Description
Book SynopsisPopular interest in ancient Egypt has too often tended to focus on the deeds of rulers, great nobles and priests. In Pharaoh's People T.G.H. James by contrast examines the daily working lives of Egyptians lower down the social scale: bureaucrats, scribes, craftsmen and workers of the land. What sort of houses did they live in and how were they furnished? How was justice administered? How were public records kept? And how was business conducted in a thriving economy largly based on barter? T.G.H. James has drawn on the evidence of paintings and inscriptions from tombs and temples, from official archives, private correspondence, accounts and dispatches. Most of the texts have been newly translated for this book and, in examining them, the author brings to life the fascinating intricacies of daily life under the Pharaohs. 'Detailed and lucidly written.' - Barry Kemp, TLS '...the depiction of Egyptian life is both accurate and convincing.' - Bruce Trigger, IJAHS 'A fine book, worthy of recommendation to anyone... ' - J.A.S. Evans, American Historical Review
Trade ReviewDetailed and lucidly written. -- Barry Kemp * TLS *
...the depiction of Egyptian life is both accurate and convincing. -- Bruce Trigger * IJAHS *
A fine book, worthy of recommendation to anyone... -- J.A.S. Evans * American Historical Review *
Table of ContentsPreface Introduction 1 The Written Record and its Validity 2 The Vizir and his Role 3 Justice for Everybody 4 The Bucolic Mode 5 Literacy and Status 6 The Scribe in Action 7 Craftsmen in Metal and Wood 8 A Desirable Residence 9 Domestic Economy
A Brief Chronology Select Bibliography Index
