While technically not an archaeological study, the works of George Rawlinson are of a class with those of Austin Henry Layard. Both represent the larger picture of the cultures with which they are so fascinated. Rawlinson’s study of ancient Egypt is intelligent and contains material that is of interest to archaeologists as well. This learned study surveys the land and people of Egypt before taking the development of the nation through historic chapters such as the period of pyramid builders, the rise of Thebes, the invasion and expulsion of the Hyksos, the great pharaohs of the Middle Kingdom, all the way to the decline of the Egyptian Empire. Told in a level of detail that rivals Breasted’s classic work on Egypt, this earlier study makes fascinating reading.

George Rawlinson (1812-1902) was an Orientalist and Canon of Canterbury Cathedral. A highly regarded scholar of classics, he was eventually appointed Camden professor of Ancient History at the University of Oxford. He published widely on topics concerning the ancient world, and he was the younger brother of noted Orientalist Sir Henry Rawlinson.