The Book
Published by American University in Cairo Press in January 2023, this is my first book and is the product of nearly thirty years of research into ancient Egypt and the geology and landscape that shaped the Pharaonic civilisation.
A Gift of Geology is an exploration of the influence of geology and landscape on the development of the cultures of ancient Egypt. After describing the modern landscape and introducing key elements of the ancient Egyptian worldview, the book addresses key issues such as geological time and the main geological processes that are important for the story of Egypt.
The book then explores the developments that gave the geology of Egypt its distinct character, including the uplifting of mountains along the Red Sea coast, the evolution of the River Nile and the formation of the vast desert areas beyond the Nile Valley. As the story unfolds, elements of Egypt’s archaeology are introduced, together with discussions of mining and quarrying, construction in stone, and the ways in which the country’s rich geological heritage allowed the culture of ancient Egypt to evolve.
A Gift of Geology is available in paperback and Kindle editions from your local book shop or from your usual book sellers including: