It's true - I wish all lectures were like this!

What did you like most about The History of Ancient Egypt?

Having just finished the last of the 48 lectures, I'm a little dazed by the amount I feel I've absorbed! Despite the length, and what you might think is quite a dry subject (no pun intended - in fact one of the things that might surprise you is how afraid the Egyptians were of the desert!) - I actually want to listen again soon and try and memorise every Pharaoh! The facts are presented with just the right amount of fun, of reminding you who is who and what is what, so you're never lost, and with such genuine enthusiasm that you find yourself smiling as you hear about the different 'characters'. The subject is fleshed out beautifully by Professor Brier's asides (obelisks, medicine, mummies - his speciality, though at times when he describes his modern-day experiments, it's not for the faint of heart!) - one of my favourite parts was his description of bringing an obelisk to New York on a budget - and I certainly will never forget his explanation as to how they were carved!
I'm not ashamed to say that I love this narrator, and only wish that other readers could bring to their undoubted knowledge this feeling of companionship!

What other book might you compare The History of Ancient Egypt to, and why?

My first purchase from the Great Courses series was their shorter series, The Historical Jesus - and whilst the subject was interesting, and again, it revealed some historical truths that were at points startling, it didn't have the magic this one did - again, I can only attribute this to narration.

Have you listened to any of Professor Bob Brier’s other performances? How does this one compare?

I have not, but certainly would in future! I may in fact go out of my way to find him!

Any additional comments?

This series makes history manageable - over 3000 years of history (in fact, he does cheekily go back to, if I remember rightly, about 700,000 BC for a while!) in just over 24 hours leaves you not only wiser, but with a profound respect for anyone who would take on the challenge of Egypt's history - let alone those early archaeologists, crawling into collapsed tunnels to discover complexes sometimes more than 130m long, dug into the bedrock, or containing perhaps 150 rooms. And the architecture above ground I couldn't begin to describe here. Maybe if I hint that one temple had columns on the top of which 100 men could stand, you'll want to learn more about this fantastic civilisation.
It's a real ten out of ten listen. Sometimes I'd find out something so amazing, I'd have to call someone just to tell them about it.
Thanks again, professor!

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2 people found this helpful

brilliant.

I never leave recommendations but I have to recommend this. Told in the spellbinding style of Arabian Nights, you'll absolutely stick around till the end and enjoy every bit of it. One of the best lecture series I've listened to. Wholeheartedly recommend.

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loved it

I don't consider myself an expert in Egyptology but I know a bit picked up here and there. really enjoyed this course of lectures, they are split into 30 min chunks so really easy to listen to. happy to recommend to anyone with an interest in the subject

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with out doubt the best listened 20times spellbin

can't describe just how good this is thank u Dr Briar's I've been reading and listening to history books for forty years byfar the best xx🇬🇧🇬🇧

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A must listen

Exactly what I was looking for to help me with the beginning of my journey into Egyptian history. Well narrated and informative. So good I will be listening to it again.

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Superb!!!!

A brilliant succinct history of ancient Egypt. Fantastic!!!!! Your simply missing out if you don't listen to this!!!

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Fascinating!!

I throughly enjoyed this lecture, highly informative, easy to listen to and understand. I will certainly be listening to this again!

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Very good

Honestly one of the best historical audio books I have listened too, only down side would be a lack of BC date as the progression goes along but with a little history app or even a list with years it's fine. great

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Informative.

An excellent introduction to a fascinating period of history told in an fashion that was easy to understand.

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Uniquely Entertaining.

Where does The History of Ancient Egypt rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This is one of the best.

What other book might you compare The History of Ancient Egypt to, and why?

There are other excellent 24 hour lecture sets on Ancient History in The Great Courses (Greg Aldrete, Robert Garland) but Bob Brier really makes this course unique and difficult to compare. For the full 24 hours he maintains a sense of intimacy and informality. It is a very special listen.

Which scene did you most enjoy?

Obelisks. Who knew they were so interesting?

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Gold! Murders! Obelisks! Come and see the most expensive film ever made.

Any additional comments?

I want to go to Egypt and dig it up.

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