The Hidden Life of Ancient Egypt
Author: Clare Gibson.
Format: 277 x 216mm, 208 pages.

ISBN: 978-1-887354-67-7
Illustrations: Fifty featured plates and many additional artefacts. Cased with jacket
"Compelling... lively, clear and persuasive" "Breathtaking grace and splendour" (The Scotsman)                      

Clare Gibson's new title in the acclaimed and highly popular 'Hidden Life' series, featuring favourites like the wonders of King Tut's tomb to the beautiful, newly restored wall paintings from the painted tomb-chapel of Nebamun. Click on the cover below to see some sample pages:

• What was ancient life really like? See how the Egyptians worked, warred, feasted and worshipped.
• How did Egyptians hope to attain their dearest hope, to be found worthy in the halls of Osiris, lord of the underworld, and so achieve eternal life?
• Who were the gods who reigned supreme over this land of towering monuments and incredible wealth?

The answers to these questions and many more, revealed in the the dazzling artworks which are the greatest monument to Egyptian civilization.

List price £20. Buy from this site at £14.95 plus P&P for UK delivery (please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for details on overseas orders).

"SUMPTUOUS reliefs and stately friezes, rich coffin-paintings, papyrus scrolls and sculptures – Egyptian artists created works of breathtaking grace and splendour. These are unmistakably expressive works, yet expressive of what, exactly? Their eloquence stands frozen into muteness; their beauty stupefies. Art and writing were less clearly distinguished in the visual culture of the Egyptians: the use of hieroglyphics made words into pictures, pictures into words. Gibson sets out here to find which words. Venturing beyond the wow-factor to the worldview, it examines 50 important works in compelling detail, unpacking them in lively, clear and persuasive terms. An abundantly illustrated book, it offers a fascinating way in to Egyptian life and culture." The Scotsman, Books in Brief, Nov 16, 2009

Ancient Egypt: land of pharaohs, mummies, and mystery. In her latest book, Clare Gibson seeks to uncover the hidden meanings in Egyptian art and to discover the story of the people who created this magnificent civilisation. Through a detailed interpretation of the beautiful Egyptian art, Gibson discovers the forgotten hopes and dreams, magic and religion of a lost empire. Wall-paintings and illustrations, jewelry and golden burial goods – these are not just beautiful objects, but also hold the secrets to understanding the Egyptians’ life. Gibson combines threads of history, religion, and symbology to breathe new life in a lost empire.
The full-colour illustrations, many in full- or double-page spread, allow the reader to fully appreciate the beauty of the artworks, while the many detail images highlight significant symbols. The book is enhanced by a brief introduction to the mysterious hieroglyphs.