Exploring Egypt: A Traveler's View of an Ancient Civilization

Egyptology is made up of conjecture, myth, and historical fact. Dick Lutz helps the reader interpret the important elements of Egyptian history in "Exploring Egypt." The book is a guidebook for the traveler. Lutz encapsulates an overview of an ancient civilization, a glimpse into the period between ancient and modern, and an exciting tour of museums, the pyramids, and the Sphinx at Giza. Visits to the cities of Memphis, Cairo, and Luxor are all a part of the tour. Dick and Mary Lutz join an International Expeditions Tour made up of twenty two members. Their flight to Egypt leaves from JFK Airport in New York. An EgyptAir flight takes them to Cairo to begin the tour. Dick's writing is, informative and informal, warm and insightful. I especially appreciated an occasional journal like entry which reflected his personal observations, preferences, and opinions. Much of Egyptology is mysterious, often disputed, and inconclusive. Dick reported various assumptions, speculation, and suppositions without bias, or criticism. His excitement in reporting whets the appetite of the reader to glean more information from the extensive annotated bibliography included in the book. Mary's black and white photos add another dimension to Dick's easy flowing narrative. Spectacular color photos, credited to various photographers, highlight the Temple of Hatshepsut, Luxor, and Pyramids at Giza, a Cario Mosque, Kom Ombo, Tuankhamen's Tomb, and Karnak. In the final section of the book Lutz provides the reader with an up to date look at modern Egypt. He includes an overview of Egypt's religions, politics, literature housing, military, foreign relations, business and economy. Whether a seasoned traveler, or a first time International Tourist this book will prepare you for your visit to Egypt. It should be read prior to departure, kept as a handy reference while on your visit, and as a reference and reminder when you return to share the excitement of your trip with your family and friends. Dick Lutz has added another important book to the genre of travel and ancient civilizations. A great read and an important reference guide.