and sketches. The inclusion of representative artwork such as a color photograph of the ivory figure of King Cheops (or Khufu) displays ancient Egyptian art at its finest. A table of major Egyptian pyramids listing approximate date, location, dimensions, and name is especially helpful. An excellent bibliography with sources in English, French, and German—including works by scholars from what at the time were communist countries—follows. The book tantalizes young readers, inspiring them to probe further the mysteries inherent in things and individuals from long ago.
Critical Context
The body of Iorwerth Eiddon Stephen Edwards’ publications covering the years 1939 to 1991, when the fourth revised edition of The Pyramids of Egypt appeared in paperback in Britain, has set standards in the field. The other works of this Cambridge-trained author and renowned Egyptologist—such as three publications on King Tutankhamen—have much to do with his seminal effort. While competing books in this relatively crowded field—for example, John D. Clare’s Pyramids of Ancient Egypt (1992) or James Putnam’s Pyramid (1994)—may dwell more on the details of daily life in ancient Egypt or other aspects, Edwards’ book does not run the risk of being dethroned any more than the Egyptian pharaohs whose burial cenotaphs are discussed so absorbingly.
Young readers are interested in learning about piles of stone and their ancillary complexes because they are the relics of an ancient and fascinating era and as such have historical value. Studying the pyramids also opens doors to the understanding of the skill and dedication of ancient people working with primitive tools and ingredients and yet managing to build these structures of size and beauty, often containing the well-preserved remains of royalty who died ages ago. To the extent that humans are the sum total of everything that has gone before, getting into the minds of these creative ancient people through their monuments, artifacts, customs, beliefs, and rituals may help modern people understand themselves better.