Ancient Egypt: Anatomy of Civilization by Barry J. Kemp

 I recently finished Ancient Egypt: Anatomy of Civilization by Barry J. Kemp. I very much enjoyed the overview of how the ancient society and folklore of Egypt's early peoples led to the establishment of what we know as Egyptian civilization. He does this through his extensive personal archeological digs he has done, as well as that of other archeologists and specialists. 

I like his admittance, in several parts of the book, of what is conjecture or theory backed up by his presented evidence. Its refreshing to read the humble words of an esteemed archeologist admit such rather than think what is probable is fact.

It is has many illustrations and photos, enabling the reader to better visualize sculpture and locations that he discusses. The chapters are: Part I Establishing identity; 1 Who were the ancient Egyptians?; 2 The intellectual foundations of the early state; 3 The dynamics of culture; Part II The provider state; 4 The bureaucratic mind; 5 Model communities; Part III Intimations of our future; 6 New Kingdom Egypt: the mature state; 7 The birth of economic man; 8 Egypt in microcosm: the city of Amarna. 

Recommended for those interested in Ancient Egypt beyond the history and a discussion on the society that lived during the time.