Ancient Nubia: African Kingdoms on the Nile
This large, scholarly work brings the ancient unknown kingdom of Nubia alive through essays and beautiful photos. Part 1 opens with maps and a chronology as well as a list of Kushite rulers. In 18 essays, contributors from around the globe provide facts and insights on the architecture, culture, customs, geography, and general history of the region, which stretched from Sudan through northern Egypt. Black-and-white photos of early-twentieth-century excavations—along with stunning color photos (some covering two pages) of tomb paintings, sculptures, temples, and precious objects—convey different eras. Extensive bibliographies after each essay will enable researchers to pursue a specific topic and period further, often through scholarly journal articles as recent as 2010. Part 2 is a gazetteer of 48 excavated archaeological sites, with illustrations and narratives offering a thorough description. There are numerous color maps and charts throughout the work and a detailed index.   While public library patrons may enjoy browsing through the book, it will likely be used more in an academic setting, due to the dense and highly scholarly text. However, the unique and thorough information, the sheer beauty of the book, and the price make this a solid recommendation for most libraries. --Arthur Meyers