The emergence of a complex civilization in the Nile valley of Egypt at the beginning of the third millenium BC is a story of rapid development in art, technology and social organization. The initial conditions for this advance were created by the adoption of agriculture in about 5000 BC; this freed the early inhabitants of the region from the hunting and gathering lifestyle which had persisted for the preceding quarter of a million years. Settled communities of farmers along the Nile gradually coalesced into urban centres under local rulers as the pace of development accelerated a process which culminated in the unification of the country under the authority of a king from southern Egypt in about 3100 BC. Under this king and his successor, during the first two Egyptian dynasties, the character of Egyptian civilization was established through a period of innovation coupled with increasing wealth and rapid technological advance. It was the substantial achievements of this period which laid the foundations for the political stability of the Old Kingdom, an age of highly centralized royal power which found expression in the construction of the pyramids.

Early Egypt: The rise of civilisation in the Nile Valley

Spencer, A. Jeffrey

published for the Trustees of the British Museum by British Museum Press

Excavations at Grimes Graves, Norfolk, 1972-1976

The Turkish pottery at Iznik, ancient Nicaea, supplied the Ottoman court with luxurious vessels and tiles. One of the great glories of the Ottoman art at its peak period, the designs combine Turkish motifs with elements transposed from imported Chinese blue-and white porcelain. The examples illustrated in this text are mostly drawn from the British Museum.

Iznik pottery (Eastern art series)

Arts & Photography

Carswell, John

History & Criticism

Between 1851 and 1897, the collections of the British Museum expanded into previously neglected areas including prehistory, the Islamic world and British and Medieval antiquities. This growth was due to the energy and obsession of one man; Augustus Wollaston Franks (1826-97). Frands founded a department which is the ancestor of half of today's curatorial departments, spanning the entire world from prehistory to the present. Although an employee, he poured his private fortune into the Museum.

A.W. Franks: Nineteenth-century collecting and the British Museum

Caygill, Marjorie & Cherry, John (editors)

Reference

All over Mexico, early in November, families gather to welcome the souls of the dead on their annual visit home. The smells of burning copal incense and pungent cempasúchil (marigolds) mingle with the aromas of fresh bread, new clothing, sweets, and candles. One of Mexico's most important festivals since prehispanic times, the Day of the Dead is an occasion for celebrating and feasting, cleaning and decorating graves, dancing and making music.In this unique work, the authors explore both the historic origins of this holiday and its colorful present-day celebrations in Mexico and the United States. Interviews with Mexican artists and crafters who provide goods for the festival--from personalized sugar skulls to gigantic papier-mâché skeletons--offer a fascinating glimpse into traditional and contemporary attitudes toward death and the dead.Lavishly illustrated with color and black-and-white photographs, The Skeleton at the Feast will be required reading for all who are interested in Mexican culture, art, and folklore.

The skeleton at the feast: The Day of the Dead in Mexico

Politics & Social Sciences

Carmichael, Elizabeth

Social Sciences

Shipped from UK, please allow 10 to 21 business days for arrival. Very Good, 152pp. Review copy with review documentation loose inside between Dr. Like herrmann and Apollo Magazine. very good condition. may have very occassional light marking of text.

J.M.W. Turner: Watercolours from the R.W. Lloyd bequest to the British Museum

Sloan, Kim

Discussing and illustrating over 200 prints, this book describes the whole range of popular print production in England, from the Reformation to the Industrial Revolution.

The popular print in England: 1550-1850

Crafts, Hobbies & Home

O'Connell, Sheila

Crafts & Hobbies

See the best price to sell, buy or rent books by the published for the Trustees of the British Museum by British Museum Press publisher. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Books by published for the Trustees of the British Museum by British Museum Press