{"title":"Toby Wilkinson","description":"\u003cp\u003eToby Wilkinson's works delve deeply into the rich tapestry of ancient Egyptian history, offering readers a vivid exploration of a civilisation that has fascinated scholars and enthusiasts alike. His books illuminate the lives of pharaohs, the intricacies of dynastic politics, and the cultural achievements that shaped an enduring legacy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBlending meticulous research with engaging narrative, Wilkinson's writings provide both authoritative biography and sweeping historical insight. Readers can expect a journey through ancient times that is both scholarly and accessible, bringing the stories of Egypt's past to life.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"a-world-beneath-the-sands","title":"A World Beneath the Sands","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEmbark on a journey through the golden age of Egyptology with \u003ci\u003eA World Beneath the Sands\u003c\/i\u003e by Toby Wilkinson. This enthralling narrative takes you to the heart of the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, a period teeming with excitement, discovery, and scholarly endeavour. Against the majestic backdrop of the Nile, the pyramids, and the Valley of the Kings, Wilkinson brings to life the dramatic and often perilous quests of those who sought to uncover the secrets of ancient Egypt.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe story unfolds with Champollion's breakthrough in deciphering hieroglyphics in 1822, a pivotal moment that opened the doors to understanding Egypt’s ancient script and civilisation. As the narrative progresses, we are introduced to a diverse cast of characters whose lives were forever intertwined with these ancient sands. Among them are the legendary figures of Howard Carter and Lord Carnarvon, whose names are synonymous with the discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb in 1922, marking the zenith of Egyptological pursuits.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eHowever, \u003ci\u003eA World Beneath the Sands\u003c\/i\u003e goes beyond these well-known explorers to shed light on lesser-known yet equally fascinating individuals. The Prussian scholar Karl Richard Lepsius, who conducted some of the most systematic early excavations; the Frenchman Auguste Mariette, credited with founding Egyptian archaeology; and the resilient British aristocrat Lucie Duff-Gordon, whose letters provide a vivid account of life by the Nile.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWilkinson’s account is not limited to the archaeologists and their discoveries alone. He also delves into the broader implications of their work, examining the complex interplay of adventure, scholarly pursuit, and the colonial contexts of their missions. The book intricately portrays how these explorers - travellers, treasure-hunters, ethnographers, and epigraphers alike - transformed our understanding of the Nile Valley and its people. Their contributions were not merely academic; they left an indelible imprint on Egypt itself and the world's perception of this ancient culture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhat makes \u003ci\u003eA World Beneath the Sands\u003c\/i\u003e particularly compelling is its nuanced exploration of the paradoxes of 19th-century colonialism. While these quests were often driven by a genuine thirst for knowledge, they were also inextricably linked with the era’s imperial ambitions and cultural conflicts. Wilkinson masterfully balances these themes, offering a stimulating study that does not shy away from addressing the ethical dimensions of historical exploration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a tale teeming with adventure, scholarly fervour, and the timeless allure of ancient Egypt. Whether you are a history enthusiast, an admirer of archaeology, or simply someone captivated by the tales of old-world explorers, \u003ci\u003eA World Beneath the Sands\u003c\/i\u003e promises to be a riveting and thought-provoking read.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Macmillan Publishers New Zealand Ltd","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45719109796076,"sku":"9781509858736","price":46.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9781509858736.jpg?v=1726116283"},{"product_id":"the-rise-and-fall-of-ancient-egypt","title":"The Rise and Fall of Ancient Egypt","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Rise and Fall of Ancient Egypt\u003c\/em\u003e by Toby Wilkinson offers readers an insightful and comprehensive journey through one of the world's most iconic and fascinating civilisations. This captivating narrative spans over three millennia of history, from the nascent days of the powerful pharaohs to the eventual decline under the Romans. Wilkinson’s work meticulously captures the grandeur and sophistication of Ancient Egypt, bringing to life the magnificent achievements, complex politics, and the vivid personalities that shaped this incredible empire.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWilkinson skilfully reconstructs the enduring legacy of Ancient Egypt's monumental architecture, particularly the majestic pyramids, exemplars of human ingenuity and ambition. Readers are taken through the dramatic religious upheaval under Akhenaten, the mesmerising allure of Queen Nefertiti, and the splendid yet enigmatic tomb of Tutankhamun, which continues to captivate the world with its treasures.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe narrative delves into the calculated and often ruthless tactics employed by rulers like Ramesses II, whose reign was marked by grandiose building projects and formidable military campaigns. Wilkinson does not shy away from the turbulence and strife that characterised the latter years of the Egyptian empire, chronicling the Egyptian encounter with Alexander the Great, and Cleopatra’s dramatic interactions with the burgeoning power of Rome, which ultimately sealed Egypt’s fate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAs the world's first nation-state, Ancient Egypt's history illuminates the persistent efforts to unify a diverse realm and shield it from internal discord and external threats. Wilkinson expertly combines sweeping historical narrative with in-depth analysis of hieroglyphs and powerful iconography, offering readers a nuanced portrayal of the immense complexity underlying Ancient Egyptian civilisation. His narrative is enriched by his ability to interpret ancient texts and artefacts, thus providing readers with a compelling and dynamic picture of life along the Nile.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Rise and Fall of Ancient Egypt\u003c\/em\u003e stands out as an essential read for anyone interested in understanding the profound and enduring impact of Ancient Egyptian culture and governance. Toby Wilkinson’s scholarship is matched by his storytelling prowess, making this an engaging and informative journey into the heart of an empire that continues to intrigue and inspire humanity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Allen \u0026 Unwin","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45760055378156,"sku":"9781408810026","price":36.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9781408810026.jpg?v=1726987751"},{"product_id":"writings-from-ancient-egypt-by-toby-wilkinson-9780141395951","title":"Writings from Ancient Egypt","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe essential writings of ancient Egypt, from songs to stories, newly translated.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e'Man perishes; his corpse turns to dust; all his relatives pass away. But writings make him remembered.'\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe fascination Ancient Egypt holds in our minds has many sources, but at the heart of it lie hieroglyphics. This extraordinary writing system was for many years seen as the ultimate challenge and puzzle before finally being cracked in the 1820s. Preserved carved in stone or inked on papyri, hieroglyphic writings give a unique insight into an awe-inspiring but also deeply mysterious culture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eToby Wilkinson has translated a rich selection of pieces, ranging from accounts of battles to hymns to stories to royal proclamations. This book is both very enjoyable and an essential resource for anyone wanting to study one of humankind's great civilizations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Penguin Random House NZ","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46338703425772,"sku":"9780141395951","price":27.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/8761493482238.jpg?v=1743744994"},{"product_id":"the-last-dynasty-by-toby-wilkinson-9781526664662","title":"The Last Dynasty","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eA truly splendid read, richly detailed and powered by an unfailing gift for storytelling\u003c\/b\u003e — John Guy\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eSuperb and gripping\u003c\/b\u003e — Simon Sebag Montefiore\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eA definitive and thrilling new account of the last great dynasty of ancient Egypt, from Alexander the Great to Cleopatra.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhen Alexander the Great arrived in Egypt, he overthrew the hated Persian overlords and was welcomed as a saviour. He repaid them by showing due reverence to their long-held traditions. After his death, as the Greek empire broke up and his closest advisers squabbled over the spoils, a Macedonian general named Ptolemy seized the Egyptian throne, ushering in a new dynasty that would last for 300 years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhat followed was as dramatic and compelling as any period in Egyptian history. The unique blend of Greek and Egyptian cultures led to an unprecedented flowering of learning, as the new city of Alexandria became home to the Great Library, the largest in the ancient world, that attracted the brightest minds. \u003cb\u003eWars, incest, double-dealing, foreign empires and huge wealth all followed\u003c\/b\u003e, but the rise of the Roman empire would eventually bring the Ptolemaic era crashing to a close.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eHelped by the latest archaeological discoveries and using original papyrus documents, Toby Wilkinson uncovers a story that can only now be fully told. From courtly life to the role of women, from international trade to the tensions between native Egyptians and incoming Greeks, all aspects of life are here. \u003cb\u003eFilled with surprising insights, vivid descriptions and larger-than-life characters, and written in the author’s compelling narrative style, \u003ci\u003eThe Last Dynasty\u003c\/i\u003e will appeal to all lovers of history, archaeology, art and culture.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Allen \u0026 Unwin","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46835171164396,"sku":"9781526664662","price":38.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/15154133482731.jpg?v=1758536317"},{"product_id":"lives-of-the-ancient-egyptians-by-toby-wilkinson-9780500294802","title":"Lives of the Ancient Egyptians","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom the dawn of history to the death of Cleopatra, ancient Egypt was home to larger-than-life personalities. Across one hundred lives, Toby Wilkinson explores the true character and diversity of human experience in the ancient world's greatest civilization.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSome of those profiled are famous: pharaohs and queens such as Akhenaten, Nefertiti, Ramesses II, and Tiye. Others are lesser known but equally engaging: Imhotep, architect of the first pyramid; Perniankhu, the court dwarf; and the royal sculptor Bak.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eEqually illuminating are the lives of commoners, so rarely given their own voice: ordinary men and women who include a doctor, a dentist, a housewife, a musician - and a serial criminal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eLives of the Ancient Egyptians\u003c\/em\u003e offers a compelling exploration of ancient Egypt, delving into the stories and achievements of both the famous elites and the everyday individuals who shaped an extraordinary civilisation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Thames and Hudson (Australia) Pty Ltd","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46849513390316,"sku":"9780500294802","price":24.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/2768883482366.jpg?v=1759047978"},{"product_id":"the-last-dynasty-by-toby-wilkinson-9781526664648","title":"The Last Dynasty","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA truly splendid read, richly detailed and powered by an unfailing gift for storytelling’\u003c\/strong\u003e John Guy\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e'Superb and gripping' \u003c\/strong\u003eSimon Sebag Montefiore\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA definitive and thrilling new account of the last great dynasty of ancient Egypt, from Alexander the Great to Cleopatra.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhen Alexander the Great arrived in Egypt, he overthrew the hated Persian overlords and was welcomed as a saviour. 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He was a cultural innovator, a relentless self-promoter, and an astute diplomat—the peace treaty signed after the Battle of Kadesh was the first in recorded history. He outbuilt every other Egyptian pharaoh, leaving behind the temples of Abu Simbel; the great hypostyle hall of Karnak; the tomb for his wife Nefertari; and his own memorial, the Ramesseum.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eHis reputation eclipsed that of all other pharaohs as well: he was decried in the Bible as a despot, famed in literature as Ozymandias, and lauded by early antiquarians as the Younger Memnon. 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