Sunday, February 4, 2018

Review: The Great Pyramid of Giza: A History From Beginning to Present by Hourly History

Title: The Great Pyramid of Giza: A History From Beginning to Present
Author: Hourly History
Publication: January 30th 2018

Genre: Nonfiction, History
Purchase Link: Amazon

Rating: 1.5/5

* * *Download for FREE on Kindle Unlimited + Free BONUS Inside!* * *

Read On Your Computer, MAC, Smartphone, Kindle Reader, iPad, or Tablet.


Ancient Egypt has mystified and entranced generation after generation. Their mastery of architecture, their complex religious ideologies, and their peculiar views on death have given modern-day readers much to ponder. Few, if any, of their remaining relics have produced the awe and spectacular wonder of the Great Pyramids of Giza. These three architectural masterpieces have stood for over five thousand years despite looting, exploitation, and the slow erosion of time.

Inside you will read about...
✓ The Birth of a Wonder
✓ The Architect and Exterior Construction
✓ The Construction of the Interior: The King’s Tomb
✓ The End of the Old Kingdom
✓ The Birth of Egyptology
✓ The Great Pyramid Today
✓ Fringe Theories on the Great Pyramid
And much more!


This book will describe the history, theory, and ideology behind the construction of the last remaining ancient wonder of the world.


Only 1.5 stars for a book about the Great Pyramid of Giza?! I know, it was was unexpected for me too. I just couldn't give it a higher rating than that. It's weird because I never rated a book by Hourly History lower than three stars. Ancient Egypt also happens to be my favorite topic to read and learn about so in a way it makes sense that I would be more critical toward this particular book. I'm still not sure if I should post this review at all. I never really felt that way before about any review I've written. But honestly... reading this book made me really frustrated. I hope this review doesn't get to scathing but I just really want and need to voice my opinions about this.

First of all I need to say that this book is VERY mainstream. And personally, my opinion about anything related to ancient Egypt or the ancient world in general is anything but mainstream. I used to be a little more reluctant with voicing my opinion about these kind of things but no more of that now! There is really so much that's being kept secret about the history of humankind and a lot of mainstream historians, egyptologist and archaeologist just don't want to hear anything that doesn't fall in a straight line for them. Sad, but true.

So the Great Pyramid of Giza... In the book (and by mainstream historians) it's said that it was meant as a tomb for the pharaoh Khufu (who's also known as Cheops) and who ruled in the 4th Dynasty. Except that there isn't actual proof that this pyramid was build as a tomb for Khufu. None whatsoever! They can't even say it was a tomb at all because once again no proof. The mainstream historians can't even agree if the reign of Khufu lasted 23, 46 or even 63 years. So there's really big chance that they're dead wrong about the Great Pyramid as well.

Anyway, aside from all that the book had also two quotes by Zahi Hawass, who's one of the most famous Egyptologists in the world. And let's just say I'm not a fan of him and his actions in the past. I'm not going to get into that right now but I can say from what I know and read about him that he's not a very decent person. And I'll leave it at that.

Initionally I was going to rate this book with only one star but I decide to give it a half star extra because there was a (short) chapter dedicated to fringe theories. So I have to give the author a little credit for at least mentioning those, aside from the whole ancient aliens thing which is entertaining for sure but something I'm more than skeptical about. There were some interesting things in this book and I'm sure those who just want to read an introduction to the Great Pyramid and certain facts about ancient Egypt would enjoy reading it. It wasn't all bad but in the end it was way too mainstream and conventional for me. I just believe that the ancient Egyptians as well as humankind in general were far more advanced and older than mainstream historians gives them credit for. 




Check out my other Hourly History reviews:


More Hourly History reviews to come soon!


10 comments:

  1. Oh no! I'm sorry this wasn't what you thought it would be. Alternative theories are so much more interesting I think

    ReplyDelete
  2. How disappointing! This is such a fascinating topic, I'm sorry to hear it was a major miss for you!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I guess it has to happen every now and then. Not every book can be equally amazing.

      Delete
  3. Great review! I need to read more about Ancient Egypt but I won't be reading this one! Have a wonderful week, Stephanie!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Good! Because it would only bring you to the wrong conclusions. Thanks!

      Delete
  4. I don't recall ever seeing 1.5 on your blog. That's unfortunately this book didn't work. Hopefully the next one will be better, Stephanie.

    Lonna @ FLYLēF

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I actually had to create that one owl and a half graphic especially for this post so this is my first 1.5 star book.

      Delete
  5. I'm sorry that this one didn't work for you. It's so hard to find a good nonfiction author for me. I hope you enjoy your next read.

    Thanks for sharing,
    ~Brittany @ Brittany's Book Rambles

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. And have some favorite nonfiction authors but the thing is they don't publish a new book every year so that's hard as well.

      Delete

Share your thoughts! ♥