PREFACE SOME apology may be necessary for such a venture as the adding of another to the numerous Histories of Egypt already in existence. Within the last few years the literature of the subject has been enriched by the publication of large and important works by such authorities as Professors Maspero, Flinders Petrie, and Breasted, and Dr. Wallis Budge. But the very scale and importance of these works fit them more for the service of the student than for the information of the general reader, and it is perhaps possible that a less exhaustive treatment of the subject may have its advantages. I have therefore endeavoured to tell the Story of the Pharaohs on a scale which, while admitting of the inclusion of all details of importance, excludes all matters which are not necessary to the continuity of the narrative and the due understanding of the interrelation of its parts. Particular attention has been given to the remarkable and interesting results of modern archæological investigation in so far as these bear upon the various epochs of Egyptian history, and it is hoped that the volume will be found to embody the latest conclusions which have been reached with any reasonable degree of certainty. The period covered extends from the earliest beginnings of Egyptian history down to the Persian Conquest, when the independent existence of the nation ceased; and an attempt has been made to summarize the leading tendencies and achievements in literature and art of the Old Kingdom and Empire Periods. The chapter on 'The Religion of Ancient Egypt' is necessarily but the briefest sketch of a vast subject-a sketch from which all but what seemed the most essential points have had to be excluded. The reader who wishes to fill in the outline must turn to such works as those of Wiedemann, Erman, and Steindorff. A detailed record of sources is needless; but I have to acknowledge indebtedness to the important Histories already mentioned, and especially to the work of Professor Flinders Petrie. In addition to these and other histories of earlier date, I have endeavoured to avail myself of all accessible sources of information, and my debt has been particularly great to the many publications of the Egypt Exploration Fund and Egyptian Research Account. In this connection I desire to acknowledge help kindly afforded to me by the Rev. James Kennedy, D.D., New College, Edinburgh, and the Rev. W. S. Matheson, M.A., Galashiels. The illustrations have been chosen with the view of representing the best and most characteristic Egyptian work in art and architecture. All the plates, with three exceptions, have been reproduced from photographs by kind permission of Signor Gaetano Piromali, Lugsor. The illustrations in the text are mostly reproduced from Wilkinson's "Ancient Egyptians," but I have to acknowledge the kindness of Professor Petrie in granting permission to use Figs. 1, 2, and 3, as well as Plate XXI., and of the authorities of the Egypt Exploration Fund in allowing the use of Fig. 22 (from "El-Amarna," iii.) while for the drawings used in Fig. 3, and Figs. 41 to 49 inclusive, I am indebted to my wife. |