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Three Novels of Ancient Egypt: Khufu's Wisdom / Rhadopis of Nubia / Thebes at War
Arap edebiyatının çağımızdaki güçlü temsilcilerinden biri olan Necib Mahfuz'un bu eseri de, daha öncekiler gibi, hem Arap edebiyatının hem de yazarın karakteristik özelliklerini taşımaktadır. Kahramanlarının ruh yapılarını zaman, mekan ve tarihi ilişkiler çerçevesinde ve sembolik bağlantılarla ortaya koyan tahlilci bir üslub ve ülk/toplum şartlarıyla paralellik kurularak sergilenen küçük insanın trajedisi.
648 pages, Hardcover
Published March 27, 2007
89 people are currently reading
2533 people want to read
About the author
Naguib Mahfouz
445 books16.1k followersNaguib Mahfouz (Arabic author profile: نجيب محفوظ) was an Egyptian writer who won the 1988 Nobel Prize for Literature. He published over 50 novels, over 350 short stories, dozens of movie scripts, and five plays over a 70-year career. Many of his works have been made into Egyptian and foreign films.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
October 20, 2018
The book collects together three classic novels from 20th century Egyptian author Naguib Mahfouz: Khufu’s Wisdom; Rhadopis of Nubia; and Thebes at War.
Khufu’s Wisdom was a real mixed bag for me. Some of the turns of phrase were a little odd, making me wonder if something had been lost in translation, but others were elegant and well-constructed. Obviously the story is not based on the real history – Djedefre was in fact Khufu’s son, and he in turn was succeeded by Khafre – but rather it is based on an ancient Egyptian folk tale from the Westcar Papyrus, a document dating to roughly 1400 years after Khufu’s lifetime. So it was no surprise to me that this novel comes across as something akin to a fairytale. But at the same time, it didn’t sit well with me. It came off as somewhat simplistic, even slightly juvenile. Djedefre is something of a Mary Sue; good at everything, beloved by all – and the plot twists reminded me of nothing so much as a telenovela; the wrong baby killed because a servant in the household just so happened to give birth on the same day, the wool pulled over characters’ eyes far too easily, a long lost parent, a peasant who is really a princess, a princess successfully disguising herself as her own brother… you get the idea. This really brought the tale down, for me. But then, right at the end, a little self-awareness was thrown in about the nature of prophecy. Ancient tales about prophecy often end up with the prophecy coming about due to the desperate attempts of those involved to prevent it. Khufu, at the conclusion, realises this paradox, and finally finds his wisdom – i.e. We should never let our fears about an unknown future force our hand into compromising our principles in the present, because in the end we’re just sacrificing our own integrity and the values we hold dear, for something that may not happen, or indeed may happen because we started behaving out of the ordinary. That was a lovely, neat conclusion to the tale. I’m not sure if it balances out the cheesiness of the main part of the story. 5 out of 10.
Rhadopis of Nubia, like the previous story, was also based more in fairytale than actual history. Nitocris never existed; she was a later myth/misreading by later Egyptians of an early Pharaoh’s name called Netjerkare Siptah I, who was a male king. Whilst Siptah, and Merenre II lived c. 2190 BCE, the real Rhodopis was a Thracian Greek hetaira, c. 550 BCE. It is in fact Strabo and Aelian who first told the tale of her sandal plucked up by a bird and dropped in a pharaoh’s lap. In any case, the tale, and this story, inspired by it, are pure fantasy, and I still found the story to be rather clunky. Plots are simplistic, characters seem to have no further dimensions to them other than what appears on the surface. And rather than being a romance, Rhadopis of Nubia is an example of a relationship where two people bring out the worst in each other; there was no character that I was rooting for or interested in what happened to them. 4 out of 10.
Thebes at War tells the tale of the 17th Dynasty, native rulers of Waset, and their struggles to overcome the foreign Levantine kings sitting on the throne of Egypt. Like the others, it is more fairytale than fact, but it was the one I was personally most interested in, due to the subject matter. However, I just couldn’t get into it. Odd language choices really makes me question the quality of the translation, and just as the other two stories, characters come off as flat, with no deeper emotions or motivations beyond the ones we’re straight up told about. That’s another thing; we’re far more often told how the characters feel than shown. Finally, the pacing feels off – yet another common element to all three stories – the king orders his commander to raise an army, and in a sentence the commander leaves the palace to do just that, while the next time we see the commander he and the king are about to set out on the march with fully formed army in tow. It all seems far too simple and glossed over, and I personally felt my credulity was being stretched too far. In order for me not to see such proceedings as a deus ex machina event, there needs to be some sort of sense of progression, or an obstacle overcome. How invested can I become in such a story? There’s even a deeply awkward “Ten Years Later” moment. I fear this particular story also suffers under the fact that I’ve previously read Pauline Gedge’s trilogy about the 17th Dynasty, which was far more sophisticated and complex, painting its story and characters with dexterous detail and deft humanity. 5 out of 10.
Khufu’s Wisdom was a real mixed bag for me. Some of the turns of phrase were a little odd, making me wonder if something had been lost in translation, but others were elegant and well-constructed. Obviously the story is not based on the real history – Djedefre was in fact Khufu’s son, and he in turn was succeeded by Khafre – but rather it is based on an ancient Egyptian folk tale from the Westcar Papyrus, a document dating to roughly 1400 years after Khufu’s lifetime. So it was no surprise to me that this novel comes across as something akin to a fairytale. But at the same time, it didn’t sit well with me. It came off as somewhat simplistic, even slightly juvenile. Djedefre is something of a Mary Sue; good at everything, beloved by all – and the plot twists reminded me of nothing so much as a telenovela; the wrong baby killed because a servant in the household just so happened to give birth on the same day, the wool pulled over characters’ eyes far too easily, a long lost parent, a peasant who is really a princess, a princess successfully disguising herself as her own brother… you get the idea. This really brought the tale down, for me. But then, right at the end, a little self-awareness was thrown in about the nature of prophecy. Ancient tales about prophecy often end up with the prophecy coming about due to the desperate attempts of those involved to prevent it. Khufu, at the conclusion, realises this paradox, and finally finds his wisdom – i.e. We should never let our fears about an unknown future force our hand into compromising our principles in the present, because in the end we’re just sacrificing our own integrity and the values we hold dear, for something that may not happen, or indeed may happen because we started behaving out of the ordinary. That was a lovely, neat conclusion to the tale. I’m not sure if it balances out the cheesiness of the main part of the story. 5 out of 10.
Rhadopis of Nubia, like the previous story, was also based more in fairytale than actual history. Nitocris never existed; she was a later myth/misreading by later Egyptians of an early Pharaoh’s name called Netjerkare Siptah I, who was a male king. Whilst Siptah, and Merenre II lived c. 2190 BCE, the real Rhodopis was a Thracian Greek hetaira, c. 550 BCE. It is in fact Strabo and Aelian who first told the tale of her sandal plucked up by a bird and dropped in a pharaoh’s lap. In any case, the tale, and this story, inspired by it, are pure fantasy, and I still found the story to be rather clunky. Plots are simplistic, characters seem to have no further dimensions to them other than what appears on the surface. And rather than being a romance, Rhadopis of Nubia is an example of a relationship where two people bring out the worst in each other; there was no character that I was rooting for or interested in what happened to them. 4 out of 10.
Thebes at War tells the tale of the 17th Dynasty, native rulers of Waset, and their struggles to overcome the foreign Levantine kings sitting on the throne of Egypt. Like the others, it is more fairytale than fact, but it was the one I was personally most interested in, due to the subject matter. However, I just couldn’t get into it. Odd language choices really makes me question the quality of the translation, and just as the other two stories, characters come off as flat, with no deeper emotions or motivations beyond the ones we’re straight up told about. That’s another thing; we’re far more often told how the characters feel than shown. Finally, the pacing feels off – yet another common element to all three stories – the king orders his commander to raise an army, and in a sentence the commander leaves the palace to do just that, while the next time we see the commander he and the king are about to set out on the march with fully formed army in tow. It all seems far too simple and glossed over, and I personally felt my credulity was being stretched too far. In order for me not to see such proceedings as a deus ex machina event, there needs to be some sort of sense of progression, or an obstacle overcome. How invested can I become in such a story? There’s even a deeply awkward “Ten Years Later” moment. I fear this particular story also suffers under the fact that I’ve previously read Pauline Gedge’s trilogy about the 17th Dynasty, which was far more sophisticated and complex, painting its story and characters with dexterous detail and deft humanity. 5 out of 10.
June 28, 2010
Within the first few pages of the first book, the author has Khufu (Cheops) riding in a horse-drawn chariot. Since the Hyksos only introduced chariots, horses, and bronze weapons to Egypt about 900 years after Cheops, I decided these books are a little too fictionalized for me. It would be the equivalent of putting cell phones into a story that takes place in 1100 CE. A bit worse than an 'oops'!
January 2, 2018
Naguib Mahfouz is fast becoming one of my favorite novelists along with Bessie Head and Sigrid Undset. Previous to now I've read two modern novels authored by him, The Thief and the Dogs just last year.
Though I suspect some flaws in the translation, I really loved these three novels of ancient Egypt. They are majestic with larger than life but also very human characters.
The battle scenes in Khufu's Wisdom and Thebes at War are very detailed, cinematic and realistic which recalls to my mind how detailed Tolstoy was in formation and descriptions of battles in War and Peace.
Though all three novels have love stories inserted, Rhadopis of Nubia is the romantic novel of the group. But it's more than just a common romance. Like Khufu's Wisdom it has a style in plot similar to Greek or Shakespearean tragedy.
I look forward to reading more books by the author.
Though I suspect some flaws in the translation, I really loved these three novels of ancient Egypt. They are majestic with larger than life but also very human characters.
The battle scenes in Khufu's Wisdom and Thebes at War are very detailed, cinematic and realistic which recalls to my mind how detailed Tolstoy was in formation and descriptions of battles in War and Peace.
Though all three novels have love stories inserted, Rhadopis of Nubia is the romantic novel of the group. But it's more than just a common romance. Like Khufu's Wisdom it has a style in plot similar to Greek or Shakespearean tragedy.
I look forward to reading more books by the author.
June 26, 2022
Mahfouz was a discovery I made during my research for the banned books by Arab writers. There has been no looking back since. Those of you who have been following me for sometime would remember my gushing over his Cairo Trilogy, a master piece of literature, the likes of which are not written every day. He brings to table the art inherent in Arab culture; that of story telling. His uniqueness stands out by far, and yet there is something so comfortably familiar about everything he pens down. His words have gone down into the books of literary writing as piece of art, one must learn to master the language. his social, cultural, historical, economical and religious observations has a way of manifesting themselves.
Using simpler words to for beautiful sentences is an art not everyone possess. I detest reading, laborious, flowery language, which makes me feel I am rather reading a thesaurus than a book. Mahfouz was famous for the simpler use of Arabic language, but reading the English translations of his work can make one realise, even though he didn’t use flowery language, yet he know how to write beautiful prose. His words feel like he is sitting on the pages of the book and talking to us.
The Three Novels of Ancient Egypt is a compilation of the three earliest work by Mahfouz, although I read it after already reading multiple other works by him, I really enjoyed them as a new experience. Mahfouz’s most famous trait of the art of story telling is so obviously oozing out of these books.
i absolutely loved first two books, Khufu’s Wisdom and Rhadopis of Nubia, but not much of the last book; Thebes at War, most probably because of my general, unabashed, and uncompromising hatred for wars and the vain glorification of nationalism at the cost of human life. And honestly I skipped read most of the last 50 out of some 250 pages of the book, because I just can’t stand the elaborate descriptions of one set of humans killing another, and then feeling euphoric about it. Mahfouz did try to act as an outside observer, in this war prone book, as he mouth pieced through one of his characters how he hated the wars if not fought for some valid reasons. And still, valid reasons could be a highly objective perspective.
And yet all three books were a master piece of story telling. My most favourite amongst them all be the first one.
Here are moon liners for each book:
Khufu’s Wisdom: Fate will follow you till the end of your grave
Rhadopis of Nubia: Extravagance in love that has only one ending… tragedy!
Thebes at War: Fuck War!!!!
Using simpler words to for beautiful sentences is an art not everyone possess. I detest reading, laborious, flowery language, which makes me feel I am rather reading a thesaurus than a book. Mahfouz was famous for the simpler use of Arabic language, but reading the English translations of his work can make one realise, even though he didn’t use flowery language, yet he know how to write beautiful prose. His words feel like he is sitting on the pages of the book and talking to us.
The Three Novels of Ancient Egypt is a compilation of the three earliest work by Mahfouz, although I read it after already reading multiple other works by him, I really enjoyed them as a new experience. Mahfouz’s most famous trait of the art of story telling is so obviously oozing out of these books.
i absolutely loved first two books, Khufu’s Wisdom and Rhadopis of Nubia, but not much of the last book; Thebes at War, most probably because of my general, unabashed, and uncompromising hatred for wars and the vain glorification of nationalism at the cost of human life. And honestly I skipped read most of the last 50 out of some 250 pages of the book, because I just can’t stand the elaborate descriptions of one set of humans killing another, and then feeling euphoric about it. Mahfouz did try to act as an outside observer, in this war prone book, as he mouth pieced through one of his characters how he hated the wars if not fought for some valid reasons. And still, valid reasons could be a highly objective perspective.
And yet all three books were a master piece of story telling. My most favourite amongst them all be the first one.
Here are moon liners for each book:
Khufu’s Wisdom: Fate will follow you till the end of your grave
Rhadopis of Nubia: Extravagance in love that has only one ending… tragedy!
Thebes at War: Fuck War!!!!
May 11, 2025
The three short novellas that make up this book (Khufu’s Wisdom, Rhadopis of Nubia, and Thebes at War) are engaging but the prose is underwhelming. Characters appear flat, the writing is at time too grandiose and feels stilted. More like a fairy tales than a great work of fiction. For those wishing to be transported to Ancient Egypt, this is a far cry from the likes of "Sinuhe the Egyptian" by Mika Waltari.
May 20, 2019
These are excellent treatments of the ancient world by a master storyteller. Impressive in scope, one encounters historic figures going back to the builder of the first pyramid 4,500 years ago and ending with Ahmose’s war against the Hyksos 1000 years later. The pageant of Egypt, its people, traditions and the ever present Nile is brought to life unlike any Hollywood spectacle could ever accomplish. Brilliant.
A word of caution: Do not read the introduction by Nadine Gordimer! Why on earth does she summarize each book? Instead, if you have no knowledge of Ancient Egypt, resort to a website which gives a brief description of the main pharaonic character and his time. Far better this than know how each book ends.
A word of caution: Do not read the introduction by Nadine Gordimer! Why on earth does she summarize each book? Instead, if you have no knowledge of Ancient Egypt, resort to a website which gives a brief description of the main pharaonic character and his time. Far better this than know how each book ends.
December 10, 2022
My comments in video: https://youtu.be/2f6pGognL-Y
Egyptian epic whose historical tone gives it authority.
It tells us about the Sekenenre dynasty who fought for generations to throw off the Hyksos yoke. It presents us with the background (history of grandparents), his preparation in the kingdom of Nubia, and the battles around Egypt. As it is an epic, similarities arise with others such as the Iliad or Roldán's song, where they fight with swords and words, but the author also uses cinematographic images that make it very current and entertaining. It also presents us with the dilemmas of the hero, highlighting the Shakespearean tragedy, equating the battles of war and the battles of love, showing how heroes often have to sacrifice their particular desires for the general good, even if they are blamed for their fame and wealth. make them privileged. What I liked the most about the work is that it seeks to inspire his nation to throw off the yoke of the oppressors, presenting an ancient example of his own nation; which reminded me that epics (like Gilgamesh) seek to shape culture and inspire. I look forward to your comments.
Épica egipcia cuyo tono histórico le da autoridad.
Nos cuenta sobre la dinastía de Sekenenre que lucharon por generaciones para sacudirse del yugo de los hicsos. Nos presenta los antecedentes (historia de abuelos), su preparación en el reino de Nubia, y las batallas por todo Egipto. Al ser una épica, surgen las similitudes con otras como la Iliada o el cantar de Roldán, donde se lucha con espadas y con palabras, pero el autor también usa imágenes cinematográficas que la hacen muy actual y entretenida. También nos presenta los dilemas del héroe, destacando la tragedia shakespeariana equiparando las batallas de la guerra y las batallas del amor, mostrando cómo los héroes muchas veces tienen que sacrificar sus particulares deseos por el bien general, así se les achaque que su fama y riquezas los hacen privilegiados. Lo que más me gustó de la obra es que busca inspirar a su nación para quitarse el yugo de los opresores, presentando un ejemplo antiguo de su propia nación; lo que me recordó que las épicas (como el Gilgamesh) buscan modelar la cultura e inspirar. Espero sus comentarios.
Egyptian epic whose historical tone gives it authority.
It tells us about the Sekenenre dynasty who fought for generations to throw off the Hyksos yoke. It presents us with the background (history of grandparents), his preparation in the kingdom of Nubia, and the battles around Egypt. As it is an epic, similarities arise with others such as the Iliad or Roldán's song, where they fight with swords and words, but the author also uses cinematographic images that make it very current and entertaining. It also presents us with the dilemmas of the hero, highlighting the Shakespearean tragedy, equating the battles of war and the battles of love, showing how heroes often have to sacrifice their particular desires for the general good, even if they are blamed for their fame and wealth. make them privileged. What I liked the most about the work is that it seeks to inspire his nation to throw off the yoke of the oppressors, presenting an ancient example of his own nation; which reminded me that epics (like Gilgamesh) seek to shape culture and inspire. I look forward to your comments.
Épica egipcia cuyo tono histórico le da autoridad.
Nos cuenta sobre la dinastía de Sekenenre que lucharon por generaciones para sacudirse del yugo de los hicsos. Nos presenta los antecedentes (historia de abuelos), su preparación en el reino de Nubia, y las batallas por todo Egipto. Al ser una épica, surgen las similitudes con otras como la Iliada o el cantar de Roldán, donde se lucha con espadas y con palabras, pero el autor también usa imágenes cinematográficas que la hacen muy actual y entretenida. También nos presenta los dilemas del héroe, destacando la tragedia shakespeariana equiparando las batallas de la guerra y las batallas del amor, mostrando cómo los héroes muchas veces tienen que sacrificar sus particulares deseos por el bien general, así se les achaque que su fama y riquezas los hacen privilegiados. Lo que más me gustó de la obra es que busca inspirar a su nación para quitarse el yugo de los opresores, presentando un ejemplo antiguo de su propia nación; lo que me recordó que las épicas (como el Gilgamesh) buscan modelar la cultura e inspirar. Espero sus comentarios.
May 26, 2010
I didn't even know Mahfouz wrote historicals. I jumped on this when I saw it at the library. Khufu's Revenge was excellently biblical. You dare to defy fate, puny Pharoah? Bwa-ha-ha-ha!
I read the first (short) novel, really liked it and intended to "save" the other two for a later date. Somehow I never got back to them. But I still mean to.
I read the first (short) novel, really liked it and intended to "save" the other two for a later date. Somehow I never got back to them. But I still mean to.
November 26, 2023
I have never have egyptian wine.. But I guess it would make you feel how the stories make you feel at the end. The first two short novels are amazingly translated. Kudos to the translators!
I had to shelve the book before completing the third short novel because I am sucker for reading war descriptions and the last novel is named "thebes at war". Also I felt the translation there could have been better. The choice of words feels repetitive at times.
I had to shelve the book before completing the third short novel because I am sucker for reading war descriptions and the last novel is named "thebes at war". Also I felt the translation there could have been better. The choice of words feels repetitive at times.
August 6, 2020
Rather boring.
March 30, 2009
The three novels at that make up this collection are riveting and excellent reading. The first concerns the Pharaoh Khufru and his heirs, the second the love of a Pharaoh for a concubine (based on an ancient story and with a Cinderella flavor), and the last the fight of the Egyptian natives to overthrow Hyksos. The second story contains some wonderful poetical passages. I also wonder how much the third novel is stands for British/Egyptian relations at the time of its publication.
September 24, 2019
A time when Gods and Men knew each other too often and too well. Where power corrupts and changes the ones who hold them.
Welcome to Egypt, the land of the Pharoahs.
Three stories are fitted into this omnibus, and comes across in various levels of quality. The weakest is the starting point, as a biblical story of fate and fortune comes across through some one-dimensional lens. This is followed by a stronger tale of love and loss, and has the best character in the book in the courtesan Rhadopis. The final one is an interesting conflict between invaders and exile, and ends of a triumph. Overall, it is a good collection of folklore but due to either weak characters or story, Mahfouz is unable to bring the stories to their potential glory.
But there's enough genius for me to continue on this journey. Onto Cairo.
Welcome to Egypt, the land of the Pharoahs.
Three stories are fitted into this omnibus, and comes across in various levels of quality. The weakest is the starting point, as a biblical story of fate and fortune comes across through some one-dimensional lens. This is followed by a stronger tale of love and loss, and has the best character in the book in the courtesan Rhadopis. The final one is an interesting conflict between invaders and exile, and ends of a triumph. Overall, it is a good collection of folklore but due to either weak characters or story, Mahfouz is unable to bring the stories to their potential glory.
But there's enough genius for me to continue on this journey. Onto Cairo.
September 24, 2023
The writing is glorious and I very much wanted to read Egyptian stories from an Egyptian author, as I never have before, but I made the mistake of reading the introduction essay at the beginning of the book, which disclosed the major plot points of each short story. Essentially, it was a glorified synopsis of the book, which took the fun and suspense out of reading the actual stories. I found I didn't want to read further, because I knew what was going to happen, so I gave up on it. I've rated it three stars because the writing is beautiful and engaging, just don't read the introduction.
September 28, 2023
Throughout my life, i've read numerous works by Naguib Mahfouz, immersing myself completely in Egyptian culture.
However, i've only experienced his books in their original language, so i hope that translations effectively capture the essence and ideas of Naguib Mahfouz
However, i've only experienced his books in their original language, so i hope that translations effectively capture the essence and ideas of Naguib Mahfouz
June 22, 2017
Thebes At War is firmly my favorite of the three. It has the most complexity in the characters and the situations they are dealing with. Ahmose was really easy to root for.
April 13, 2023
good book
Read
August 1, 2023Read Khufu’s Wisdom
September 2, 2025
The first two stories were awesome. If I have one complaint, too many characters were introduced all at once in Thebes at War.” Still, a great story.
November 5, 2025
Khufu’s Wisdom 3.5/5
Rhadopis of Nubia of Nubia 3/5
Thebes at War 4.5/5
Rhadopis of Nubia of Nubia 3/5
Thebes at War 4.5/5
October 29, 2015
Having never read (and, admittedly never heard of) Mahfouz, I was intrigued by reading historical fiction of ancient Egypt written by--well--an Egyptian. His work is a nationalistic celebration of Egypt--its kings are brave and powerful, both in battle and in wit, as well as supremely beautiful and noble. Its noblemen and peasants are loyal to the point of death. All stories celebrate a larger than life ancient Egypt, less historical than it is fictional, but brighter and more brilliant than any real figures could be.
The first story, "Khufu's Wisdom" turned out to be my favorite of the three. Khufu attempts to divert destiny after a prophesy is given of a newly born child overthrowing him. Although not quite oedipal, his plan works out about as well as the Greek version of the story. This was even less historical than the others, although featuring one of Egypt's greatest pharaohs, and has more of a fairy tale feel. The second tale, "Rhadopis of Nubia," tells the story of an impulsive, demanding young pharaoh and his love affair with the unimaginably beautiful dancer Rhadopis--and the fall out resulting from it. It also ushers in the Middle Period of the Egyptian history and its weakened kingdom, as shown by the unwise actions of the unwise pharaoh, who cares more about seeing his will done and being with his mistress than running his country. The final piece, "Thebes at War," tells the story of the fall of Thebes to northern invaders--and a young crown prince's efforts to infiltrate the enemy and take back his kingdom, while hiding his romance with the daughter of his greatest enemy. This is a story of war, redemption, and the glory of sacrifice and honor.
All the stories are fairly simple reads, but I especially enjoyed the author's deep love of history reflected in all the stories. Although the tales may be highly fictionalized, they are a celebration of an idealized Egypt, as told by one of their own.
The first story, "Khufu's Wisdom" turned out to be my favorite of the three. Khufu attempts to divert destiny after a prophesy is given of a newly born child overthrowing him. Although not quite oedipal, his plan works out about as well as the Greek version of the story. This was even less historical than the others, although featuring one of Egypt's greatest pharaohs, and has more of a fairy tale feel. The second tale, "Rhadopis of Nubia," tells the story of an impulsive, demanding young pharaoh and his love affair with the unimaginably beautiful dancer Rhadopis--and the fall out resulting from it. It also ushers in the Middle Period of the Egyptian history and its weakened kingdom, as shown by the unwise actions of the unwise pharaoh, who cares more about seeing his will done and being with his mistress than running his country. The final piece, "Thebes at War," tells the story of the fall of Thebes to northern invaders--and a young crown prince's efforts to infiltrate the enemy and take back his kingdom, while hiding his romance with the daughter of his greatest enemy. This is a story of war, redemption, and the glory of sacrifice and honor.
All the stories are fairly simple reads, but I especially enjoyed the author's deep love of history reflected in all the stories. Although the tales may be highly fictionalized, they are a celebration of an idealized Egypt, as told by one of their own.
December 20, 2016
3 Historical Novels of ancient Egypt. Pleasent reads with historical characters, but not for the purists. Many historical inaccuracies. Chariots appear thousands of years before they were actually used and national flags too, even the concept of nation. But although historical setting, Mahfouz' novels seem to very much reflect on the historical context in the time of writing.
April 27, 2015
The three grandiose and melodramatic novels of Nobel laureate Naguib Mahfouz also known as "Ancient Egypt Trilogy" reaches back thousands of years to bring us tales from Naguib Mahfouz homeland’s majestic early history—tales of the Egyptian nobility and of war, star-crossed love, and the divine rule of the pharoahs.
The first book in trilogy is "Khufu’s Wisdom", the legendary Fourth Dynasty monarch faces the prospect of the end of his rule and the possibility that his daughter has fallen in love with the man prophesied to be his successor.
The second book in Trilogy is "Rhadopis of Nubia", the unforgettable story of the charismatic young Pharoah Merenra II and the ravishing courtesan Rhadopis, whose love affair makes them the envy of all Egyptian society.
Te last book in this Trilogy is "Thebes at War", tells the epic story of Egypt’s victory over the Asiatic foreigners who dominated the country for two centuries.
Three Novels of Ancient Egypt(Ancient Trilogy) gives us a dazzling tapestry of ancient Egypt and reminds us of the remarkable artistry of Naguib Mahfouz.
The first book in trilogy is "Khufu’s Wisdom", the legendary Fourth Dynasty monarch faces the prospect of the end of his rule and the possibility that his daughter has fallen in love with the man prophesied to be his successor.
The second book in Trilogy is "Rhadopis of Nubia", the unforgettable story of the charismatic young Pharoah Merenra II and the ravishing courtesan Rhadopis, whose love affair makes them the envy of all Egyptian society.
Te last book in this Trilogy is "Thebes at War", tells the epic story of Egypt’s victory over the Asiatic foreigners who dominated the country for two centuries.
Three Novels of Ancient Egypt(Ancient Trilogy) gives us a dazzling tapestry of ancient Egypt and reminds us of the remarkable artistry of Naguib Mahfouz.
February 14, 2017
Especially enjoyable after seeing the places mentioned. A good depiction of what life might have been like.
June 6, 2012
This collection of three stories was really a great find. I was wandering around St. Mark's bookshop and the spine of this book really stuck out for me. I'm always on the lookout for Egyptian literature and this is the best I've read thus far. Mahfouz' delicate artistry in his storytelling and the way he weaves words together truly transported me to that long-ago era.
Each of the three stories delves into treachery, love, deceit, irreversible fate...all swirled up in the lush background of ancient Egypt. The sluggish brown Nile, the imposing palace structures, temples and statues, the rolling miles of sere desert, the vivid green valleys of palm fronds and crops. Ahhhh, the perfect escape.
Each of the three stories delves into treachery, love, deceit, irreversible fate...all swirled up in the lush background of ancient Egypt. The sluggish brown Nile, the imposing palace structures, temples and statues, the rolling miles of sere desert, the vivid green valleys of palm fronds and crops. Ahhhh, the perfect escape.
May 10, 2009
These stories read like fairy-tales or legends, yet the characters are more complex than I expected to find. Mahfouz seems to have captured the romantic nature of Egypt - romantic in the larger sense; not just relating to love but to grand tales of all sorts.
This is a book to have around for the long term. Some books can't be picked up and put down without frustration or confusion but this one is ideal for such a situation. Its simplicity and clarity make it easy on the mind.
One piece of advice - DON'T read the introduction. It's one of those books where the introducing author dissects the plots of the novels and gives away the whole show.
This is a book to have around for the long term. Some books can't be picked up and put down without frustration or confusion but this one is ideal for such a situation. Its simplicity and clarity make it easy on the mind.
One piece of advice - DON'T read the introduction. It's one of those books where the introducing author dissects the plots of the novels and gives away the whole show.
June 14, 2021
Naguib Mahfouz is my first experience of reading Middle-Eastern literature and I can safely state that I am not disappointed. In Khufu's Wisdom, Mahfouz puts his mastery on prose on a vivid display; the reader cannot help but mark each and every set of dialogue between the character, and marvel at the author's thought process. However, one element I did find irksome was the outright misogyny. I am aware that such critiques should be adjusted for the time-periods in which the books are written, but the tone used by the author to describe the man-woman dynamics reflect on his patriarchal values. I would want to read all of Mahfouz's writings to develop a complete opinion of him.
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March 30, 2022These books turned out to be more gripping than i imagined they would be. i think i prejudged them to be dry for some reason, maybe because of antiquity? but i have read ancient stories that are compelling so i have no idea really...So i found that i got involved with the characters and really moved by their adventures and misadventures and the outcomes of their lives. In fact, all of it is sticking with me even as i move on to other books. This is exactly what i like about a good novel.
I am so glad i discovered these and will read more of this author.
I am so glad i discovered these and will read more of this author.
August 17, 2009
Mahfouz's three novels on ancient Egypt aren't especially distinguished in terms of theme or depth (the first was published in 1939; the last in 1944, when Mahfouz was not yet thirty-three). But they are marked out for genius by Mahfouz's ability to render a completely plausible Egypt for his reader, to the point where one doesn't feel one is reading historical novels, but novels set in the only time that is. These three are as close as the novel gets to the timeless art of the storyteller.
December 27, 2013
Just finished Khufu's wisdom, the first of three novels in this volume. This was a fine piece of fiction, a first novel, and so it seemed one dimensional at times, but the plot made this book very enjoyable. Once I started I found it difficult to put it down.
Switched infants, cruel fate, and a predictable yet satisfying ending make this book a four star experience, however, I would still reccomend it for anyone looking for a quick literary escape.
Switched infants, cruel fate, and a predictable yet satisfying ending make this book a four star experience, however, I would still reccomend it for anyone looking for a quick literary escape.
December 11, 2014
I love Mahfouz and am interested in history, so these stories seemed like a good bet. Certainly their plots have potential, but the execution (at least in translation) came across as stilted. The narrative is heavy on long speeches and grand statements, with comparatively little in the way of everyday detail to lighten the effect. I've been very impressed by Mahfouz's other work, but this just isn't on the same level.
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