Egyptian Dreams

[Serket72]

I’ve always tended to gloss over the reign of Amenhotep III but am now anxious to put this right. So can anyone tell me the best book on this pharaoh? I can see at least three listed on amazon: ‘Egypt’s Radiant Pharaoh’ by Arielle Kozloff; ‘Perspectives on his reign’ Eds. O’Connor & Cline; and ‘Egypt’s Sun King’ by Joann Fletcher. Is one better than the others, or should I just save my pennies and buy all three??!!!

Also, are there are any historical fiction books about Amenhotep III? I’ve read plenty of Amarna novels where he makes an appearance at the beginning but can’t think of any in which he is the main protagonist.

[Montuhotep88]

The most readable and engaging one of those is Fletcher's. She's currently somewhat unpopular in Egyptological circles because of her views on what she considered Nefertiti's mummy, but her book on Amenhotep III is enjoyable.

Kozloff's book is more scholarly-- both in the sense of a little denser reading and in the sense of well-supported with annotations, etc. But I would recommend it as well.

I have not yet read O'Connor and Cline, though I intend to.

Between the two I've read, if you want a smooth, fun read, opt for Fletcher; if you want a more academic take, go with Kozloff.

(There is also a large exhibition catalog titled "Egypt's Dazzling Sun," edited by Betsy Bryan and Kozloff; it's worth the time as well.)

[Lutz]

[Serket72]

Okay, thanks. It sounds as if Fletcher's book (despite its flaws) would be the best to read first.

[Montuhotep88]

I think you'll like it. As Lutz may agree, if you go into it keeping in mind that there's a heavy layer of interpretation on top of a relatively few facts (better than in the ensuing Amarna period, but still...) and take it as opinion or extrapolation instead of "the truth," you shouldn't go far wrong.

Reading a lot of Egyptological works is like surfing or skateboarding... you have to be aware of the waves and bumps and not let things like differences the way things are spelled in English (or German) (or even in transcription) throw you off... and, especially when getting towards Amarna, if you get three experts together to talk about the topic, you'll get at least four different opinions.

[karnsculpture]

I have Kosloff's book but can't accept some of the conclusions (for example AIII is assumed to be older than most scholars believe he was on accession to the throne), however it is one worth getting as it quite rightly highlights that we lack information about much of the middle years of the reign. One to read to act as the starting point for you to reach your own conclusions.

[Lutz]