During the Old and Middle Kingdoms; Ancient Egypt led the world in the construction of fortifications. The oldest was discovered on Elephantine Island and dates to c.2900 BC. This book investigates over 2;000 years of Egyptian fortification; including both fortified cities and military installations. It covers the most famous sites; including the fortified town of Ayn Asil and the fortress of Buhen. The text also examines the specific defensive structures within the fortifications; including gates; walls; and towers; and looks at both the operation and social history of these ancient military strongholds. Maps; photographs; and artwork by Brian Delf recreate this long-lost but legendary era; a treat for the eye as well as the mind.
#943978 in Books 2008-12-15 2009-02-03Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 233.93 x 17.88 x 6.14l; 1.30 #File Name: 1845202155320 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. This easy to read book goes over all of Russian cinema's ...By Jordan DotsonThis easy to read book goes over all of Russian cinema's history (until print) along with all the political happenings. Each section starts off with all the relevant information on the politics of the period (because Russian cinema has always been heavily shaped by the politics of the day; even more than most); and the second half is full of summaries of all the major films. So; why did I only give it three stars? Because the summaries are sometimes wrong. Most of the time; it is minor; but I can't quite trust a book that gives you incorrect information even on little things. I understand that the author probably couldn't have watched all the films that are described in the book (it is all of Russian cinema after all) or she was working from memory on many. But a simple search of a synopsis from secondary sources would have set her straight.3 of 4 people found the following review helpful. A great Christmas buyBy Lynn McBeeI bought this book for a very good friend who truly loves Russian cinema. She is also fluent in the language. She told me this was an excellent book and she really enjoyed it. I got such nice feedback from her on this item that I believe I can recommend this book for anyone who enjoys foreign films.10 of 12 people found the following review helpful. A must-read for any fan or student of Russian filmBy J. MerrittDr. Birgit Beumers has written extensively on Russian film as well as its culture and media; and her expertise shows. This history of Russian cinema is accessible and wonderfully balanced; and contains an extensive discussion of the highly dynamic period since the 'collapse.' There is always some history to any overview of Russian/Soviet cinema; given how extensively the state governed the country's film apparatus for many years. That having been said; some texts lean a little too much into the politics and lose sight of the cinema. Beumers does not do that. Her text illuminates on the state/art link; and the narrative is loosely organized around periods of Russian/Soviet political history; but she never takes the reader too far away from what they came for - the movies. The selection of films discussed is broad and comprehensive; and the appendices are loaded with resources for further study.A well-written; well-researched; and most welcome book that clearly displays the author's love of Russia's underappreciated film history. Would probably make an excellent text for a college course; and highly recommended for anyone who simply enjoys Russian cinema.
