Review: Nefertiti by Joyce Tyldesley
Title: Nefertiti: Unlocking the Mystery Surrounding Egypt’s Most Famous and Beautiful Queen
Author: Tyldesley, Joyce
Length: 228 pages
Genre: Non-Fiction, History
Publisher / Year: Penguin Books / 1998, revisions included in 2005
Source: Carin - thank you!!
Rating: 3.5/5
Why I Read It: Carin was nice enough to send it to me, and I am off to Egypt on the 24th.
Date Read: 23/01/12
As soon as this arrived in the mail I knew I had to start it immediately. In a great instance of perfect timing, Carin sent me this book just two months before my trip to Egypt with Carina. (Yes, I promise to take photos.) I’m glad I didn’t leave this to sit on the shelf either and instead picked it up right away because it was a really interesting read.
Through this book Tyldesley covers the information that we have on Nefertiti. She starts by talking about the dangers of writing a book like this because discoveries are always happening that can change absolutely everything that we think we know. When talking about things from so long ago, it is hard to be accurate or completely sure of anything and any author who claims that they are, she says, is probably lying or misinformed.
Although the title gives the impression that the book is about Nefertiti, it is really about her entire family and the life they led in Egypt. In addition to hearing what is archaeologically known of Nefertiti we hear about her husband, Akhenaten, his religion, his city of Armana, and their children. We hear as well about the other women who would have been in the harem, including Kiya.
I find it fascinating how much can be deduced from what is remaining, from so long ago. Art work, tombs, mummies, and more are all considered to give such an in-depth view of life as it was. Although there is still little known of Nefertiti, with her death still a mystery including the full extent of her powers in Egypt, there is still a lot that has been pieced together and Tyldesley shares it well. She has pulled together a story here, talking about the differing opinions held by various and explaining why certain theories are more plausible than others.
One really interesting point that Tyldesley makes is how our current understanding of the world affects our interpretation of the past. Many like to see Akhenaten’s attempt at imposing religious dictates on his people as the first example of monotheism, a precursor to Jewish and Christian belief. She talks about why that wasn’t the case, and in doing so highlights the importance of thinking objectively rather than with our current world-view. Although it may be difficult, we must try to leave off our preconceptions.
An interesting read that I would recommend to anyone interested in Egypt, the ancient world, of history. Well-written and researched, you can’t go wrong with this choice.
Nefertiti is my favourite heroine in the world of Egyptology, this book sounds great. Thanks for recommending it.
Our current preconceptions definitely do not apply to the old world of order. Wholeheartedly agree.
That was the most interesting thing to me JoV, the discussion about how what we think now colors our view of the past. So interesting to think about!
She’s certainly one of the most interesting historical figures not just because she was the wife and mother of pharaohs but also because of her beauty and intelligence and the power she wielded herself. And I agree that you need to leave behind modern perceptions when looking back into history.
Yes, she really has so much going on doesn’t she Sakura? And so interesting to think about how our modern preconceptions affect how we view and interpret the past!
I have long been interested in Nefertiti, but haven’t read much about her that wasn’t fiction. It seems like this book has a great handle on the different known aspects of her life, and I would love to get a look at it. This was a great review, and the book couldn’t have come at a more perfect time! It’s reading kismet!
I read a fiction book as well zibilee and the review will post in a few days
I definitely liked getting this nonfiction in first though, was really interesting.
This sounds like a fascinating book and your trip sounds even better. I hope you have a blast!
Thanks Kathy!
Oh you lost me when you said you were going to Egypt! My jaw dropped and I couldnt read your review…LOL….
actually the book sounds wonderful!
Thanks Sheila
I am a lucky lady, I will admit.
I did a lot of travelling in Egypt back in 1994 when I lived and worked in Israel and could easily pop over the border. I have really fond memories of that place and I am also interested in books about or set in Egypt.
I have had this one on my radar for years and years but never actually got round to picking up a copy but now I’m thinking maybe I should.
Have a wonderful time in Egypt, Amy
Oohhhh so cool The Book Whisperer – any tips for me
Thanks!
OMG Egypt. You’ve accumulated some seriously good karma in your previous life, Amy! I WANT THIS.
Thanks Niranjana, I definitely feel like a very lucky lady a lot of the time
I must say I’m always fascinated by the ancient things and how they lived. The problem is what to believe and what not to. I have a similar book (not on Nefertiti but on ancient Egypt) which I might be reading at some point. I also thought that Akhenaten’s insistence on a one God was the source of Monotheism. I read about this in Manly P. Hall’s book The Secret Destiny of America, which I reviewed on my blog.
Thanks for sharing this with us.
I’ll be interested in hearing your thoughts on the book you have Nana. It’s interesting the way that how we believe now colors how we view the past isn’t it? I liked the things Tyldesley said about it and why many see his views as different from monotheism. You’d enjoy it I think.
I love the cover photo- that’s all i want to say.
Thanks Geosi.
I love historical non-ficiton and interested in reading about ancient civilisations and the people who were instrumental in making those civilizations. Nefertiti is one such person I would love to read about and so is Cleopatra. Thanks for sharing, Amy. I’d add this to my TBR pile
I think you’d enjoy this one if you like learning more about historical figures readinpleasure. It was well researched, or at least seemed to be from what little I knew going in!