Tuesday, November 22, 2005
Books: A Guide to Ancient Egyptian Fiction
Note: An earlier version of this guide was posted by me on the Amazon.com website.
Introduction to Ancient Egypt Fiction:
Readers can find books set at some point during the ancient Egyptian historical period in many genres. There are numerous series and non-series books that are set during this time period. A large number of the books in this guide can be found in the mystery genre, though some can be found in the science fiction genre. This particular guide deals with books set large or completely in ancient Egypt. Characters from other series occasionally visit ancient Egypt, but those books can be found in some of my other guides (for example, Steven Saylor’s Roma Sub Rosa’s main character visits Egypt, and some Egyptians visit Rome).
Many ancient Egypt books are set during the reign of Pharaoh-Queen Maatkare Hatshepsu, including at least two series and many stand-alone books. P.C. Doherty’s Chief Judge Amerotke investigates mysteries right at the start of Pharaoh-Queen Hatusu’s twenty-two year reign (a shortening of the name). Lauren Haney’s Lt. Bak is the head of the Medjay police force in a fort in ancient Egypt during Pharaoh Hatshepsu’s reign, though it is unclear when exactly his investigations occur. Several books follow the rise and life of this Pharaoh (Pauline Gedge’s 'Child of the Morning (The Hera Series)'; Judith Tarr’s 'King and Goddess (King & Goddess)').
Pharaohs Tutankhamun, Ramses, and Akhenaten can also be found in fiction, along with special figures like Moses, and more common every day people.
Rise of a Dynasty:
Start of the 18th dynasty.
Lords of the Two Lands Series (by Pauline Gedge)
Egypt has been taken over by foreigners and a descendent of the original rulers fights for the right for his family to return to power and to create the 18th dynasty. Gedge bibliography.
1. "The Hippopotamus Marsh"
2. "The Oasis"
3. "The Horus Road"
Pharaoh-Queen Maatkare Hatshepsu:
The life and times of Maatkare Hatshepsu, as found on the Internet: Hatshepsu was the fifth ruler of the 18th dynasty (more below on the 18th dynasty) and lived from roughly 1504 BC to 1458 BC according to numerous websites, including this one here (another website, and here is a link to some statues of the Pharaoh-Queen). One of the first female rulers recorded in history, Hatshepsu ruled for roughly 22 years.
Chief Judge Amerotke Mystery Series (by P.C. Doherty)
P.C. Doherty’s series is set in roughly 1479 B.C. and involves various mysteries that are investigated by Chief Judge Amerotke during the reign of Pharaoh Tuthmosis and later, after Tuthmosis dies in the first book (and is part of the mystery in the first book) during the reign of Pharaoh-Queen Hatusu. Interview with Doherty. Bibliography.
1. 'The Mask of Ra'
2. 'The Horus Killings'
3. 'The Anubis Slayings'
4. 'The Slayers of Seth : A Story of Intrigue and Murder Set in Ancient Egypt'
Lt. Bak mystery series (by Lauren Haney)
Lauren Haney’s series follows the investigations of Lt. Bak, commander of the Medjay police in the city or fortress of Buhen (a picture of the fortress might be found here; Buhen is an ancient city in Egypt having been a small settlement during the old kingdom of around 2686-2181 BC (according to this website here)), which is located in Wawat (Lower Nubia, controlled by Egypt (otherwise known as Kemet)). Both Doherty’s Amerotke and Haney’s Lt. Bak work during the reign of the same female Pharaoh. Doherty has shorted the Pharaoh-Queen’s name to Hatusu, while Haney uses the full name of Maatkare Hatshepsut, though in Haney’s series, unlike in Doherty’s series, Hatshepsut’s nephew Menkheperre Tuthmose “ostensibly shares the throne” with Hatshepsut and is Vizier of the southern lands (while Doherty has Senenmut as Hatusu’s Grand Vizier). It is unclear if the action in the two series takes place during the same time period, as Hatusu reigned for over twenty-two years (which might explain the difference in Vizier).
1. 'The Right Hand of Amon'
2. 'A Face Turned Backward'
3. 'A Vile Justice (Mystery of Ancient Egypt)'
4. 'A Curse of Silence'
5. 'A Place of Darkness'
6. 'A Cruel Deceit'
7. 'Flesh of the God (Mystery of Ancient Egypt)'
8. 'A Path of Shadows'
Pauline Gedge’s 'Child of the Morning (The Hera Series)' (interview with Gedge) and Judith Tarr’s 'King and Goddess (King & Goddess)' (a Judith Tarr website) more specially follow the life of Pharaoh-Queen Hatshepsut (as opposed to one of her subjects).
Pharaoh Akhenaten:
Tenth pharaoh of the 18th dynasty, likely ruled between 1352-1332 BC. (see this website here).
Pharaoh Akhenaten is found in several stand-alone novels. Judith Tarr’s 'Pillar of Fire' investigates whether Pharaoh Akhenaten was the same person as Moses. Pharaoh Akhenaten was the Pharaoh that introduced monotheism into the Egyptian world (the sun God Aten), and rejected the worship of other gods. Pharaoh Akhenaten’s body apparently went missing after he died and Moses came forth into prominence. Naguib Mahfouz’s 'Akhenaten : Dweller in Truth A Novel' was originally published in Arabic in 1985. Mahfouz’s book follows a young man twenty years after Akhenaten died. The man investigates the life of the “heretic” Pharaoh. Finnish author Mika Waltari's 'The Egyptian: A Novel' was originially published in 1949 in the USA. The book follows the life of physician Sinuhe during the reign of several pharaohs and covers the Eastern Mediterranean region, all the way from Thebes to Babylon in the north, and Egypt in the south (added at reader request; and the book does have 72 reviews and has a solid 5 stars out of 5 stars rating, and is in the top 10,000 in sales rank for books).
Moses:
Judith Tarr’s 'Pillar of Fire' is mentioned in the last section (is Pharaoh Akhenaten and Moses the same person).
Sons of Encouragement series (Francine Rivers):
This series follows the life of Aaron, the brother of Moses, as Moses fights for and leads his people from Egypt. Francine Rivers page.
1. 'Priest: A Novella (Rivers, Francine)'
2. 'The Warrior (Sons of Encouragement (Hardcover))'
3. "The Prince"
Pharaoh Tutankhamun:
Tutankhamun, a pharaoh of the new kingdom. Apparently the son of Pharaoh Akhenaten (otherwise known as Amenhotep IV – he changed his name; worshiper of just one god – Aten; Update: Tutankhamun was the brother of Akhenaten and the son of Amenhotep the Magnificent - Amenhotep died, Akhenaten took over the throne, died and his brother took over (forgot what his name was), then Akhenaten's brother Tutankhamun ascended to the throne). Tutankhamun ruled briefly and apparently died young around 1325 BC (from this website here; or look here). Pharaoh-Queen Maatkare Hatshepsu was apparently the fifth ruler in the 18th dynasty, and Tutankhamun was the 12th (ruling from around 1334 to 1325 BC, according to this website here).
Lord Meren mystery series (by Lynda S. Robinson)
Unlike Doherty and Haney’s Egyptian series, Robinson’s Lord Meren works for Pharaoh Tutankhamun. Lord Meren is the Pharaoh’s chief spy (the “Eyes and Ears of Pharaoh”), and investigates many mysteries. Homepage for the series.
1. 'Murder in the Place of Anubis (Lord Meren Mysteries (Paperback))'
2. 'Murder at the God's Gate (Lord Meren Mysteries (Paperback))'
3. 'Murder at the Feast of Rejoicing (Lord Meren Mysteries (Paperback))'
4. 'Eater of Souls'
5. 'Drinker of Blood (Lord Meren Mysteries (Paperback))'
6. 'Slayer of Gods'
Pharaoh Ramses II:
Likely the pharaoh Moses contended with in the Exodus (according to a website). A pharaoh of the 19th dynasty. Lived and ruled in 12th century BC (some history and a peace treaty).
Pharaoh Ramses series (by Christian Jacq)
The Ramses series follows the life and career of Pharaoh Ramses, starting when Ramses was 14 and not yet Pharaoh. Ramses ruled for over sixty years and is one of, if not the longest reigning Egyptian Pharaoh. Jacq bibliography.
1. 'Ramses: The Son of Light - Volume I (Vol 1)'
2. 'Ramses Volume II: The Eternal Temple'
3. 'Ramses: The Battle of Kadesh - Volume III (Vol 3)'
4. 'Ramses: The Lady of Abu Simbel - Volume IV (Vol 4)'
5. 'Ramses: Under the Western Acacia (Ramses Under the Western ACACIA, Vol. 5)'
Special Groups:
The Stone of Light series (by Christian Jacq)
Jacq’s series is set in a forbidden village in ancient Egypt. The people of the village are dedicated to working on tombs.
1. 'Nefer the Silent'
2. 'The Wise Woman (Stone of Light)'
3. 'Paneb the Ardent'
4. 'The Place of Truth (Stone of Light)'
Brad Geagley’s book, discussed later, also touches on a village of tomb makers.
Science Fiction:
Fred Saberhagen’s Pilgram SF Series
The first book in the series involves ancient Egypt. Tom Scheffler takes care of his great-uncle Montgomery Chapel’s apartment while Chapel is away. Scheffler knew that Chapel made his money selling antiques, but he did not understand how valuable Chapel’s apartment was until he moved in. Chapel’s apartment is filled with Egyptian artifacts that look a little too new. As the book unfolds, it becomes quickly obvious that Chapel is a tomb raider, one that uses time travel to get the best merchandise. Scheffler gets drawn into this time traveling and ends up visiting ancient Egypt and getting drawn into some of its myths and legends.
1. 'Pyramids'
Stand-alone books:
Several non-series, or stand-alone books are set in ancient Egypt. Brad Geagley’s 'Year of the Hyenas : A Novel of Murder in Ancient Egypt' is set in 1153 BC and follows a detective examining the death of an old female priest and who uncovers political intrigue. Judith Tarr’s 'The Shepherd Kings (Epona)' is set when Lower Egypt and Upper Egypt were separated after foreign invaders overran Lower Egypt. Pharaoh Ahmose, king/Pharaoh of Upper Egypt, has undertaken the task of trying to retake Lower Egypt after the Shepherd Kings have ruled there for hundreds of years. Wilbur Smith’s 'River God : A Novel of Ancient Egypt' is set around 1780 BC during an age of strife and civil war, as the Upper and Lower Egypt’s fought invaders, and each other for the two thrones. Paul Sussman’s 'The Lost Army of Cambyses' examines a Persian army that was sent into Egypt in 523 B.C. and disappeared. The book is set in the present world, but has a brief section set in ancient Egypt and deals with the present world character’s examining of the ancient Egyptian world.
Introduction to Ancient Egypt Fiction:
Readers can find books set at some point during the ancient Egyptian historical period in many genres. There are numerous series and non-series books that are set during this time period. A large number of the books in this guide can be found in the mystery genre, though some can be found in the science fiction genre. This particular guide deals with books set large or completely in ancient Egypt. Characters from other series occasionally visit ancient Egypt, but those books can be found in some of my other guides (for example, Steven Saylor’s Roma Sub Rosa’s main character visits Egypt, and some Egyptians visit Rome).
Many ancient Egypt books are set during the reign of Pharaoh-Queen Maatkare Hatshepsu, including at least two series and many stand-alone books. P.C. Doherty’s Chief Judge Amerotke investigates mysteries right at the start of Pharaoh-Queen Hatusu’s twenty-two year reign (a shortening of the name). Lauren Haney’s Lt. Bak is the head of the Medjay police force in a fort in ancient Egypt during Pharaoh Hatshepsu’s reign, though it is unclear when exactly his investigations occur. Several books follow the rise and life of this Pharaoh (Pauline Gedge’s 'Child of the Morning (The Hera Series)'; Judith Tarr’s 'King and Goddess (King & Goddess)').
Pharaohs Tutankhamun, Ramses, and Akhenaten can also be found in fiction, along with special figures like Moses, and more common every day people.
Rise of a Dynasty:
Start of the 18th dynasty.
Lords of the Two Lands Series (by Pauline Gedge)
Egypt has been taken over by foreigners and a descendent of the original rulers fights for the right for his family to return to power and to create the 18th dynasty. Gedge bibliography.
1. "The Hippopotamus Marsh"
2. "The Oasis"
3. "The Horus Road"
Pharaoh-Queen Maatkare Hatshepsu:
The life and times of Maatkare Hatshepsu, as found on the Internet: Hatshepsu was the fifth ruler of the 18th dynasty (more below on the 18th dynasty) and lived from roughly 1504 BC to 1458 BC according to numerous websites, including this one here (another website, and here is a link to some statues of the Pharaoh-Queen). One of the first female rulers recorded in history, Hatshepsu ruled for roughly 22 years.
Chief Judge Amerotke Mystery Series (by P.C. Doherty)
P.C. Doherty’s series is set in roughly 1479 B.C. and involves various mysteries that are investigated by Chief Judge Amerotke during the reign of Pharaoh Tuthmosis and later, after Tuthmosis dies in the first book (and is part of the mystery in the first book) during the reign of Pharaoh-Queen Hatusu. Interview with Doherty. Bibliography.
1. 'The Mask of Ra'
2. 'The Horus Killings'
3. 'The Anubis Slayings'
4. 'The Slayers of Seth : A Story of Intrigue and Murder Set in Ancient Egypt'
Lt. Bak mystery series (by Lauren Haney)
Lauren Haney’s series follows the investigations of Lt. Bak, commander of the Medjay police in the city or fortress of Buhen (a picture of the fortress might be found here; Buhen is an ancient city in Egypt having been a small settlement during the old kingdom of around 2686-2181 BC (according to this website here)), which is located in Wawat (Lower Nubia, controlled by Egypt (otherwise known as Kemet)). Both Doherty’s Amerotke and Haney’s Lt. Bak work during the reign of the same female Pharaoh. Doherty has shorted the Pharaoh-Queen’s name to Hatusu, while Haney uses the full name of Maatkare Hatshepsut, though in Haney’s series, unlike in Doherty’s series, Hatshepsut’s nephew Menkheperre Tuthmose “ostensibly shares the throne” with Hatshepsut and is Vizier of the southern lands (while Doherty has Senenmut as Hatusu’s Grand Vizier). It is unclear if the action in the two series takes place during the same time period, as Hatusu reigned for over twenty-two years (which might explain the difference in Vizier).
1. 'The Right Hand of Amon'
2. 'A Face Turned Backward'
3. 'A Vile Justice (Mystery of Ancient Egypt)'
4. 'A Curse of Silence'
5. 'A Place of Darkness'
6. 'A Cruel Deceit'
7. 'Flesh of the God (Mystery of Ancient Egypt)'
8. 'A Path of Shadows'
Pauline Gedge’s 'Child of the Morning (The Hera Series)' (interview with Gedge) and Judith Tarr’s 'King and Goddess (King & Goddess)' (a Judith Tarr website) more specially follow the life of Pharaoh-Queen Hatshepsut (as opposed to one of her subjects).
Pharaoh Akhenaten:
Tenth pharaoh of the 18th dynasty, likely ruled between 1352-1332 BC. (see this website here).
Pharaoh Akhenaten is found in several stand-alone novels. Judith Tarr’s 'Pillar of Fire' investigates whether Pharaoh Akhenaten was the same person as Moses. Pharaoh Akhenaten was the Pharaoh that introduced monotheism into the Egyptian world (the sun God Aten), and rejected the worship of other gods. Pharaoh Akhenaten’s body apparently went missing after he died and Moses came forth into prominence. Naguib Mahfouz’s 'Akhenaten : Dweller in Truth A Novel' was originally published in Arabic in 1985. Mahfouz’s book follows a young man twenty years after Akhenaten died. The man investigates the life of the “heretic” Pharaoh. Finnish author Mika Waltari's 'The Egyptian: A Novel' was originially published in 1949 in the USA. The book follows the life of physician Sinuhe during the reign of several pharaohs and covers the Eastern Mediterranean region, all the way from Thebes to Babylon in the north, and Egypt in the south (added at reader request; and the book does have 72 reviews and has a solid 5 stars out of 5 stars rating, and is in the top 10,000 in sales rank for books).
Moses:
Judith Tarr’s 'Pillar of Fire' is mentioned in the last section (is Pharaoh Akhenaten and Moses the same person).
Sons of Encouragement series (Francine Rivers):
This series follows the life of Aaron, the brother of Moses, as Moses fights for and leads his people from Egypt. Francine Rivers page.
1. 'Priest: A Novella (Rivers, Francine)'
2. 'The Warrior (Sons of Encouragement (Hardcover))'
3. "The Prince"
Pharaoh Tutankhamun:
Tutankhamun, a pharaoh of the new kingdom. Apparently the son of Pharaoh Akhenaten (otherwise known as Amenhotep IV – he changed his name; worshiper of just one god – Aten; Update: Tutankhamun was the brother of Akhenaten and the son of Amenhotep the Magnificent - Amenhotep died, Akhenaten took over the throne, died and his brother took over (forgot what his name was), then Akhenaten's brother Tutankhamun ascended to the throne). Tutankhamun ruled briefly and apparently died young around 1325 BC (from this website here; or look here). Pharaoh-Queen Maatkare Hatshepsu was apparently the fifth ruler in the 18th dynasty, and Tutankhamun was the 12th (ruling from around 1334 to 1325 BC, according to this website here).
Lord Meren mystery series (by Lynda S. Robinson)
Unlike Doherty and Haney’s Egyptian series, Robinson’s Lord Meren works for Pharaoh Tutankhamun. Lord Meren is the Pharaoh’s chief spy (the “Eyes and Ears of Pharaoh”), and investigates many mysteries. Homepage for the series.
1. 'Murder in the Place of Anubis (Lord Meren Mysteries (Paperback))'
2. 'Murder at the God's Gate (Lord Meren Mysteries (Paperback))'
3. 'Murder at the Feast of Rejoicing (Lord Meren Mysteries (Paperback))'
4. 'Eater of Souls'
5. 'Drinker of Blood (Lord Meren Mysteries (Paperback))'
6. 'Slayer of Gods'
Pharaoh Ramses II:
Likely the pharaoh Moses contended with in the Exodus (according to a website). A pharaoh of the 19th dynasty. Lived and ruled in 12th century BC (some history and a peace treaty).
Pharaoh Ramses series (by Christian Jacq)
The Ramses series follows the life and career of Pharaoh Ramses, starting when Ramses was 14 and not yet Pharaoh. Ramses ruled for over sixty years and is one of, if not the longest reigning Egyptian Pharaoh. Jacq bibliography.
1. 'Ramses: The Son of Light - Volume I (Vol 1)'
2. 'Ramses Volume II: The Eternal Temple'
3. 'Ramses: The Battle of Kadesh - Volume III (Vol 3)'
4. 'Ramses: The Lady of Abu Simbel - Volume IV (Vol 4)'
5. 'Ramses: Under the Western Acacia (Ramses Under the Western ACACIA, Vol. 5)'
Special Groups:
The Stone of Light series (by Christian Jacq)
Jacq’s series is set in a forbidden village in ancient Egypt. The people of the village are dedicated to working on tombs.
1. 'Nefer the Silent'
2. 'The Wise Woman (Stone of Light)'
3. 'Paneb the Ardent'
4. 'The Place of Truth (Stone of Light)'
Brad Geagley’s book, discussed later, also touches on a village of tomb makers.
Science Fiction:
Fred Saberhagen’s Pilgram SF Series
The first book in the series involves ancient Egypt. Tom Scheffler takes care of his great-uncle Montgomery Chapel’s apartment while Chapel is away. Scheffler knew that Chapel made his money selling antiques, but he did not understand how valuable Chapel’s apartment was until he moved in. Chapel’s apartment is filled with Egyptian artifacts that look a little too new. As the book unfolds, it becomes quickly obvious that Chapel is a tomb raider, one that uses time travel to get the best merchandise. Scheffler gets drawn into this time traveling and ends up visiting ancient Egypt and getting drawn into some of its myths and legends.
1. 'Pyramids'
Stand-alone books:
Several non-series, or stand-alone books are set in ancient Egypt. Brad Geagley’s 'Year of the Hyenas : A Novel of Murder in Ancient Egypt' is set in 1153 BC and follows a detective examining the death of an old female priest and who uncovers political intrigue. Judith Tarr’s 'The Shepherd Kings (Epona)' is set when Lower Egypt and Upper Egypt were separated after foreign invaders overran Lower Egypt. Pharaoh Ahmose, king/Pharaoh of Upper Egypt, has undertaken the task of trying to retake Lower Egypt after the Shepherd Kings have ruled there for hundreds of years. Wilbur Smith’s 'River God : A Novel of Ancient Egypt' is set around 1780 BC during an age of strife and civil war, as the Upper and Lower Egypt’s fought invaders, and each other for the two thrones. Paul Sussman’s 'The Lost Army of Cambyses' examines a Persian army that was sent into Egypt in 523 B.C. and disappeared. The book is set in the present world, but has a brief section set in ancient Egypt and deals with the present world character’s examining of the ancient Egyptian world.
