Charles Sauer
This compilation of essays satisfies an interest for an overview of contemporary studies (as late as the turn of the century, 2000) beyond an elementary knowledge of Ancient Egyptian history. For example, the authors assume that readers are already knowledgeable about Cleopatra, who is mentioned in a few sentences. The authors also assume that readers of this volume -which is presented as a basic guide for a general readership- are capable of checking sources, and contextual analysis. For example, Betsy Bryan's essay states that Thutmose I “may have hunted elephants” in “Niy.” The existence of wild Syrian elephants, in “Niy,” is moot. Considering, in contrast, Paul J. Kosmin's “The Land of the Elephant Kings,” the extant archaeological data (paleontological data notwithstanding) indicates that the Selucids imported elephants from India. And, Alan Loyd's essay indicates the same. Hence, the editor of this volume assumes a readership with working knowledge of Ancient Egypt.
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