Brief Histories: Ancient Egypt

by Campbell Price

Journey back in time to explore one the most fascinating and influential periods of ancient history.In this concise and incredibly readable short history, Dr Campbell Price takes us through every aspect of Ancient Egypt, from the incredible architectural marvels of the pyramids of Giza to the visually stunning and complex language of hieroglyphics all the way through to those at the top of society, pharaohs such as Tutankhamen and queens like Cleopatra.Brief Ancient Egypt is the perfect short introduction for anyone interested in Ancient Egypt and all it has to offer.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

208 pages, Hardcover

Published April 29, 2025

Reviews

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok, so I’m biased because:
1) I have a MA in Egyptology
2) I was doing said degree at the same time and university as the author was working on his PhD.

But Campbell truly has a knack for writing about ancient Egypt and his enthusiasm is infectious. This book does a good job of making the academic accessible to anyone with a passing interest in ancient Egypt while also pointing out the biases so often present in Egyptology.

[Maria Lyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book in preparation for a trip to Egypt next month, the first time I have visited the country since the early 1990s. We are excited to visit the new Grand Egyptian Museum - apparently one of the best museums of the world- but I also felt that I needed a primer to start refreshing my memory of Egyptian history (or at least the Pharaonic period.) This book absolutely met the brief - immensely readable (short) and helpful. I might read again on the plane!

My favourite fact? Such was the immense sweep of Ancient Egyptian history and the period of time that the Pharaohs ruled, Cleopatra lived closer to the period of the iPhone than she did to the date when the pyramids at Giza were built....

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent brief book on ancient Egypt, written in an easy reading style whilst not lacking in scholarly detail.

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This brief history of the life and times of Ancient Egypt is a good place to start if you're unfamiliar with the civilisation. It's a good overview and written in an accessible style.

[Bianca Vecchio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal!! The historical pocket book every academic, student and Egypt enthusiast should carry on them!

[Olatz Ocáriz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Una buena introducción a los egipcios

[Keeaun Jones]

3.5*
Concise and informative, a quick read that answers general questions and curiosities about ancient Egypt. As someone who is no expert by any means, I found this book rather helpful.