Read the review below of The Hidden Life of Ancient Egypt in the Scotsman, Books in Brief (November 16, 2009). You can also see inside the book here.

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.

Clare Gibson's related titles, The Hidden Life of Art and The Hidden Life of Renaissance Art, are also available here.