Author Description

King Ramses II distinguished himself as a warrior, builder of magnificent monuments, and model for rulers to follow. Nothing will bring his life and times into sharper focus than this breathtaking volume, filled with oversize color photos--many rare--of the ancient temples, tombs, and statuary he had constructed. Among these awe-inspiring feats of art and engineering: the astonishing hall at Karnak in Thebes; his father's funerary temple on the west bank of the Nile at Luxor, as well as one for himself, called the Ramesseum; and the rock hewn temple of Abu Simbel. Close-ups showcase the incredible decorative detail carved onto the stonework, while maps and blueprints provide a detailed layout of all the structures. From a look at this proud king's military achievements and personal life to his image in modern times, this is an unforgettable portrait of a legendary figure in an exquisitely printed gift edition.