Through concise text and richly detailed black and white illustrations we come to know the philosophy of life and death in ancient Egypt.
When children catch their first glimpse of a pyramid, a sea of questions inevitably tumbles forth. "Why are they shaped like that?" "How were they made?" "Who made them?" "What were they used for?" Perplexed adults can sigh with relief now that David Macaulay has found a way to thoroughly answer all those deserving questions. His exquisitely crosshatched pen-and-ink illustrations frame the engaging fictional story of an ancient pharaoh who commissions a pyramid to be built for him. With great patience and respect for minute detail (not unlike the creators of the early pyramids), Macaulay explains the sometimes backbreaking tasks of planning, hauling, chiseling, digging, and hoisting that went into the construction of this awe-inspiring monument. Just when the narrative teeters on the edge of textbook doldrums, Macaulay brings us back to the engaging human drama of death and superstition. This respectful blending of architecture, history, and mysticism will certainly satiate pyramid-passionate children as well as their obliging parents. ALA Notable Book. (Ages 9 and older) --Gail Hudson

Customer Rating:
Summary: Pyramid = mystery
Comment: `Pyramid` (1975) is Macaulay's third book. It shows the building of a hypothetical pyramid similar in size to Giza. Unfortunately Macaulay took on a difficult subject. There is still controversy about how exactly the pyramids were built. The 4-ramp model shown in the book is just one of many ideas, and not even proven to work. The latest theory is described in Khufu: The Secrets Behind the Building of the Great Pyramid, involving a series of internal and external ramps (see a BBC article about it in the note below). Given this, it's hard to know what else in the book is accurate, or conjecture. Macaulay is at his best when he demystifies the world around us, but in this case the pyramids really are a mystery, and so it leaves the impression of inaccuracy. However we can probably assume some of it is right (the tools for example). Like all Maccaulay books, it's an enjoyable and impressive journey through history. Just don't rely on it as a blueprint for building your own pyramid!

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Customer Rating:
Summary: Stories for Children Magazine 5 Star Review
Comment: Most everyone is fascinated with the Pyramids of ancient Egypt. The third in David Macaulay's series of books of how things in history were built uses both interesting text and black-and-white illustrations to tell about the process of building an ancient Egyptian pyramid. After explaining a little generally about life and death in ancient Egypt, the author takes us back to 2470 B. C. for the coronation of a new Pharaoh. Within two years, he must begin preparing for the end of his life and instructs his architect and best friend, Mahnud Hotep, to design his tomb. Though the pyramid and complex of surrounding temples and tombs in the story are imaginary, they are based closely on several of the pyramids and remnants of temples that were built in Egypt between 2700 and 2200 B. C. and are still standing.

Patterned after the pyramids of three earlier Pharaohs at Giza, the new pyramid would be built in three parts--the central core, the packing blocks, and the outer casing. All three parts were to be constructed simultaneously, one layer at a time. Most scholars agree that earth ramps were used in the construction process, but they differ as to where the ramps were placed. Macaulay included the two most popular theories in his visualizations. After the construction process is described in detail, the workers are still laying alabaster floor slabs when the Pharaoh dies in 2439, following a rule of 31 years ruling. The book then explains in detail the embalming, funeral, and burial. Any study of ancient Egypt will be greatly aided by the use of this book.
REVIEWED BY: Wayne S. Walker

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Customer Rating:
Summary: Interesting, but not Macaulay's best
Comment: Visual explanation of how Egyptians living nearly 4500 years ago were able to construct such large and magnificent structures. Shows the construction from conception by the Pharaoh's architect, to clearing and leveling the site, transporting the stones, tediously dragging them up and placing them to create the 124 layers of the pyramid, and finally chipping them down the form the distinctive triangular sides of the pyramid. Of course Macaulay goes further to show construction of the underground tombs, and nearby temples.

This book is not quite as interestsing as Mr. Macaulay's City book, but the subject matter was not as interesting either. Drawing men hauling stones up ramps doesn't compare to the richness of the Roman architecture and bustling city life.

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Customer Rating:
Summary: David Macaulay has done it again
Comment: Following in the tradition of other terrific books about complex construction projects using simple technology - such as Castle and Cathedral - Macaulay introduces children to the pyramids of ancient Egypt. And once again he hits a homerun, with a storyline that's just informative enough to create context but simple enough for young children to follow. Oh, did I mention the outstanding illustrations? This is a terrific book for kids and children alike. I bought it for my four-year-old son but I ended up learning quite a bit myself.

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Customer Rating:
Summary: Pyramids for Dummies
Comment: What a consummate waste of money this book is! It reads like it was written by a 14 year old to be read by 8 year olds. David Macaulay should be ashamed to have written it; and Amazon should be ashamed to be marketing it to literate adults! I resent that Amazon and Mr. Macaulay actually accept money for this worthless publication.

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