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A review by jay_sy
Red Land, Black Land: Daily Life in Ancient Egypt by Barbara Mertz
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