Sumptuous of format, magisterial of content, stimulating for heart and mind both.
Napoli (Treasury of Greek Mythology, 2011) again challenges readers to regard the old gods in new ways.
The author provocatively explores the thesis that ancient Egyptian worship could be considered monotheistic, considering how closely intertwined the culture’s gods were in origins and natures. She introduces 17 major deities and a handful of minor ones in a mix of equally lively stories and exposition, beginning with Ra’s self-creation from the unchanging (“Boring, really”) waters of Nun. The divine council known as the Pesedjet convenes, and Usir (Osiris) is killed by Set but magically revived for one night with his beloved Aset (Isis). A final chapter introduces Imhotep, architect of the first pyramid, who was born human but later deified. Depicted in a flat, art-deco style but reminiscent of Leo and Diane Dillon’s figures in gravitas and richness of color and detail, deities and earthly creatures lend visual dimension to the mystical, larger-than-life grandeur of the stories as well as reflecting their more human griefs, jealousies and joys. Reinforcing a sense of otherness, Napoli uses the Egyptian forms of names throughout, though they are paired to their more recognizable Greek equivalents in running footers. To shed light on the mortal Egyptians, she intersperses boxed cultural notes, as well as chapters on mummification and “The Great Nile.”
Sumptuous of format, magisterial of content, stimulating for heart and mind both. (map, timeline, gallery of deities, postscript discussion of sources, bibliography, index) (Mythology. 11-14)Pub Date: Oct. 22, 2013
ISBN: 978-1-4263-13806
Page Count: 192
Publisher: National Geographic
Review Posted Online: Aug. 31, 2013
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 15, 2013
An engaging, informative work of history sure to draw in readers even as it serves up harsh truths.
The bestselling science writer explains why human history is rooted in inequality.
The gist of Harari’s Unstoppable Us (2022): Humans have thrived by creating fictions such as religion and money, a situation that has facilitated cooperation via shared belief in intangibles. In this follow-up work, Harari argues that stories have cemented inequities introduced by the agricultural revolution. Though the domestication of plants and animals led to great innovation, it also made life more stressful. Property made it necessary to keep track of who owned what, which spurred the Sumerian invention of writing and, eventually, bureaucracy and schools. Surveying ancient Egypt, the author discusses concepts such as taxation, ownership, and slavery—“one of the worst things ever invented.” Stories and rituals, he notes, reinforced societal stratification; Brahmin priests, for instance, perpetuated the idea that Dalits were being punished for misbehavior in past lives. Stories also served as justifications for war, as well as racism, sexism, and other forms of discrimination. This simplified narrative doesn’t address matriarchies, egalitarian societies, or retreats from settled farming. Still, overall it’s cogent and thought provoking, expressed in humorous, conversational prose. Underscoring the power of stories, fictional conversations (identified as such) interspersed throughout make the author’s arguments more comprehensible—and entertaining. As in the previous book, Zaplana Ruiz’s vivid illustrations round out the work. Ultimately, Harari invites young people to rewrite these harmful narratives.
An engaging, informative work of history sure to draw in readers even as it serves up harsh truths. (timeline, author’s note, map) (Nonfiction. 11-14)Pub Date: March 5, 2024
ISBN: 9780593711521
Page Count: 208
Publisher: Bright Matter Books
Review Posted Online: March 14, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 15, 2024
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