Moses, The Prince of Egypt

by Dorothy Clarke Wilson

A brilliant work of biblical fiction by Dorothy Clarke Wilson, Moses, The Prince of Egypt was immediately embraced by the public when first published in 1949 (as Prince of Egypt). The novel became an inspiration for the 1956 film, The Ten Commandments -- now a classic in its own right. It is a wonderfully entertaining and well-researched story of Moses from his teenage years through early manhood when he rejects his royal lifestyle upon learning of his Hebrew birth and becomes a shepherd among his own people. After centuries of slavery and bondage, with God's help, Moses eventually leads the Jewish people to freedom. Moses, the Prince of Egypt became a favorite of reader's, selling more than 500,000 copies worldwide and has truly achieved the status of a modern classic.

Genres: Historical Fiction

390 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1949

About the author

Dorothy Clarke Wilson (May 9, 1904 – March 26, 2003) was an American writer, perhaps best known for her novel Prince of Egypt (1949), which was a primary source for the Cecil B. DeMille film, The Ten Commandments (1956).

Source: Wikipedia

Reviews

[Jimmy Lee]

I picked up this book because it was considered the primary source for Cecil B. DeMille's "Ten Commandments," the movie that offers us Charlton Heston parting the Red Sea, and other vintage 1956 special effects. This was probably the most famous of Dorothy Clark Wilson's 30+ inspirational/biblical books - but nonetheless, I was surprised at what I got.

We still have the familiar story of Moses, but with just one powerful message, no special effects, and far more depth of character. We watch the main character's developing, and at times painful, friendship with older prince Amon-nebet, heir to the throne of Egypt - and heir to the hand of the woman Nefretiri, whom Moses loves. And we see Moses endure the petty machinations of Ramses, the callow younger prince. As this goes on, the mothers of each prince scheme and plot to place their son on the throne as the next king; Nefretiri establishes her own preference; current Pharoah Seti grooms his heir.

We follow Moses to war, through disgrace and triumph. As he weaves his way through the politics of his family, thoughts of his own rumoured origin, and his relationship to Egypt's slaves, begin to overwhelm him. The scheming by Nefretiri, Seti and the mothers comes for naught when Moses flees Egypt after committing a crime. It is in the desert where he finds his true self, and peace - but that peace is temporary. Because in the desert, he not only finds his god, but realizes that he must bring his god to his people and save them from slavery.

If you've watched the movie, you've probably noticed that the climax is the parting of the Red Sea, after which most repeat viewers retire. Subsequent events - Moses hiking up Mount Sinai, the Golden Calf, and the revelation of the Ten Commandments - seem rather anti-climatic after so many chariots washing away. And sensibly that is where Wilson's book ends.

But the book has a simple, powerful, message to convey, which the movie completely neglects. DeMille focused his film on the freeing of the Hebrew slaves ("Let My People Go"); the book focuses on every man being made in the image of God; all men therefore being equal in the eyes of God and the entire concept of slavery being wrong regardless of the race of the sufferer. Such a jaw-dropping difference, which made the 460+ pages of my Pocket Cardinal Edition well worth the read.

[Carol Ritz]

Interesting read because it imagines how the story of Moses could have happened, without supernatural intervention.

[Mae Clair]

Portions of this book were used as a basis for the Cecil B. DeMille movie, The Ten Commandments. It takes Moses from a child in Egypt to the parting of the Red Sea. I was surprised that I actually enjoyed the first half, dealing with Moses's life in the palace, better than the second half.

I kept waiting for him to meet God on the Mountain, confront Ramses by pronouncing God's plagues. None of that happens until 3/4 of the way into the book, and then much of the divinity of God is removed in favor of natural explanations. Even the presence of the Great I AM in the burning bush was glossed over in a different manner. Also, much of the story drags, and by the time I reached sections I had been looking forward to (God's judgement on Egypt), I was skimming passages.

I did enjoy the fictional characters of Tharbis, White Elephant, and Sinuhe, but overall this could have been a much stronger story had it stuck to the Biblical telling of Moses's life and the Exodus.

[Elyse DeBarre]

As an archaeologist and historical author, I've always been fascinated by how authors incorporate Divine elements in their narratives. "Prince of Egypt" has been part of my family's collection since childhood. Inspired by "The Ten Commandments" movie, I decided at age 8 to become an archaeologist—a dream I proudly achieved.

The movie not only became my favorite but also influenced my career choice. I also read Noerdlinger's book on his research for the movie, which provided valuable historical insights I've referenced in my academic work.

As a theist writing for a general audience, I appreciate this book's subtle handling of Divine elements without explicit mention, aiming for a Universal approach. I strive for a similar balance in my own historical novels, blending historical and scientific perspectives.

I've rated this book 4 stars for its personal significance and my anticipation of its content. I plan to update my review once I've finished reading it.

[Glenda]

I picked up this book because it was considered the primary source for Cecil B. DeMille's "Ten Commandments." The book is an interesting read; however, I was a little disappointed she removed the supernatural aspect of the plagues and inserted, as some scientist do, hypothesis of other phenomenon that could cause the pestilence.

[Glenda Tyus]

I picked up this book because it was considered the primary source for Cecil B. DeMille's "Ten Commandments." The book is an interesting read; however, I was a little disappointed she removed the supernatural aspect of the plagues and inserted, as some scientist do, hypothesis of other phenomenon that could cause the pestilence.

[Atticus]

Probably my favourite interpretation of the story of Moses. I applaud Dorothy Clarke Wilson for not only creating a gripping story paired with fantastic characters, but also for giving the reader an entrancing look into how Egypt may have been all those years ago. My only complaint, as minor as it is, is that I become slightly less invested once Moses left Egypt (which if my memory serves me, was a bit after the halfway point of the book). See, what kept me wanting to read more was Moses and his place in Egyptian royalty, and the characters he interacted with there.

Overall, this is a excellent read, regardless of if you're religious or not.

[Danielle Snow]

I read this book expecting "The Ten Commandments" in book form and was sorely disappointed. The author cast doubt on the Biblical account by denying the power of God in the plagues of Egypt, and in the deliverance of His people all together. The call of Moses was also a let down because he never sees the burning bush and is never directly spoken to by the God we hear in the Pentateuch. His voice is simply a whisper in the book in contrast with the thundering in God's Word.

[Judi]

The story begins when Moses is a child growing up in the palace as the adopted son of the pharaohs sister. It follows his adventures as a child, the discovery of his true parentage, palace intrigues and his life long search for faith. This is a well written book and the author clearly did a lot of research into the daily lives of the pharaoh and his subjects.

[Jenna]

I've enjoyed some of her other historical fiction works, though this isn't my favourite, it was still an interesting read.

[Dottie]

The original was better.