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ithilwen22's review against another edition
4.0
“This is not a book about ancient Egyptian culture; it is a book about ancient Egyptians.” Barbara Mertz starts out her book with this line, and it perfectly describes her work. “Red Land, Black Land” gives details of Egyptian life in different periods of history. She traces life from birth to death in all the myriad ways life can go.
Mertz has a pleasant, conversational tone throughout the book that makes it feel more like you’re listening to her describe a personal experience over tea rather than reading a lecture on a time long past. I especially loved the chapter where she took the reader on a mental trip down the Nile. One thing I didn’t know was how popular touring the monuments was even at the time they were built.
One of the best aspects of the book is her cautious skepticism when it comes to “expert opinions”. The study of ancient civilizations is an evolving process. Each year, scholars learn a little more about the language and writing, or scientists develop better technology for examining artifacts, and something is discovered to be different than what was once considered fact. Mertz’ refusal to equate theories with facts and to emphasize the subjectivity humans are never entirely free from (and admitting when she prefers a theory for subjective reasons) may make it less popular with those who want “just the facts, ma’am” but is a more realistic touch to the subject.
It was a fun, informative read, and I definitely enjoyed her style of writing. I was pleasantly surprised to find she is also one of my favorite authors: she writes the fabulous Amelia Peabody series under the pseudonym Elizabeth Peters, which is one I recommend to anyone who enjoys learning more about ancient culture along with some great mysteries.
Mertz has a pleasant, conversational tone throughout the book that makes it feel more like you’re listening to her describe a personal experience over tea rather than reading a lecture on a time long past. I especially loved the chapter where she took the reader on a mental trip down the Nile. One thing I didn’t know was how popular touring the monuments was even at the time they were built.
One of the best aspects of the book is her cautious skepticism when it comes to “expert opinions”. The study of ancient civilizations is an evolving process. Each year, scholars learn a little more about the language and writing, or scientists develop better technology for examining artifacts, and something is discovered to be different than what was once considered fact. Mertz’ refusal to equate theories with facts and to emphasize the subjectivity humans are never entirely free from (and admitting when she prefers a theory for subjective reasons) may make it less popular with those who want “just the facts, ma’am” but is a more realistic touch to the subject.
It was a fun, informative read, and I definitely enjoyed her style of writing. I was pleasantly surprised to find she is also one of my favorite authors: she writes the fabulous Amelia Peabody series under the pseudonym Elizabeth Peters, which is one I recommend to anyone who enjoys learning more about ancient culture along with some great mysteries.
mollyoneillwrites's review against another edition
5.0
Really interesting history of the Egyptian people and their daily life. This is definitely a chatty book, with the author interjecting at multiple points to add her own views and opinions - I listened to this book on Audible so this format worked really well for me. However I think this book is deceptively scholarly and I came away brimming with new knowledge.
corvinaq's review against another edition
4.0
A charming & witty popular introduction to everyday life in Ancient Egypt. Architecture section is a little boring, but birth, marriage, homes, amusements, clothing--all fascinating.
jay_sy's review against another edition
informative
slow-paced
3.0
I can't say I hold a particular fascination for Egypt but I like knowing how historical people lived. Red Land, Black Land by Barbara Mertz is written in a conversational style and the author frankly admits when she doesn't know things which is appreciated.
Some things that caught my attention while reading:
-some of the early descriptions in the book of the landscape and quarries is kind of dry.
-I found it interesting how Oasis could be used as prisons because if they dropped someone off there there was no leaving
-I think it was my first time hearing an Egyptian fairy tale in the case of the 'Doomed Prince' and it was interesting how it showed so many elements with other European fairy tales
-the clothing sounded quite lovely made largely of linen or rarely wool, and many having accordion pleats. The clothing was often also sheer
-I didn't realize that wigs were common in Egypt and they sounded very elaborate with braids and sausage curls
-interesting detail that the beds were slightly elevated with the head slightly elevated and a footboard so that people didn't slide off
-learning about Papyrus making was interesting (how the Papyrus plant is cut into strips and needs to be pounded with a hammer for an hour while the juices of the Papyrus act as a natural glue to hold it together). Multiple sheets of Papyrus can then be glued together and rolled into a scroll
-life for young scribes sounded very harsh. I'm still trying to process the quote: "a boy's ears are on his back; he hears best when beaten"
-It was interesting to hear the letters of the middle class old man and his dealings with his family. I suppose it kind of confirms the words of the scribes of how only through writing can you be remembered
-I suppose I must be a very ignorant about ancient Egypt because I didn't realize there were so many gods
-The play about Osiris, including one part where one of the Gods goes into a sulk and is placated when a goddess reveals herself to him, was surprisingly entertaining
-it's kind of interesting to consider a culture where the afterlife is so important that your descendants are expected to bring food to your tomb
-I enjoyed reading a lot of fantasy so it's interesting to see how the idea of names having power is such a meaningful part of Egyptian culture to the point where there are even magic spells so that men don't forget their own names and thereby lose their identity
-Sounds pretty horrible to have bits of sand and grit in your bread, wearing away your teeth and causing abscesses
-It’s funny that there were spells to prevent your conscience from telling on you so you could have a better afterlife
Overall, I found the book a bit dry, but that was a matter of personal taste (and not having a deep interest in Ancient Egypt). Nevertheless, it was very informative. I think those with a fascination for the topic might enjoy this book and would give it a 3 out of 5
Some things that caught my attention while reading:
-some of the early descriptions in the book of the landscape and quarries is kind of dry.
-I found it interesting how Oasis could be used as prisons because if they dropped someone off there there was no leaving
-I think it was my first time hearing an Egyptian fairy tale in the case of the 'Doomed Prince' and it was interesting how it showed so many elements with other European fairy tales
-the clothing sounded quite lovely made largely of linen or rarely wool, and many having accordion pleats. The clothing was often also sheer
-I didn't realize that wigs were common in Egypt and they sounded very elaborate with braids and sausage curls
-interesting detail that the beds were slightly elevated with the head slightly elevated and a footboard so that people didn't slide off
-learning about Papyrus making was interesting (how the Papyrus plant is cut into strips and needs to be pounded with a hammer for an hour while the juices of the Papyrus act as a natural glue to hold it together). Multiple sheets of Papyrus can then be glued together and rolled into a scroll
-life for young scribes sounded very harsh. I'm still trying to process the quote: "a boy's ears are on his back; he hears best when beaten"
-It was interesting to hear the letters of the middle class old man and his dealings with his family. I suppose it kind of confirms the words of the scribes of how only through writing can you be remembered
-I suppose I must be a very ignorant about ancient Egypt because I didn't realize there were so many gods
-The play about Osiris, including one part where one of the Gods goes into a sulk and is placated when a goddess reveals herself to him, was surprisingly entertaining
-it's kind of interesting to consider a culture where the afterlife is so important that your descendants are expected to bring food to your tomb
-I enjoyed reading a lot of fantasy so it's interesting to see how the idea of names having power is such a meaningful part of Egyptian culture to the point where there are even magic spells so that men don't forget their own names and thereby lose their identity
-Sounds pretty horrible to have bits of sand and grit in your bread, wearing away your teeth and causing abscesses
-It’s funny that there were spells to prevent your conscience from telling on you so you could have a better afterlife
Overall, I found the book a bit dry, but that was a matter of personal taste (and not having a deep interest in Ancient Egypt). Nevertheless, it was very informative. I think those with a fascination for the topic might enjoy this book and would give it a 3 out of 5
rc2's review against another edition
2.0
I didn't realize how outdated this was. Also, if you have to say verbatim, "Don't ask me, because I don't know" 3x throughout the book, did you really do enough research to warrant writing your book? I think this would be fun for younger audiences to get into the idea of Egypt--the narrative voice certainly lends itself to a fun, eccentric aunt who doesn't have time to give detailed descriptions of anything, but if you're looking for a specific scholarly source, this isn't it.
sofer_mahir's review against another edition
4.0
Every bit as witty and interesting as the first book. Mertz does not bore the reader with many technical details, and she unashamedly gives her own opinions on subjects about which there is debate (without getting into the weeds of those debates). That last point is important: All study of ancient history is contentious. If the author got down to explaining every side of every disputed point, this would no longer be a popular history!
matteo_of_eld's review against another edition
funny
informative
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
lakemoonlo's review against another edition
informative
slow-paced
4.0
Really enjoyed this, so informative and witty.
wynter's review against another edition
4.0
I love Barbara Mertz and her genuine passion for Egypt. I had no doubt that I would thoroughly enjoy yet another book by her. As opposed to [b:Temples, Tombs & Hieroglyphs: A Popular History of Ancient Egypt|1400512|Temples, Tombs & Hieroglyphs A Popular History of Ancient Egypt|Barbara Mertz|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1347781699s/1400512.jpg|1390701], which focused on the chronological history of Egypt and its rulers, Red Land, Black Land is more of a sweeping overview of Egyptian culture. She touches upon such interesting topics as medicine, food, household, women's rights, and of course pyramid building among others. There are some interesting connections between this volume and the first book in the Amelia Peabody series [b:Crocodile on the Sandbank|188230|Crocodile on the Sandbank (Amelia Peabody #1)|Elizabeth Peters|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1306096774s/188230.jpg|2570338], which made me smile. For anyone interested in getting into Egyptology, I would certainly recommend reading first Temples... and then Red Land... as a good, solid intro on the subject.