Random inquiry

[happychemist]

I'm looking for book recs. In particular, I'd like to read:
1) a historical piece of fiction taking place in Ancient Egypt!
2) a good nonfiction book about ancient egypt that would encompass religion, politics, and social dynamics.

Any takers? I started bumping around on amazon, but figured that I'd canvas my learned friends!

Comments

[brightly-woven.livejournal.com]

There was a series by Judith Tarr that I read a long time ago. Can't remember how well I liked it, but I generally like her.

[brightly-woven.livejournal.com]

Here are the books I was thinking of:

THRONE OF ISIS
PILLAR OF FIRE
KING AND GODDESS
THE SHEPHERD KINGS

[happychemist.livejournal.com]

Awesome!!! Thanks so much, Meg!!

[margaret-d.livejournal.com]

Does "Aida" count as historical fiction? How about Handel's "Giulio Cesare in Egitto" -- Julius Ceasar's merry adventures in Egypt with Cleopatra running around in disguise? (As usual, everything goes back to opera with me.)

My knowledge of Egyptian literature begins and ends with Naguib Mahfouz. He won a Nobel Prize in the ~80s, died a few years ago -- definintely not Ancient Egypt, but 20th century Egypt is still very remote, strange, and mysterious to me. I have always meant to read more of his books.

I have read a few cheesy, superficial popular history books on Ancient Egypt (because I like mummies), all random library books, nothing worth recommending. Tell me if you find anything good. :)