Pharaoh

by Bolesław Prus

Book Overview

A groundbreaking new translation of the only historical novel
by noted Polish writer Boleslaw Prus.

" . . . unique in world literature of the nineteenth century"--Czeslaw
Milosz

Imbued with poetry, leavened with humor, and
graced with moments of transcendent beauty, Pharaoh offers a compelling
picture of life at every level of ancient Egyptian society. As the story unfolds, Egypt is experiencing
internal...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0781814502
• ISBN13: 9780781814508
• Release Date: June 2024
• Publisher: Hippocrene Books
• Length: 520 Pages

Customer Reviews

Excellent!!!!

I don't think there are words to truly and fully rate the excellence of this book. Boleslaw Prus, is one of the leading fathers of Polish Literature, and one of the best writers. His writing is extremely skillful, and worldly renowned. The story line, takes you right into the heart of the ancient Egypt. If you are the fan of pyramids, pharaohs and sphinxes, then this is the book you should pick up. It is as I have mentioned very well written and easy to read book. It's the book, which will never collect dust, because you simply cannot put it away. Each time you read it, it brings you back to the fabulous world of Egypt, but each time you find new beauty of it. Absolutely love it.........

A timeless and great historical novel

"Pharaoh," written in 1894-95, is the last major, and sole historical, novel by the Polish writer Boleslaw Prus (1847-1912). He is regarded by many as Poland's greatest novelist. Prus wrote "Pharaoh" at a time when Poland did not exist as an independent country, having been swallowed up by three powerful neighbors a century earlier. As a 15-year-old he had fought in Poland's 1863 Uprising. In "Pharaoh" he transmuted his experiences and subsequent reflections on human societies into a unique novel on politics writ large. As a backdrop he chose Egypt in 1087-85 BCE, undergoing internal upheavals and external threats that would culminate in the fall of her New Kingdom. The ancient setting permitted Prus to evade the depredations of the Russian censor. It also enabled the author to achieve a distance conducive to a dispassionate analysis of societal processes. "Through his analysis of the dynamics of an ancient Egyptian society," writes Nobel laureate Czeslaw Milosz, "he... suggests an archetype of the struggle for power that goes on within any state." Prus immersed himself in Egyptian history, art and writings, and produced perhaps the most compelling literary depiction of life in ancient Egypt. "Pharaoh's" abiding popularity around the world is attested by translations into 20 languages and a 1966 feature film.

"Pharaoh" by Boleslaw Prus

This masterful work by Poland's greatest novelist can be read at many levels, as a book on: mechanisms of political power; the rise and fall of civilizations; the human condition; and not least, a first-rate guide to Egyptian history and civilization. Prus' "Pharaoh" even prefigures the fate of John F. Kennedy. A rehearsal of its plot will not do justice to the book; it has to be read.

"Pharaoh" by Boleslaw Prus

This masterful work by Poland's greatest novelist can be read at many levels, as a book on: mechanisms of political power; the rise and fall of civilizations; the human condition; and not least, a first-rate guide to Egyptian history and civilization. Prus' "Pharaoh" even prefigures the fate of John F. Kennedy. A rehearsal of its plot will not do justice to the book; it has to be read.

One of the Prus' best books

This is one of the best books on both ancient Egyptian history and Polish reformations. Prus puts contemporary problems of his country in an adventurous and interesting story about a young Pharaoh willing for a reform.