Egyptomania: A History of Fascination, Obsession and Fantasy

Egyptomania explores the historical and cultural impact of Egypt on the Western world, including art, architecture, religion, philosophy, historical study, literature, travel, science, and popular culture. It reveals the enduring fascination with Egypt and its enduring legacy.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 464 pages
Publication date: 13 July 2020
Publisher: Reaktion Books

Egyptomania: A Historical Journey to Uncover the Egypt of the Imagination
Egyptomania is a captivating book that takes us on a historical journey to explore the Egypt of the imagination, a land filled with strange gods, mysterious magic, secret knowledge, monumental pyramids, enigmatic sphinxes, and immense wealth. Throughout history, Egypt has exerted a powerful attraction on the Western mind, drawing figures such as Napoleon to its glory. In this book, Ronald H. Fritze goes beyond art and architecture to reveal the impact of Egyptomania on various aspects of society, including religion, philosophy, historical study, literature, travel, science, and popular culture.
One of the key themes of Egyptomania is the fascination with ancient Egypt's mythology and religion. Fritze explores the various gods and goddesses of Egypt, their roles in society, and the rituals and ceremonies that were performed in their honor. He also delves into the concept of the afterlife and the belief in resurrection, which was a central aspect of Egyptian religion.
Another important aspect of Egyptomania is the impact of Egyptian art and architecture on Western culture. Fritze highlights the influence of Egyptian art on the development of Western art, particularly in the Renaissance and Baroque periods. He also explores the architectural achievements of the Egyptians, such as the pyramids and the sphinxes, and their impact on modern architecture.
Egyptomania has also had a significant impact on historical study. Fritze discusses the various archaeological discoveries that have been made in Egypt, including the discovery of the tomb of Tutankhamun in 1922. He also explores the historical significance of Egypt, including its role in the development of human civilization and the spread of religion.
In addition to its impact on society, Egyptomania has also had a significant impact on literature. Fritze discusses the various Egyptian-themed novels, poems, and plays that have been written over the centuries. He also explores the influence of Egyptian mythology on modern literature, particularly in the fantasy genre.
Egyptomania has also had a significant impact on travel and tourism. Fritze discusses the various tourist attractions in Egypt, including the Great Pyramid of Giza, the Valley of the Kings, and the Nile River. He also explores the impact of tourism on the Egyptian economy and the preservation of the country's cultural heritage.
Finally, Egyptomania has had a significant impact on popular culture. Fritze discusses the various Egyptian-themed movies, TV shows, and video games that have been produced over the years. He also explores the influence of Egyptian mythology on popular culture, particularly in the realm of horror and fantasy.
In conclusion, Egyptomania is a fascinating book that takes us on a historical journey to explore the Egypt of the imagination. It reveals the impact of Egyptian mythology and religion, Egyptian art and architecture, historical study, literature, travel, science, and popular culture on various aspects of society. Whether you are a history buff, a fan of mythology, or simply interested in the mysteries of ancient Egypt, this book is sure to captivate you.

Weight: 664g
Dimension: 153 x 229 x 39 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781789143485