- Publisher: National Geographic
- Year: 2021
- Format: Hardback
- Pages: 400pp
- Illustrated: Yes
- Dimensions: 235x157mm
- Condition: New
- Weight: 0.6kg
- ISBN: 9781426221965
- Product code: 535143
The Good Kings
Absolute Power in Ancient Egypt and the Modern World
Kara Cooney New Hardback Illustrated
Postscript summary
Asking why societies have supported authoritarianism, Cooney analyses how the techniques used by ancient Egypt’s governments resonate in those of today’s populist leaders. As she discusses five pharaohs who sought to justify their political system through devices including religious zeal, nationalist ideology and colonization, she reveals how their propaganda still shapes our image of ancient and modern regimes.
Product information
Full publisher description
Written in the tradition of historians like Mary Beard and Stacy Schiff who find modern lessons in ancient history, this provocative narrative explores the lives of five remarkable pharaohs who ruled Egypt with absolute power, shining a new light on the country's 3,000-year empire and its meaning today.
In a new era when democracies around the world are threatened or crumbling, best-selling author Kara Cooney turns to five ancient Egyptian pharaohs--Khufu, Senwosret III, Akenhaten, Ramses II, and Taharqa--to understand why many so often give up power to the few, and what it can mean for our future.
As the first centralized political power on earth, the pharaohs and their process of divine kingship can tell us a lot about the world's politics, past and present. Every animal-headed god, every monumental temple, every pyramid, every tomb, offers extraordinary insight into a culture that combined deeply held religious beliefs with uniquely human schemes to justify a system in which one ruled over many.
From Khufu, the man who built the Great Pyramid at Giza as testament to his authoritarian reign, and Taharqa, the last true pharaoh who worked to make Egypt great again, we discover a clear lens into understanding how power was earned, controlled, and manipulated in ancient times. And in mining the past, Cooney uncovers the reason why societies have so willingly chosen a dictator over democracy, time and time again.
In a new era when democracies around the world are threatened or crumbling, best-selling author Kara Cooney turns to five ancient Egyptian pharaohs--Khufu, Senwosret III, Akenhaten, Ramses II, and Taharqa--to understand why many so often give up power to the few, and what it can mean for our future.
As the first centralized political power on earth, the pharaohs and their process of divine kingship can tell us a lot about the world's politics, past and present. Every animal-headed god, every monumental temple, every pyramid, every tomb, offers extraordinary insight into a culture that combined deeply held religious beliefs with uniquely human schemes to justify a system in which one ruled over many.
From Khufu, the man who built the Great Pyramid at Giza as testament to his authoritarian reign, and Taharqa, the last true pharaoh who worked to make Egypt great again, we discover a clear lens into understanding how power was earned, controlled, and manipulated in ancient times. And in mining the past, Cooney uncovers the reason why societies have so willingly chosen a dictator over democracy, time and time again.
Reasons to shop at Postscript
Independent bookseller
Established in 1987, we’ve been sharing reading recommendations for decades.
Books you won’t find elsewhere
Discover new authors among our frequently changing bookshelves, along with almost-forgotten gems and a wealth of unusual titles you won’t find elsewhere.
Eco-friendly packaging
Orders are carefully packed in recyclable cardboard boxes, eco-friendly bubble wrap and solvent-free labels, paper and tape.
Condition and price
All our books are new, unused and unread, and they’re all up to 75% off RRP.
FREE monthly catalogue
Featuring over 400 handpicked titles, our unique catalogue is carefully curated and includes new and unusual titles, special features and exclusive collections.
Email newsletters
Our tailored newsletters are written by our booksellers, and we always highlight the books that we have talked about most in the Postscript office.
Footnotes blog
Some books spark ideas and conversations that our catalogue can’t contain – our Footnotes blog offers a deeper dive into a wealth of topics to inspire further reading.
Aftercare
We are all serious book people and we understand the value of reading. This is why we package our books so carefully and employ a helpful in-house customer services team to promptly resolve any queries you may have.
Delivery information
UK
Free UK standard delivery on all online orders over £25
Unlimited books in one delivery charge:
- • Standard: £3.20 (3-5 working days)
- • Click & Collect: £3.20 (3-5 working days)
- • Next Day (orders must be placed before 1pm, Monday–Friday): £4.50
- • Royal Mail Tracked48: £5.50 (2-4 working days)
Highlands and Islands delivery: standard delivery only (5-7 working days)
Overseas
All orders: delivery costs for orders outside the UK are based on country of destination and product weight.
You can view your overseas delivery cost using the Summary section within the Basket.
For more information on delivery/overseas orders please refer to our Delivery Information.
product
https://www.psbooks.co.uk/the-good-kings
535143
The Good Kings
https://www.psbooks.co.uk/media/catalog/product/5/3/535143_media-0_4.jpg
10.99
10.99
GBP
InStock
/History
/History/Categories/Ancient History
/Gift Ideas/Categories/History Gift Books
/Gift Ideas/Categories/View All Gift Books
/History/Highlights/Ancient Civilizations
/History/Highlights/Kings, Queens & Emperors
Asking why societies have supported authoritarianism, Cooney analyses how the techniques used by ancient Egypt’s governments resonate in those of today’s populist leaders. As she discusses five pharaohs who sought to justify their political system through devices including religious zeal, nationalist ideology and colonization, she reveals how their propaganda still shapes our image of ancient and modern regimes.
Hardback
0
0
https://www.psbooks.co.uk/media/catalog/product/5/3/535143_media-1_4.jpg
https://www.psbooks.co.uk/media/catalog/product/5/3/535143a.jpg
https://www.psbooks.co.uk/media/catalog/product/5/3/535143_media-2.jpg
add-to-cart
rrp_info:£21.99
productId:154369
bic_code:BGH, HBJH, JPHX
BGH, HBJH, JPHX
£21.99
Kara Cooney
General
235x157mm
National Geographic
No
Hardback
African
