The history of ancient Egypt

Forty-eight thoroughly enjoyable lectures kept me occupied for a month during my daily commute. I really like Brier's approach, relying generally on the chronology of pharoah's over 3000 years, with occasional diversions to cover such topics as mummification and archaeological digs. I also like

that he emphasizes people and trends over dates, almost to the exclusion of dates entirely. This is my kind of history.

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LibraryThing member datrappert

This is an incredible course, despite being about 20 years old. Brier doesn't change his outfit for 48 lectures, which must be a record for the Great Courses. His enthusiasm for and knowledge of all things ancient Egyptian is immediately engaging. His delivery is smooth with lots of ingratiating

mannerisms. This is the type of teacher we all dream of having. The course isn't too fancy--there are some nice pictures from time to time illustrating the places, people, and things Brier is talking about, but there are no fancy graphics or video effects (some of which really aren't helpful in newer Great Courses). The only issue I take with Brier is his insistence about all the ancient Egyptian "firsts". I'm sure most of these are correct, and certainly correct in comparison with other Western or Middle Eastern cultures, but there was a lot going on in China, for instance, that Brier doesn't acknowledge or take into account. In any case, these 48 lectures will never leave your bored. And in the last lecture, he even talks about mummy movies!

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