The Geology of Egypt: A Traveler’s Handbook (Revised Edition)

Anyone interested in the geology of Egypt will find the second edition of interest. Professor Sampsell's revised edition is continues to represent a significant contribution to the field of Egyptology. Indeed, anyone working or excavating in Egypt should own this volume and reference it regularly. It explains quite clearly fundamental and complex concepts that are essential to a holistic understanding of life (ancient and modern) and archaeology in Egypt. The revised edition includes a powerful and informative new chapter regarding the preservation of Egypt' cultural heritage: explanation of the dewatering plans in Luxor is the clearest I have seen and reinforce its importance. The glossary is an essential tool and should be carried in the field as to record findings appropriately.

Good basic overview. I would prefer more geologic technical information

Amazing way to prepare for a trip to Egypt. I enjoyed this book thoroughly; I was quite surprised.

It is hard to appreciate ancient Egypt without a basic understanding of the geology that was crucial to the formation of that great civilization. As an archaeologist who spends several weeks each year working in Egypt, I found the first edition of this book [“A Traveler’s Guide to the Geology of Egypt”] to be a well-written, highly readable, accurate, and extremely helpful summary of that geology. Beginning with an easily understood explanation of the natural forces that created Egypt, the book follows the Nile northward in a logical progression from Lake Nasser to the Mediterranean Sea, and includes the Eastern and Western Deserts as well as the Sinai Peninsula. Using examples familiar (or that will become familiar) to most tourists, Dr. Sampsell explains how the ancient Egyptians used that geology to create their lasting monuments.This new and re-titled edition of the book improves on the first with the addition of a chapter discussing the natural and man-made dangers that threaten those ancient monuments, and the work currently being done to preserve and protect them. Not only is it an excellent reference book that I use often, I think “The Geology of Egypt” would be a valuable guidebook for any tourist interested in developing a better understanding of both modern and ancient Egypt.

All cultures are products of their environment, but geology's impact on both ancient and contemporary Egypt has been especially profound. Geology influenced the ancient pharaohs as they designed their temples, built their pyramids, carved their inscriptions and sited their tombs.The meanders and seasonal floods of the Nile River are the result of geological events that happened millions of years ago, yet they shape Egyptian commerce, agriculture, and politics to this day. An understanding of Egypt's geology will enrich the visit of every tourist, and Bonnie Sampsell's Geology of Egypt offers an excellent in depth treatment with explanations that are measured and clear. Sampsell takes her readers on a downriver journey from Lake Nasser to Alexandria, describing the geology encountered along the way. She also examines the Western and Eastern Deserts, the Red Sea, the Suez Canal and the Sinai Peninsula. She illuminates subjects both large and small, from the workings of Plate Tectonics to how salt crystals are destroying the Sphinx.The book features an extensive glossary, numerous maps, color photos, graphs, tables and line drawings. The Geology of Egypt is a valuable guide for any travelers who wants to truly understand the course of Egypt's history.

I highly recommend this book. I read the earlier edition on my first trip to Egypt a few years ago. Although I had never taken a course in geology, the first chapter provided an excellent summary of the necessary background material. The book is self-contained and of a reasonable size. It was very rewarding to read about a portion of the Nile and the surrounding area as our ship cruised through it. The maps and color photos were also very helpful.This book is very readable and informative; in addition to the geology of Egypt, the book also describes the major impact that the Nile has had on the history and culture of Egypt. The glossary is very helpful and the extensive bibliography contains references on many aspects of Egypt and its history. It is readily apparent that the author is an expert on Egypt.In summary, this is an excellent book; I only wish that there were similar books for other areas of the world.