Archetypal symbols of remote antiquity, the pyramids have for centuries inspired passionate theories about their origins, purpose, and method of construction. Now, in the first fully illustrated compendium of every major pyramid of ancient Egypt, Mark Lehner, a leading Egyptologist, surveys the history, building, and use of the pyramids in unprecedented detail. 450 illus. 100 in color.

Mark Lehner, a leading Egyptologist, directed the Sphinx and Isis Temple Project from 1979 to 1983; since 1984 he has been director of the Giza Plateau Mapping Project. He is visiting Assistant Professor at the Oriental Institute, University of Chicago, and a Research Associate at the Harvard Semitic Museum.