Expected publication: November 2nd 2021 by National Geographic
Written in the tradition of historians like Mary Beard and Stacy Schiff who find modern lessons in ancient history, this provocative narrative explores the lives of five remarkable pharaohs who ruled Egypt with absolute power, shining a new light on the country’s 3,000-year empire and its meaning today.
In a new era when democracies around the world are threatened or crumbling, best-selling author Kara Cooney turns to five ancient Egyptian pharaohs–Khufu, Senwosret III, Akenhaten, Ramses II, and Taharqa–to understand why many so often give up power to the few, and what it can mean for our future.
As the first centralized political power on earth, the pharaohs and their process of divine kingship can tell us a lot about the world’s politics, past and present. Every animal-headed god, every monumental temple, every pyramid, every tomb, offers extraordinary insight into a culture that combined deeply held religious beliefs with uniquely human schemes to justify a system in which one ruled over many.
From Khufu, the man who built the Great Pyramid at Giza as testament to his authoritarian reign, and Taharqa, the last true pharaoh who worked to make Egypt great again, we discover a clear lens into understanding how power was earned, controlled, and manipulated in ancient times. And in mining the past, Cooney uncovers the reason why societies have so willingly chosen a dictator over democracy, time and time again.
Egypt’s history is truly fascinating, and this sounds like a very interesting read! I’m sure you are gonna love it ๐
I would be extremely surprised if I wouldn’t love it ๐
Iโve always been a fan of ancient Egyptian history. This is definitely something I would enjoy
Kara Cooney is one of the best in her field, imo.
This sounds awesome, I hope you enjoy it so, so much!
This one is tempting me! I love the way she is using ancient History to give insights into what is going on in our own time – as someone who firmly believes that as a species we haven’t changed all that much in the last few millennia, this one is calling to me!
There’s an interesting examination of the pharohas and their people here, I think — and also, god your absolute geek glee at this book just makes me smile!
I can’t help myself. Ancient Egypt is my FAVE!
Ooh! I love things about ancient Egypt! Hope you get it soon. My post is in the link below.
It was such a fascinating civilization!
I love when my favorite authors announce a new book? This does sound good, hope you enjoy it!
I’m SO excited!!
This sounds amazing! I’ve been meaning to check out some of Kara Cooney’s work, this sounds like a great option. I hope you enjoy this one!
I woudld recommend any of her books!
Would recommend her 100%!
I love how happy this book made you! It sounds perfect for you and you’re a fan of the author on top of that. Match made in heaven!
I love her so much!
This sounds so good!!!
I knowwww! ๐
I don’t read a lot of nonfiction, but history is my favorite. I haven’t tried anything by Kara Cooney but am adding her to my must read author list. This new books sounds like it will be really interesting! I hope you enjoy it when you read it!
Kara is an amazing writer and Egyptologist!
Cool cover and I used to be so fascinated with Egypt as a kid. Hope you love this one.
I love that gif! I hope you have it on preorder.
Me too. And I’m definitely gonna pre-order it at some point!
Wow, well if they are likening it to Mary Beard, definitely worth a shot!