The Treasures of the Valley of the Kings: Tombs and Temples of the Theban West Bank in Luxor

This volume builds upon the work of The Theban Mapping Project and, thus, has excellent maps and tomb plans, making them accessible to the general reader; it doesn't appear to be intended as an academic work, and would be very useful for those planning a visit to the Theban West Bank, but it is heavy, so a Kindle version would be better suited to actually taking on a visit.It's divided into sections, covering topics such as the royal mortuary cult temples, the Kings' Valley and the Queens' Valley, with chapters detailing individual tombs, within these sections (these are written by individual academics, who know their subject well). All feature very clear plans and superb photos.The only, minor, quibbles I have is that, amongst the tombs that are regularly open the authors include those of Amunhotep II (KV 35) and Ramesses II (KV 7). The former hasn't been open to visitors for many years, whilst the latter has never been open, and unlikely to be so.Personally, I'd have preferred the inclusion of the tomb of Thothmoses IV (KV 43), which is occasionally opened, and is important for being the first in the Valley to feature traditional, polychrome, representations of the King and deities; KV 35 has monochrome figures on the burial chamber pillars), and contains 2 graffiti, relating to a restoration of the burial, following robberies, during the reign of Horemheb, But this is just a personal preference and would not affect the enjoyment of most readers.Overall, a highly recommended volume.

This is quite possibly the most beautiful book I have ever owned. 325 pages full of sharp photos of the most beautiful tombs and temples on the west bank of the Nile opposite Luxor. Also, maps. schematic plans, exploded views, drawings fill every page amongst the text by expert archaeologists. Wow. Don't hesitate, buy it now while it's still available. You'll see when you get it. You won't be disappointed. It's simply wonderful. It's a large, coffee table sized book beautifully bound and printed by White Star Publishers who are superb. Also includes Valley of the Queens tombs such as Nefertari's tomb and others.

This is an absolutely fabulous book. Clearly laid out, well written, in a language the average person can understand, with a huge selection of absolutely beautiful images. This is the best twenty pound I have spent in a very long time. If you are planning a visit to Luxor this will be an invaluable source of information and inspiration.Together with "The Complete Temples of Ancient Egypt" by Richard H Wilkinson you will have everything you need to know to help plan a wonderful trip to Egypt.

Very nice product, well packed and arrived on time

Very well done and extraordinary photos and drawings!!! Nicely written for the average person who is fascinated by the ancient Egypt history and art. Perhaps the only drawback is the very small print, hard to read; but otherwise the book will be huge in size. The double printed photos are stunning!!! Definitely worth the purchase and although we have been three times to The Valley of Kings, these book made us wish for a further journey!The Nefertari chapter is amazing, we were able to visit before it was closed down to the public, the pictures in this book are the witnesses of a fabulous painting work not be seen again…

So wunderschön das Cover dieses Buches ist, so schön sind auch die Fotos im Inneren. Wer schon einmal in Luxor/Theben-West war und die Nekropolen am Westufer des Nils besucht hat, der wird sich garantiert dorthin zurück versetzt fühlen.Verschiedene Autoren (Ägyptologen, Archäologen) schreiben über ihr jeweiliges Fachgebiet bzw. über die Ausgrabungsstätten, an denen sie arbeiten, und vermitteln nicht nur detailliertes Wissen, sondern man spürt auch die Liebe und Begeisterung zu Theben und Ägypten.Behandelt werden zahlreiche Gräber im Tal der Könige bzw. der Königinnen, sowie die imposanten „Millionenjahrhäuser“ am westlichen Flussufer. Wem die einzelnen Artikel zu ausführlich sind, oder das Englisch zu schwierig, der ist - meiner Meinung nach - mit den Fotos, ausklappbaren Bildtafeln und Zeichnungen, noch immer bestens bedient.Unbedingte Kaufempfehlung!

We recently returned from Egypt and had visited the Valley of the Kings. Great book, great photo and great detail.

Breathtakenly beautiful photography. Plain and simple beautiful book. Enchanting to peruse.

Amazing pictures and photos.Beautiful foldout pages of the tombs.