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How to Survive in Ancient Egypt
Focussing on Thebes in 1360 BCE, How to Survive in Ancient Egypt is the ultimate guide to living in ancient Egypt including all of the religious beliefs and sites to see.Imagine you were transported back in time to Ancient Egypt and you had to start a new life there. How would you fit in? Where would you live? What would you eat? Where would you go to have your hair done? Who would you go to if you got ill, or if you were mugged in the street? All these questions, and many more, will be answered in this new how-to guide for time travellers. Part self-help guide, part survival guide, this lively and engaging book will help the reader deal with the many problems and new experiences that they will face, and also help them to thrive in this strange new environment.
169 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 29, 2020
128 people are currently reading
474 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
July 3, 2023
Review Lacklustre. That was my experience of this very bare bones book. I've read so many books on ancient Egypt and viewed so many museum exhibits on life back then, that I think unless you are a complete beginner to Egyptian culture there just isn't anything new in this book at all.
A lot of the book is history of the times, and the person to whom the book is addressed is a middle-class male looking to fit right in to a society in the 18th Dynasty that thought women were workhorses and deserved nothing better. One thing I did learn was that jobs were usually inherited, which sounds somewhat like a caste system. I would like to have this explored but, as I said, bare bones.
Men had their workdays and their pastimes. Women sometimes worked but only if their job did not involve having men work under them and for less pay, but were said to work from the time of rising until they went to bed. Much like many modern societies, and many men in our societies, a man thought his duty was to bring home his pay and make babies so he could have a son to succeed him, and that everything else no matter what was for women to do. The usual 80%/20% 'rule'. And we are talking middle class now, as the author makes clear there just aren't enough sources for working class people.
__________
Reading notes The author is very keen for the reader to know that most of the names we use for ancient Egypt were in fact Greek. Egypt was called Kemet by Egyptians, Pharoah is equally a Greek derivation, the Egyptians called the ruler King or His Majesty. The author spends much time and detail on these names. So when she calls Palestine that I am wondering how far that name goes back and why she doesn't go into it, it was an integral part of Egypt for many periods (territory wars are not a new feature of the Middle East or for that matter, anywhere in the world).
The first record of Palestine which was called Philestia, the land of the Philistines is not until the 20th dynasty, which considering this book is about the 18th dynasty and wasn't even mentioned then, perhaps because nothing about it was important enough to write down as an outlying part of Egypt, or at least in the surviving records.
That area later became Canaan, then Samaria and Judea which together formed Israel but at that point was not part of Egypt. The name Palestine first appears in the 5thC BCE (a long time after the period in this book) by Herodotus who says it is part of Syria. The area changed hands a lot!
A note: It really puts me off reading books that go into a lot of detail about some things but others, closely related, are just ignored or seem to be misinformation. Makes me wonder what else is omitted or has been included without regard to strict historical records.
The author says that only 1% of people were literate (I have read that up to 5% were literate, but I suppose it depends on the time period) and then from the middle and upper classes only, so that the book is restricted to the lives of the middle and upper classes who lived in the 18th dynasty 1360 BCE in the city of Thebes, a Greek name itself, the Egyptians called it Waset.
2.5 stars rounded up because it isn't a bad book at all. Just not a good one for me.
A lot of the book is history of the times, and the person to whom the book is addressed is a middle-class male looking to fit right in to a society in the 18th Dynasty that thought women were workhorses and deserved nothing better. One thing I did learn was that jobs were usually inherited, which sounds somewhat like a caste system. I would like to have this explored but, as I said, bare bones.
Men had their workdays and their pastimes. Women sometimes worked but only if their job did not involve having men work under them and for less pay, but were said to work from the time of rising until they went to bed. Much like many modern societies, and many men in our societies, a man thought his duty was to bring home his pay and make babies so he could have a son to succeed him, and that everything else no matter what was for women to do. The usual 80%/20% 'rule'. And we are talking middle class now, as the author makes clear there just aren't enough sources for working class people.
__________
Reading notes The author is very keen for the reader to know that most of the names we use for ancient Egypt were in fact Greek. Egypt was called Kemet by Egyptians, Pharoah is equally a Greek derivation, the Egyptians called the ruler King or His Majesty. The author spends much time and detail on these names. So when she calls Palestine that I am wondering how far that name goes back and why she doesn't go into it, it was an integral part of Egypt for many periods (territory wars are not a new feature of the Middle East or for that matter, anywhere in the world).
The first record of Palestine which was called Philestia, the land of the Philistines is not until the 20th dynasty, which considering this book is about the 18th dynasty and wasn't even mentioned then, perhaps because nothing about it was important enough to write down as an outlying part of Egypt, or at least in the surviving records.
That area later became Canaan, then Samaria and Judea which together formed Israel but at that point was not part of Egypt. The name Palestine first appears in the 5thC BCE (a long time after the period in this book) by Herodotus who says it is part of Syria. The area changed hands a lot!
A note: It really puts me off reading books that go into a lot of detail about some things but others, closely related, are just ignored or seem to be misinformation. Makes me wonder what else is omitted or has been included without regard to strict historical records.
The author says that only 1% of people were literate (I have read that up to 5% were literate, but I suppose it depends on the time period) and then from the middle and upper classes only, so that the book is restricted to the lives of the middle and upper classes who lived in the 18th dynasty 1360 BCE in the city of Thebes, a Greek name itself, the Egyptians called it Waset.
2.5 stars rounded up because it isn't a bad book at all. Just not a good one for me.
March 21, 2020
This book was a lot of fun, and I mean a lot of fun. Probably two prerequisites (1) An interest in Ancient History and (2) a vivid imagination. Tick, tick,
How to Survive in Ancient Egypt, by Charlotte Booth asks the reader to become a visitor to ancient Thebes - modern Luxor - in the magnificent River Nile, during the period 1360 BCE. This is a period of Ancient Period, known as the glory days, under Amenhotep III in the 18th dynasty who reigned between 1386 BCE and 1349 BCE.
Firstly, the Author - Charlotte Booth is a qualified Egyptologist and has authored a number of books on the subject. She teaches hieroglyphs and Egyptology so she seems to know what she's banging on about.
So I strapped on my board shorts, Led Zeppelin T-shirt and Crocs and took my flight from Cairns in Far North Queensland to Thebes - via Cairo and Singapore of course.
Booth paints a lively picture of this bustling region, the fertile borders of the Nile, rich in people and produce. She asks the reader to participate here and fire up our minds-eye and imagine we need to look for a job, a house, feed and clothe ourselves. As a dreamer - this came very easy to me, so I played my part and was richly rewarded.
There are so many interesting sections and chapters in this book I can only highlight a few of them.
Pyramids We learn what they are, why they were and where they are. I found it particularly interesting to learn the earliest pyramids (2600 BCE) were the step pyramids of Djosser at Saqqara (a 5 day walk from Thebes - glad I kept hold of my Crocs!). I got to see these beautiful structures which were the precursors of the smooth walled Pyramids we are used to seeing.
Cheese During my walk to these structures I was able to feast on beautiful cheeses, made from cows, goats and sheep. Later when I returned, it was also interesting to learn the oldest 'lump' of cheese was later found in 2018 in a Saqqara tomb and was aged for an incredible 3,200 years. Amazing!!
Professional Mourners I had a quiet chuckle, and I had to be discrete so as not to cause offence. But I realised many of the mourners in a middle class funeral I stumbled on where in fact professional mourners. These people were paid to scream, cry and rip their clothes off and tear their hair out to show how well-loved the deceased was. What??
Perfume So as to smell half-decent at various parties I attended (I proved to be a bit of a novelty, due to my accent) - I wore Perfumed Cones on my head - I helped make these, using animal fat and flower petals. It took a while, but after adding many layers and flowers, and when their bouquet overpowered the rancid fat - I was good to go. These cones melted as the evening progressed, released a beautiful, enchanting aroma.
Medicine At one stage, after devouring some - admittedly - aged poultry, I needed to seek a remedy for indigestion. It was swiftly dealt with, after consulting the local priest who gave me a mixture of, crushed hog's tooth and the dough of four sweet cakes. I ate them for four days and was fixed - I think.
I learned what to eat, what types of jobs were available (I applied to be a village scribe, but ended up being a Mourner), how to pray, how to stay healthy and so, so much more. The book has many excellent photos to help you picture what was happening.
I was really enjoyed this. Apart from being educational, it proved to be a blast.
4 Stars
I would like to thank NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for a review.
How to Survive in Ancient Egypt, by Charlotte Booth asks the reader to become a visitor to ancient Thebes - modern Luxor - in the magnificent River Nile, during the period 1360 BCE. This is a period of Ancient Period, known as the glory days, under Amenhotep III in the 18th dynasty who reigned between 1386 BCE and 1349 BCE.
Firstly, the Author - Charlotte Booth is a qualified Egyptologist and has authored a number of books on the subject. She teaches hieroglyphs and Egyptology so she seems to know what she's banging on about.
So I strapped on my board shorts, Led Zeppelin T-shirt and Crocs and took my flight from Cairns in Far North Queensland to Thebes - via Cairo and Singapore of course.
Booth paints a lively picture of this bustling region, the fertile borders of the Nile, rich in people and produce. She asks the reader to participate here and fire up our minds-eye and imagine we need to look for a job, a house, feed and clothe ourselves. As a dreamer - this came very easy to me, so I played my part and was richly rewarded.
There are so many interesting sections and chapters in this book I can only highlight a few of them.
Pyramids We learn what they are, why they were and where they are. I found it particularly interesting to learn the earliest pyramids (2600 BCE) were the step pyramids of Djosser at Saqqara (a 5 day walk from Thebes - glad I kept hold of my Crocs!). I got to see these beautiful structures which were the precursors of the smooth walled Pyramids we are used to seeing.
Cheese During my walk to these structures I was able to feast on beautiful cheeses, made from cows, goats and sheep. Later when I returned, it was also interesting to learn the oldest 'lump' of cheese was later found in 2018 in a Saqqara tomb and was aged for an incredible 3,200 years. Amazing!!
Professional Mourners I had a quiet chuckle, and I had to be discrete so as not to cause offence. But I realised many of the mourners in a middle class funeral I stumbled on where in fact professional mourners. These people were paid to scream, cry and rip their clothes off and tear their hair out to show how well-loved the deceased was. What??
Perfume So as to smell half-decent at various parties I attended (I proved to be a bit of a novelty, due to my accent) - I wore Perfumed Cones on my head - I helped make these, using animal fat and flower petals. It took a while, but after adding many layers and flowers, and when their bouquet overpowered the rancid fat - I was good to go. These cones melted as the evening progressed, released a beautiful, enchanting aroma.
Medicine At one stage, after devouring some - admittedly - aged poultry, I needed to seek a remedy for indigestion. It was swiftly dealt with, after consulting the local priest who gave me a mixture of, crushed hog's tooth and the dough of four sweet cakes. I ate them for four days and was fixed - I think.
I learned what to eat, what types of jobs were available (I applied to be a village scribe, but ended up being a Mourner), how to pray, how to stay healthy and so, so much more. The book has many excellent photos to help you picture what was happening.
I was really enjoyed this. Apart from being educational, it proved to be a blast.
4 Stars
I would like to thank NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for a review.
May 12, 2020
This is a really fun way to learn about ancient history. It’s presented as a travel guide and really helps spark the reader’s imagination. It will definitely help those trying to homeschool reluctant students of history.
This unbiased review is based on a complimentary copy provided by the publisher.
This unbiased review is based on a complimentary copy provided by the publisher.
January 15, 2023
Jest coś przyjemnego w powrocie do tematów, które się kojarzy ze szkoły. Wtedy niekoniecznie zawsze chciało się zgłębiać historię, religie starożytne czy ogólnie pojętą tradycję - nie tylko tę naszą europejską. Cieszę się, że czuję zainteresowanie takimi tematami nie tylko wtedy, kiedy byłam "zmuszona" w jakiś sposób do nauki. Do tego przydają się książki właśnie takie jak ta, która opowiada o starożytnym Kemet w bardzo przystępny sposób - stajemy się na chwilę samymi mieszkańcami Teb.
Mankamentem jest dla mnie ilość wiedzy, a raczej wątków, o których autor chce wspomnieć, opowiedzieć, a przynajmniej zahaczyć o nie. Wszystko się przez to nieco rozmywa, a my - ruszając dalej z lekturą - mamy wręcz tendencję do zapominania o tym, o czym była mowa poprzednim rozdziale. Dlaczego? Bo tyle jest właśnie tych wątków, często tylko wtrąconych i niedopowiedzianych. Na tyle, że przyzwyczajamy się do tego i przestajemy rejestrować. A chyba nie o to chodzi, kiedy chcemy dowiedzieć się czegoś o dawnym egipskim świecie.
Mankamentem jest dla mnie ilość wiedzy, a raczej wątków, o których autor chce wspomnieć, opowiedzieć, a przynajmniej zahaczyć o nie. Wszystko się przez to nieco rozmywa, a my - ruszając dalej z lekturą - mamy wręcz tendencję do zapominania o tym, o czym była mowa poprzednim rozdziale. Dlaczego? Bo tyle jest właśnie tych wątków, często tylko wtrąconych i niedopowiedzianych. Na tyle, że przyzwyczajamy się do tego i przestajemy rejestrować. A chyba nie o to chodzi, kiedy chcemy dowiedzieć się czegoś o dawnym egipskim świecie.
August 29, 2020
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I was really excited to read this book, I love all this Ancient Egyptian and loved a visit I had to Cairo a few years ago so couldn't wait to jump in!
I really liked the way that the book was written, the author pitched the book perfectly and it was one I could pick up as and when I wanted over the space of a few days.
The chapter and topic lengths were perfect and I really like the way it was written as almost a travel guide on what to see, do and what not to do too!
The author was a little witty too where needed and it did make me giggle in places too - you never see a fat blind harpist after all! The book is written with a natural flow to it.
It is 4 stars from me for this one, I thought it was a great read - highly recommended!
I was really excited to read this book, I love all this Ancient Egyptian and loved a visit I had to Cairo a few years ago so couldn't wait to jump in!
I really liked the way that the book was written, the author pitched the book perfectly and it was one I could pick up as and when I wanted over the space of a few days.
The chapter and topic lengths were perfect and I really like the way it was written as almost a travel guide on what to see, do and what not to do too!
The author was a little witty too where needed and it did make me giggle in places too - you never see a fat blind harpist after all! The book is written with a natural flow to it.
It is 4 stars from me for this one, I thought it was a great read - highly recommended!
January 3, 2024
Z tej wyjątkowo ciekawej książki wiem, że gdybym mieszkała w starożytnym Egipcie pewnie już bym nie żyła. Głównie dlatego, że średnia wieku wynosiła wtedy 19 lat, a ja właśnie tyle mam, ale pewnie szybciej zdążyłby mnie zjeść krokodyl wychodzący z Nilu.
July 23, 2024
Bardzo ciekawa pozycja o Starożytnym Egipcie
February 28, 2024
Jeżeli to jest przewodnik po starożytnym Egipcie to ja jestem Matka Teresa z Kalkuty. Książka lepiej sprzedana niż napisana, ale pomijając fakt, że obok poradnika to ona nie stała to zawiera dużo ciekawej treści i wiele z niej wyniosłem. Chyba moja ulubiona ciekawostka to ta, że starożytni Egipcjanie wcinali piasek, podczas wyrobu żarcia niezbyt zwracano uwagę na czystość więc piwo czy też chleb zawierały w sobie piach. Książkę mogę polecić do czytania w głośnych miejscach, większość "poradnika" przeczytałem podczas lekcji chemii.
February 18, 2024
Średniak. Dużo wątków które są bardzo nierównomiernie opisane. Cześć tematów pogłębiona a cześć ledwo ruszona. Brakowało mi więcej zdjęć lub wizualizacji do większości rozdziałów. Mamy dokładne opisy ubrań i gier planszowych, jak wyglądają, jak zakłada sie ubranie i wiąże w pasie ale mam to sobie wyobrazić bo żadnej ilustracji nie zamieszczono, a szkoda. Styl pisania w ogóle mnie nie porwał a chociaż temat ciekawy i książka krótka to do skończenia jej musiałam się zmusić.
June 2, 2022
Kto nie chciał kiedyś cofnąć się w czasie? Czytając podręczniki do historii, nie raz i nie dwa zastanawiałam się, jak wyglądało życie w omawianym właśnie przez nas okresie. Jeśli również mieliście takie myśli, to seria o starożytnych cywilizacjach od Wydawnictwa Poznańskiego jest do tego idealna. A już na pewno majowa premiera „Jak przeżyć w starożytnym Egipcie”.
Nietypowa to książka historyczna, bo momentami człowiek może poczuć się, jakby czytał przewodnik. I ta zmiana formy w porównaniu do poprzednich tomów z tej serii działa zdecydowanie na plus. Autorka wręcz prowadzi czytelnika za rękę krok po kroku, dając dodatkowe rady, które nie tylko pozwolą mu przeżyć, gdyby w magiczny sposób odkrył wehikuł czasu i trafił do Teb, ale też zaspokoją wszelką ciekawość tych, którzy chcą wiedzieć, jak życie w tamtych czasach i w tamtym miejscu wyglądało. Charlotte Booth w bardzo przystępny sposób porusza wręcz ogrom wątków, o których niejeden czytelnik nie pomyślałby nawet w kategorii interesujących.
Jak wyglądało jedzenie w starożytnym Egipcie? A antykoncepcja? W jakich zawodach mogli szukać szczęścia i spełnienia zwykli obywatele? Od hierarchii w społeczeństwie przez zwyczaje i wierzenia aż po sytuację kobiet. Charlotte Booth nie boi się żadnego tematu i to sprawia, że książkę czyta się doskonale. Krótkie rozdziały, najlepsze ciekawostki (dodatkowo wyróżnione w tekście) i lekki ton. Gdybym miała wybrać najlepszą książkę z tej serii, to postawiłabym właśnie na tę. Bardzo przystępna nawet dla tych, którzy lekcje historii wspominają jako największą traumę swojego szkolnego życia. Na tej lekcji historii daty schodzą na dalszy plan; tym razem najważniejsze jest tło, na którym rozgrywały się największe bitwy i panowali najwięksi monarchowie. Tło, któremu zazwyczaj nie poświęcano czasu.
Nawet jeśli nigdy nie zastanawialiście się nad tym, jak wyglądało życie w starożytnych czasach, a sam Egipt średnio was interesował, zdecydowanie warto spróbować swoich sił przy tej pozycji. Bo to właśnie w taki sposób powinna być uczona historia. Bez zbędnego pośpiechu, w lekki i bardzo skondensowany sposób. Bo może gdy dowiemy się, z jakimi wyzwaniami musieli mierzyć się zwykli ludzie, to bardziej zainteresuje nas to, co się wydarzyło później. A zainteresować się historią można w każdym wieku, więc nawet jeśli nie będzie tego na kartkówce czy sprawdzianie, warto zapoznać się z tą pozycją. W końcu nigdy nie wiadomo, może kiedyś naprawdę ktoś zbuduje wehikuł czasu i wtedy książka Charlotte Booth z pewnością wam się przyda.
Nietypowa to książka historyczna, bo momentami człowiek może poczuć się, jakby czytał przewodnik. I ta zmiana formy w porównaniu do poprzednich tomów z tej serii działa zdecydowanie na plus. Autorka wręcz prowadzi czytelnika za rękę krok po kroku, dając dodatkowe rady, które nie tylko pozwolą mu przeżyć, gdyby w magiczny sposób odkrył wehikuł czasu i trafił do Teb, ale też zaspokoją wszelką ciekawość tych, którzy chcą wiedzieć, jak życie w tamtych czasach i w tamtym miejscu wyglądało. Charlotte Booth w bardzo przystępny sposób porusza wręcz ogrom wątków, o których niejeden czytelnik nie pomyślałby nawet w kategorii interesujących.
Jak wyglądało jedzenie w starożytnym Egipcie? A antykoncepcja? W jakich zawodach mogli szukać szczęścia i spełnienia zwykli obywatele? Od hierarchii w społeczeństwie przez zwyczaje i wierzenia aż po sytuację kobiet. Charlotte Booth nie boi się żadnego tematu i to sprawia, że książkę czyta się doskonale. Krótkie rozdziały, najlepsze ciekawostki (dodatkowo wyróżnione w tekście) i lekki ton. Gdybym miała wybrać najlepszą książkę z tej serii, to postawiłabym właśnie na tę. Bardzo przystępna nawet dla tych, którzy lekcje historii wspominają jako największą traumę swojego szkolnego życia. Na tej lekcji historii daty schodzą na dalszy plan; tym razem najważniejsze jest tło, na którym rozgrywały się największe bitwy i panowali najwięksi monarchowie. Tło, któremu zazwyczaj nie poświęcano czasu.
Nawet jeśli nigdy nie zastanawialiście się nad tym, jak wyglądało życie w starożytnych czasach, a sam Egipt średnio was interesował, zdecydowanie warto spróbować swoich sił przy tej pozycji. Bo to właśnie w taki sposób powinna być uczona historia. Bez zbędnego pośpiechu, w lekki i bardzo skondensowany sposób. Bo może gdy dowiemy się, z jakimi wyzwaniami musieli mierzyć się zwykli ludzie, to bardziej zainteresuje nas to, co się wydarzyło później. A zainteresować się historią można w każdym wieku, więc nawet jeśli nie będzie tego na kartkówce czy sprawdzianie, warto zapoznać się z tą pozycją. W końcu nigdy nie wiadomo, może kiedyś naprawdę ktoś zbuduje wehikuł czasu i wtedy książka Charlotte Booth z pewnością wam się przyda.
August 18, 2023
This book and I just did not click. Both informationally dense, but at the same time with bits that seemed superfluous. Just did not like the style of it, and finishing it was a bit of a chore.
There's a lot of interesting stuff in this book, but I'm unsure just how much I can take the information presented as given. For instance, a few paragraphs on how several board games are played and then in the info window an aside that we don't actually know. So just how much of everything in here is a "best guess"?
Plus I noticed typos and errors of similar kind.
Gotta say, as history books go, this one comes off as a bit second rate. On the other hand, it is a distillation of a lot of painstakingly acquired bits and pieces from very, very old sources. So I can't go lower than 3. A weak 3/5 though.
There's a lot of interesting stuff in this book, but I'm unsure just how much I can take the information presented as given. For instance, a few paragraphs on how several board games are played and then in the info window an aside that we don't actually know. So just how much of everything in here is a "best guess"?
Plus I noticed typos and errors of similar kind.
Gotta say, as history books go, this one comes off as a bit second rate. On the other hand, it is a distillation of a lot of painstakingly acquired bits and pieces from very, very old sources. So I can't go lower than 3. A weak 3/5 though.
April 15, 2020
We all know how the royals lived in Ancient Egypt, but what about the regular, everyday people? Their lives are often overshadowed by the larger than life figures of their leaders.
How to Survive in Ancient Egypt dives into the lives of the everyday Egyptians - their food, poetry, death, and clothing. It was a fascinating read, and one that had little quips of humor and jokes throughout. Charlotte Booth takes their lives, and breaks it down into easy to read sections, leaving nothing out!
I enjoyed reading through this! It was a fun look into the way that everyday Egyptians lived. Getting a glimpse into some of their poetry, foods, and more was eye opening and enlightening! This is a great book for those who enjoy history!
How to Survive in Ancient Egypt dives into the lives of the everyday Egyptians - their food, poetry, death, and clothing. It was a fascinating read, and one that had little quips of humor and jokes throughout. Charlotte Booth takes their lives, and breaks it down into easy to read sections, leaving nothing out!
I enjoyed reading through this! It was a fun look into the way that everyday Egyptians lived. Getting a glimpse into some of their poetry, foods, and more was eye opening and enlightening! This is a great book for those who enjoy history!
March 20, 2020
This is a must-read for anyone interested in time travel or those history buffs who also participate in cosplay. Maybe not a popular costume to wear at Renaissance Faires, there are numerous people who love to be as accurate as possible when doing re-enactments or cosplay (dressing up as your favorite character), which has extended out to anything a person is interested in. Even costume makers, seamstresses, or even tailors would find most of this book relevant to what they do. Very detailed and informative while not boring the reader in the least.
I received an advanced reader copy from NetGalley in exchange for my volunteer review.
I received an advanced reader copy from NetGalley in exchange for my volunteer review.
September 6, 2023
3,5/5 ⭐
Całkiem przyjemna, dosyć łatwo napisana książka. Myślę, że może być ciekawym urozmaiceniem dla młodzieży w wieku około 14/15 lat. Na koniec może nieco byłam już nią znudzona, jednak uważam, że może się sprawdzić czytana rozdziałami na wyrywki. Ciekawostki dodane do rozdziałów i ilustracje dobrze urozmaicają czytanie.
Całkiem przyjemna, dosyć łatwo napisana książka. Myślę, że może być ciekawym urozmaiceniem dla młodzieży w wieku około 14/15 lat. Na koniec może nieco byłam już nią znudzona, jednak uważam, że może się sprawdzić czytana rozdziałami na wyrywki. Ciekawostki dodane do rozdziałów i ilustracje dobrze urozmaicają czytanie.
June 19, 2024
Bardzo mi się podobała. Temat wyczerpany do końca, każda „kategoria życia” została poruszona i dogłębnie omówiona. Jak dla mnie jedynie trochę mało omówienia Bogów, ale to tak na prawdę jakbym się miała do czegoś przyczepić. Dobrze się bawiłam, książka była wciągająca.
October 28, 2024
3 / 5 ⭐️
Bardzo ciekawy koncept prowadzenia książki w formie a’la poradnika, ale z zachowaniem merytoryki historycznej. Dzięki przystępnej formie łatwo przyswaja się wiedzę i aż chce się czytać dalej. Dowiedziałam się wiele ciekawych rzeczy i z chęcią sięgnę po inne książki z tej serii.
Bardzo ciekawy koncept prowadzenia książki w formie a’la poradnika, ale z zachowaniem merytoryki historycznej. Dzięki przystępnej formie łatwo przyswaja się wiedzę i aż chce się czytać dalej. Dowiedziałam się wiele ciekawych rzeczy i z chęcią sięgnę po inne książki z tej serii.
June 24, 2022
4,5. Ciekawa książka, dużo informacji przekazanych w ciekawe formie, polecam.
October 10, 2022
Zbyt infantylna, wiele tematów mogłoby być bardziej rozwiniętych, a zostały przeleciane pobieżnie.
January 4, 2024
Nie jest to najwybitniejsza pozycja. Niektóre wątki były całkiem pogłębione, zaś inne potraktowane po macoszemu.
April 1, 2023
Very fun read
This book invites you into the journey while giving facts. Loved getting to walk a mile in their shoes. Would have like it better from a citizens perspective than a visitor's however.
This book invites you into the journey while giving facts. Loved getting to walk a mile in their shoes. Would have like it better from a citizens perspective than a visitor's however.
August 31, 2022
Egipt, państwo pustyni, położone w delcie Nilu i wzdłuż tej rzeki. Od zawsze mnie fascynowało, nie bez powodu z zapartym tchem czytam bądź oglądam dokumenty, książki, filmy których akcja dzieje się w Egipcie, czy nawiązują do ich wierzeń czy kultury. Dlatego gdy zobaczyłam ten poradnik "Jak przeżyć w starożytnym Egipcie?" od razu zapragnęłam go przeczytać. Moim pierwszym skojarzeniem była wydawna kiedyś w Polsce seria Strrraszna Historia i miałam nadzieję, że owa publikacja będzie napisana w podobnym tonie. Czy tak było? Czytajcie dalej. :)
Objętościowo jest podobna do książek z serii Strrraszna Historia, ale na tym niestety podobieństwa się kończą. Seria o której piszę była świetnie napisana, z pazurem, z zacięciem, doskonale łączyła wiedzę historyczną, ciekawostki z humorem. W recenzowanej dziś przez mnie książce odnajdziemy sporo ciekawostek, wiedzy historycznej, ale zabrakło tu humoru, mało jest także ilustracji, a mała czcionka nie ułatwia lektury.
Nie kończyłam egiptologii, więc nie wiem na ile zawarta w tej publikacji wiedza historyczna jest prawdziwa, czy nie wprowadza czytelnika w błąd, a widziałam już w recenzjach innych osób, że mają tej publikacji kilka rzeczy do zarzucenia. Mi w oczy nie rzuciły się jakieś błędy merytoryczne w treści książki, ale przestrzegam, że możecie się na takie natknąć podczas lektury, ale mogą one wynikać być może z zawirowań podczas tłumaczenia na polski, niż z braków wiedzy autorki na temat, o którym pisze. Ja nie zwróciłam na nie uwagi i nie przeszkadzały mi w odbiorze książki. Może jestem mniej czepliwa od innych recenzentów. :D
Publikacja podzielona jest na dwanaście krótkich rozdziałów, które przybliżają nam życie w starożytnym Egipcie. I tak dowiemy się co Egipcjanie jedli, jak mieszkali, jak dbali o zdrowie, o zmarłych, co uprawiali, hodowali, w co wierzyli, gdzie pracowali, jak spędzali czas wolny, jaka była ich moda i styl, jak wyglądały ich zakupy, a także jakie prawa tam obowiązywały.
W zakończeniu czytelnik odnajdzie także krótki słowniczek, bibliografię, spis ilustracji i przypisy.
"Jak przeżyć w starożytnym Egipcie? " to bardzo ciekawa publikacja, może różni się od serii książek z dzieciństwa, którą do dziś wspominam z rozrzewnieniem, ale w żaden sposób jej to nie ujmuje. Dla pasjonata historii, Egiptu będzie stanowiła świetną rozrywkę, nawet wyszukiwanie wspomnianych błędów merytorycznych, może stanowić nielada wyzwanie i dobrą zabawę. ;)
Ja podczas lektury bawiłam się dobrze, dowiedziałam się czegoś więcej o starożytnych Tebach, Egipcie i jestem zadowolona z lektury, choć mogę być nieobiektywna, bo kocham historię, a Egipt od zawsze mnie fascynuje. Ale jeśli jesteście ciekawi jak wyglądało życie w starożytnym Egipcie to śmiało sięgajcie i czytajcie, a ja przenoszę się teraz do starożytnego Rzymu. ;)
Za egzemplarz do recenzji dziękuję wydawnictwu Poznańskiemu.
Objętościowo jest podobna do książek z serii Strrraszna Historia, ale na tym niestety podobieństwa się kończą. Seria o której piszę była świetnie napisana, z pazurem, z zacięciem, doskonale łączyła wiedzę historyczną, ciekawostki z humorem. W recenzowanej dziś przez mnie książce odnajdziemy sporo ciekawostek, wiedzy historycznej, ale zabrakło tu humoru, mało jest także ilustracji, a mała czcionka nie ułatwia lektury.
Nie kończyłam egiptologii, więc nie wiem na ile zawarta w tej publikacji wiedza historyczna jest prawdziwa, czy nie wprowadza czytelnika w błąd, a widziałam już w recenzjach innych osób, że mają tej publikacji kilka rzeczy do zarzucenia. Mi w oczy nie rzuciły się jakieś błędy merytoryczne w treści książki, ale przestrzegam, że możecie się na takie natknąć podczas lektury, ale mogą one wynikać być może z zawirowań podczas tłumaczenia na polski, niż z braków wiedzy autorki na temat, o którym pisze. Ja nie zwróciłam na nie uwagi i nie przeszkadzały mi w odbiorze książki. Może jestem mniej czepliwa od innych recenzentów. :D
Publikacja podzielona jest na dwanaście krótkich rozdziałów, które przybliżają nam życie w starożytnym Egipcie. I tak dowiemy się co Egipcjanie jedli, jak mieszkali, jak dbali o zdrowie, o zmarłych, co uprawiali, hodowali, w co wierzyli, gdzie pracowali, jak spędzali czas wolny, jaka była ich moda i styl, jak wyglądały ich zakupy, a także jakie prawa tam obowiązywały.
W zakończeniu czytelnik odnajdzie także krótki słowniczek, bibliografię, spis ilustracji i przypisy.
"Jak przeżyć w starożytnym Egipcie? " to bardzo ciekawa publikacja, może różni się od serii książek z dzieciństwa, którą do dziś wspominam z rozrzewnieniem, ale w żaden sposób jej to nie ujmuje. Dla pasjonata historii, Egiptu będzie stanowiła świetną rozrywkę, nawet wyszukiwanie wspomnianych błędów merytorycznych, może stanowić nielada wyzwanie i dobrą zabawę. ;)
Ja podczas lektury bawiłam się dobrze, dowiedziałam się czegoś więcej o starożytnych Tebach, Egipcie i jestem zadowolona z lektury, choć mogę być nieobiektywna, bo kocham historię, a Egipt od zawsze mnie fascynuje. Ale jeśli jesteście ciekawi jak wyglądało życie w starożytnym Egipcie to śmiało sięgajcie i czytajcie, a ja przenoszę się teraz do starożytnego Rzymu. ;)
Za egzemplarz do recenzji dziękuję wydawnictwu Poznańskiemu.
July 31, 2020
Have you ever wanted to visit Ancient Egypt? That might not happen any time soon, but if you ever get the chance you now have a guidebook thanks to Charlotte Booth. You will know where to go and what to do, or perhaps more importantly, what not to do. She even provides a handy shopping list in case you forget to pack your loin cloth.
The year is 1360BCE and you have just arrived in Thebes. Booth provides a background briefing on Egyptian culture and chronology then she gets down to the business of showing you how to live here. She covers housing, job-hunting, eating and drinking – do not drink the water! Booth points out that you must get a grasp on religion because it is everywhere and complicated. Your average life expectancy is low, so stay healthy by bathing and using the right ointments, and it might be best to stay away from the local GP. If you are married, think carefully about having children, though female contraception is gross enough to put anyone off. Booth continues with your choice of hair, clothes, and make-up for men and women. Clothes are simple but you can optimize and accessorize and wear jewellery. For things to do when not working; Egyptians play games indoor and outdoor, and there are also public entertainers. The ‘downside’ to all this is that you must obey the laws, or you will end up in front of the court, though if you do, a bribe might work. If that fails, you could face some hard labour in the quarries, or worse; you do not want a death sentence in Ancient Egypt!
Once you get past the time travel gimmick, Booth’s book is a useful introduction into the world of the Ancient Egyptians. Informative photographs, illustrations, and text boxes, and one very rude piece of graffiti, add to Booth’s engaging text. Thankfully, the Egyptians liked their art drawn from all walks of life, so we know a lot about them, and Booth balances her guidebook to incorporate a surprising amount of information across the spectrum. Like all ancient cultures, the Egyptians were very different from us, but also very alike. While the book is not referenced, Booth includes a solid foundational bibliography if you want to know more, and after having read her book, I think I do.
The year is 1360BCE and you have just arrived in Thebes. Booth provides a background briefing on Egyptian culture and chronology then she gets down to the business of showing you how to live here. She covers housing, job-hunting, eating and drinking – do not drink the water! Booth points out that you must get a grasp on religion because it is everywhere and complicated. Your average life expectancy is low, so stay healthy by bathing and using the right ointments, and it might be best to stay away from the local GP. If you are married, think carefully about having children, though female contraception is gross enough to put anyone off. Booth continues with your choice of hair, clothes, and make-up for men and women. Clothes are simple but you can optimize and accessorize and wear jewellery. For things to do when not working; Egyptians play games indoor and outdoor, and there are also public entertainers. The ‘downside’ to all this is that you must obey the laws, or you will end up in front of the court, though if you do, a bribe might work. If that fails, you could face some hard labour in the quarries, or worse; you do not want a death sentence in Ancient Egypt!
Once you get past the time travel gimmick, Booth’s book is a useful introduction into the world of the Ancient Egyptians. Informative photographs, illustrations, and text boxes, and one very rude piece of graffiti, add to Booth’s engaging text. Thankfully, the Egyptians liked their art drawn from all walks of life, so we know a lot about them, and Booth balances her guidebook to incorporate a surprising amount of information across the spectrum. Like all ancient cultures, the Egyptians were very different from us, but also very alike. While the book is not referenced, Booth includes a solid foundational bibliography if you want to know more, and after having read her book, I think I do.
May 6, 2020
Thank you Netgalley for the eARC! I really enjoyed this book! I was always a fan of ancient Egypt so I was really interested in reading this book. It's set up almost like a travel guide or commentary about what life was life in ancient Egypt ranging from employment options, to fashion, and laws. Booth states at the beginning to read this book as though you are a male literate member of the middle class partly because there's more information about the middle class and not so much info about the peasants. It's also set in a specific time frame of the eighteenth dynasty. She explains her rationale behind using present tense in the book in her Introduction (pg. xiv). This was such an informative book and I enjoyed the little bits of humour included in her commentary. An example is when she was talking about using dried crocodile dung mixed with honey as a contraceptive, "The frequency of your marital activity obviously dictates how often you need to replace this 'pad', although you will probably be surprised how little marital activity there is once your husband finds out your method of contraceptive" (pg. 92). She also had a great set of sources from numerous universities and scholarly articles. Overall this was a well written and entertaining guide to life in ancient Egypt!
March 28, 2020
How To Survive In Ancient Egypt: the title alone makes us curious. And indeed, it turned out to be more fascinating than I originally thought. It's highly informative that I would choose this as my go-to book if ever I wanted to look up history on Ancient Egypt. It's got everything. On the other hand, this book feels almost complete to the point that sometimes it can be overwhelming. However, I think this won't be a problem if MORE pictures or illustrations could be added in between chunks of paragraphs, if only to break the monotony. I don't think this will be a problem for people with a highly active imagination though. I'm just saying that the addition of images is more engaging and thus earns more appreciation from the average reader. Don't get me wrong though, I absolutely love this book. Back then, all I knew about Egypt was their mythology but now, I got to take a closer, deeper look at their lifestyle back in the ancient times. I also salute the author for writing this book. It really showcases her expertise and knowledge, testifying to its credibility. I sincerely thank Netgalley and the publisher for granting my request and giving me a free copy of this book.
April 5, 2020
When I was young, there was one museum near my home. I periodically visited there with either my family or school. The highlight of these visits for me was the small collection of Egyptian artifacts. Eventually, I grew up and moved to a very large city with an incredible array of art and artifacts from several of the Egyptian dynasties. I have visited often and I have stood in the Temple of Dendur many times. I've read some on the gods and goddesses but I have never read a book like this one.
Charlotte Booth puts the reader right into ancient Egypt, as a person who was living there at the time. This readable book is packed with information. There is a section on history followed by many sections on every day life. For example, these include food and diet, getting a job, beliefs and rituals,staying healthy, stepping out in style, passing time in the capital an obeying the laws. The book also includes maps, illustrations, timelines and more.
I loved this book with its deeply engaging take on history. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.
Charlotte Booth puts the reader right into ancient Egypt, as a person who was living there at the time. This readable book is packed with information. There is a section on history followed by many sections on every day life. For example, these include food and diet, getting a job, beliefs and rituals,staying healthy, stepping out in style, passing time in the capital an obeying the laws. The book also includes maps, illustrations, timelines and more.
I loved this book with its deeply engaging take on history. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.
June 1, 2025
Imagine stepping into a time machine, landing in ancient Egypt, and realizing—oh no—you have no idea how to greet a pharaoh or navigate the bustling markets without offending half the population. That’s where this guide comes in!
Back in the day, this would have been your survival manual, telling you exactly what to expect, how to behave, and, most importantly, how to not get on the wrong side of any powerful deities or rulers. Fast forward to today, and it’s an enjoyable, light read that gives you a fascinating peek into the customs and daily life of ancient Egyptians—without the risk of accidentally angering a temple priest.
It’s fun, engaging, and thankfully not a dry, academic snooze-fest. No heavy historical analysis, no complex theories—just an entertaining way to learn about ancient Egypt without feeling like you’ve signed up for a university course. Whether you want a quick cultural tour or just an excuse to imagine yourself as an ancient traveler, this guide is a great companion for the journey!
Back in the day, this would have been your survival manual, telling you exactly what to expect, how to behave, and, most importantly, how to not get on the wrong side of any powerful deities or rulers. Fast forward to today, and it’s an enjoyable, light read that gives you a fascinating peek into the customs and daily life of ancient Egyptians—without the risk of accidentally angering a temple priest.
It’s fun, engaging, and thankfully not a dry, academic snooze-fest. No heavy historical analysis, no complex theories—just an entertaining way to learn about ancient Egypt without feeling like you’ve signed up for a university course. Whether you want a quick cultural tour or just an excuse to imagine yourself as an ancient traveler, this guide is a great companion for the journey!
October 1, 2023
Tu się można dowiedzieć jak być skrybą xd
Jak to jest być skrybą, dobrze?
A, wie pan, moim zdaniem to nie ma tak, że dobrze, albo że niedobrze. Gdybym miał powiedzieć, co cenię w życiu najbardziej, powiedziałbym, że ludzi. Ludzi, którzy podali mi pomocną dłoń, kiedy sobie nie radziłem, kiedy byłem sam, i co ciekawe, to właśnie przypadkowe spotkania wpływają na nasze życie. Chodzi o to, że kiedy wyznaje się pewne wartości, nawet pozornie uniwersalne, bywa, że nie znajduje się zrozumienia, które by tak rzec, które pomaga się nam rozwijać. Ja miałem szczęście, by tak rzec, ponieważ je znalazłem, i dziękuję życiu! Dziękuję mu; życie to śpiew, życie to taniec, życie to miłość! Wielu ludzi pyta mnie o to samo: ale jak ty to robisz, skąd czerpiesz tę radość? A ja odpowiadam, że to proste! To umiłowanie życia. To właśnie ono sprawia, że dzisiaj na przykład buduję maszyny, a jutro – kto wie? Dlaczego by nie – oddam się pracy społecznej i będę, ot, choćby, sadzić... doć— m-marchew...
Jak to jest być skrybą, dobrze?
A, wie pan, moim zdaniem to nie ma tak, że dobrze, albo że niedobrze. Gdybym miał powiedzieć, co cenię w życiu najbardziej, powiedziałbym, że ludzi. Ludzi, którzy podali mi pomocną dłoń, kiedy sobie nie radziłem, kiedy byłem sam, i co ciekawe, to właśnie przypadkowe spotkania wpływają na nasze życie. Chodzi o to, że kiedy wyznaje się pewne wartości, nawet pozornie uniwersalne, bywa, że nie znajduje się zrozumienia, które by tak rzec, które pomaga się nam rozwijać. Ja miałem szczęście, by tak rzec, ponieważ je znalazłem, i dziękuję życiu! Dziękuję mu; życie to śpiew, życie to taniec, życie to miłość! Wielu ludzi pyta mnie o to samo: ale jak ty to robisz, skąd czerpiesz tę radość? A ja odpowiadam, że to proste! To umiłowanie życia. To właśnie ono sprawia, że dzisiaj na przykład buduję maszyny, a jutro – kto wie? Dlaczego by nie – oddam się pracy społecznej i będę, ot, choćby, sadzić... doć— m-marchew...
June 19, 2024
There have been a lot of books written about ancient Egypt. Some very scholarly, some informative, and some surveys that just repeat well known history. This book is in a unique category for ancient Egyptian literature. It is a guide to moving to Thebes, and what you need to know to fit in, and survive in this, your new home. It looks at Egypt as a living society, much different from ours, yet learning to fit into a new culture, city, and place is universal. It is not easy, and here is a guide to help you learn the ropes. Along side the practical advice is a bit of history as well, but history as it affects you settling into your new home. I have been reading ancient Egyptian tomes for more than 50 years. This is one of the few without dust of a long gone civilization. I recommend it, not only for those who wish to learn a bit about ancient Egypt but for those well read on the topic.
April 21, 2020
#HowToSurviveInAncientEgypt is a guide to life in ancient Thebes. I have read other books in this style and was glad to find one about Ancient Egypt.
I really enjoyed the format and learning about day to day life for average Egyptians and not just the royals (though this is included too, yay!). Food, hygiene, living spaces, religion....it’s all there!
I did find the end of the book quite abrupt, and the prices of items were hard to understand due to formatting, but I highly recommend this book as I haven’t found another like it on the Egyptians. If you like this, definitely check out Ian Mortimer’s Time Traveller’s Guides.
Thank you to #NetGalley & the publisher for my free advance copy in return for an unbiased review.
I really enjoyed the format and learning about day to day life for average Egyptians and not just the royals (though this is included too, yay!). Food, hygiene, living spaces, religion....it’s all there!
I did find the end of the book quite abrupt, and the prices of items were hard to understand due to formatting, but I highly recommend this book as I haven’t found another like it on the Egyptians. If you like this, definitely check out Ian Mortimer’s Time Traveller’s Guides.
Thank you to #NetGalley & the publisher for my free advance copy in return for an unbiased review.
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