Hatchepsut: The Female Pharaoh

Joyce Tyldesley's Hatchepsut: The Female Pharaoh is more than a good introduction to the title figure from ancient Egyptian history. The book is, in a way, Hatshepsut's biography; however it is quite honest about the amount of evidence that survives today--very little--and therefore does not pretend that some sort of definitive and personal narrative of the Pharaoh's life is possible. Instead of giving a year-by-year account of Hatshepsut and her life, the book presents and examines its subject in terms of historiography. Tyldesley discusses previous theories and extant evidence in a frank manner while offering her own interpretations, which tend to legitimize Hatshepsut's reign (and are sometimes quite compelling). Because there is so little evidence and the subject of Hatshepsut, a woman who ruled Egypt as a Pharaoh, is so easily entangled is people's own ideas about gender and power, all these interpretations--including Tydesley's--involve a degree of bias. This was particularly the case when scholars argued from silence, constructing their own ideas about Hatshepsut based on the logic of contemporary gender roles but in the absence of tangible facts. To address such interpretations by previous scholars, Tyldesley has had to put forth arguments in this same vacuum. She recognizes that interpretation without corroborating evidence is fundamentally problematic, and, when it comes to such difficult topics, she makes a laudable effort to be honest about how just what is and is not firm fact, and to give previous scholars their due credit. Overall, then, the book does an excellent job of problematizing the study of Hatshepsut--of showing what we know, what we assume (and why), and what is still wholly mystery. Those who read this book even slightly critically should come away with a decently balanced view of Hatshepsut.At the same time as she displays a scholar's caution in weighing evidence and interpretation, Tyldesley writes a very readable book. This is not a novel or highly-animated biography, but it does hold the reader's attention with lucid writing and a good structure. Even its historiographic analyses should be interesting to the non-specialist--they are not dry and technical, instead having an element of the excitement of a mystery--Tyldesley traces clues and leads us toward some possible answers without closing the topic. The book should be useful and interesting for students of the field as well as for the general public--I read the book for a graduate paper, but I intend to send it to a friend to read for fun!

The book is highly readable and certainly interesting in content about the first Pharoanic female "who would be king." The problem with it lies in the evidence or, more accurately, lack thereof. Because there is so very little known about Hatshepsut and her time, writing a book that isn't almost entirely speculative is rather difficult and becomes, by necessity, more of a historical novel than a discussion of historical fact. Redundancy is also unavoidable as the author tries to present the very little information that we have in enough pages to fill a book. All the content could have been condensed quite easily into a chapter rather than a book. Having said that, it IS fun reading, and the lack of evidence certainly allows the reader's imagination to take over and recreate a past that may or may not have existed. Hatshepsut the ruler certainly lived, but much more than that, we just can't know at this time, so that this author's guesses are as good as any other Egyptologists.

I am still reading this book and have enjoyed it. King Hatchepsut is a very interesting figure that broke the mold of what the Ancient Egyptains expected of their kings. Most were men but this extraordinary woman ruled Egypt and gave it many monuments to remember her with. Her co-regent Djehutymes III tried to wipe out the memory of her but we still know her from her greatest monument at Deir el-Bahri, Djeser djeseru one of the most unique such temples in the world, which has recently been refurbished and reconstructed to its nearly original form. In the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC I saw one of the many sphinxes with the head of the king that was a woman, in red quarzite. It was from Djeser djeseru.

Greatly enjoyed this bio. 8 chapters broken down to key subjects that showed who she was, what she accomplished and what she meant. What I like about the writing style is the questions the author posed by bringing the analogies to modern times. The Queen who become king,,,not just semantics but a true paradigm shift that apparently was either condoned during her lifetime or attacked at the end and afterwards. There is still a great deal to learn who she was, what she did and what went on in Egypt during this time-250 years before King Tut. The author's style is very good and I am glad I read this.

A very interesting and readable book for all non-Egyptologists who have at least some knowledge of 18th dynasty happenings in Egypt. . Sometimes the names of the many kings get a bit confusing. Quality of illustrations is rather poor.A very recommendable book with easy to read text.

I would recommend this book to any one who has an interest in this Pharaoh in particular,or ancient Egyptian history in general.Joyce A.Tyldesley has written an interesting and easily understood book.I look forward to reading more of this author's books in the future.

I bought this book because I'm doing research for a novel. It is very thorough and the author is clearly knowledgeable about Egyptology. The author has personally emailed me regarding her book and my upcoming novel based upon the life and reign of Pharaoh Hatchepsut. If you're interested in the first great female leader this is a great biography. I believe this story will make a great movie someday.

I absolutely adore this book! Joyce brings to life a historical figure shrouded in mystery, and she presents the facts, as well as theories, surrounding the life of this strong, assertive woman. Nicely written!

Brilliant book by a renowned author. All her work is good. Would have been 5 stars but quality of photos very poor. Looks like they were photocopied and copied nearly out of ink

Really enjoyed this excellent book. Obviously it is now slightly dated but that is true of all books about history. Nevertheless, a very readable and interesting study of a great woman.

Got this as a Christmas gift for my friend and it arrived on time and was able to give it to her before Christmas. She hasn't told me about the quality of the content yet but the book itself was in great condition.

Based on very few sources due to the work to erase Hatshepsut's memory Tyldesley has managed to write a very readable and extremely interesting biography of a fascinating character.

Excellent read, detailed info. Joyce Tyldesley books are great for the student or amateur