Book Condition: As New. "Tales of the Dead-Ancient Egypt" is an intertwined text that combines a short graphic novel and factoids about Ancient Egypt. The graphic novel tale of two kids and their run in with tomb robbers is basic and not especially good. But what really makes this book are the "factoids" and the wonderfully detailed illustrations that accompany them. Richard Bonson is a gifted illustrator who specializes in detailed cross sectional renderings of buildings. The Italian illustrators from Studio Inklink are an especially capable group of historical illustrators. The illustrations in this book are first rate. his offering blends the popular cross-sections and a factoids format with a graphic novel. The story, told in strips along the tops, bottoms, and/or sides of the pages, is set during the reign of the pharaoh Sobekneferu and features the son of a priest inexplicably coming to the aid of a serving girl betrothed to the chief embalmer. The teens meet and follow the embalmer when he raids a tomb in one of the pyramids. When they try to gather evidence of his theft, he tries to kill them. Finally, he is discovered, and killed trying to escape. While this story meanders through the pages of this book, aspects of life in ancient Egypt are covered in the center of each spread. Places that the young heroes visit are discussed, including the pyramids, a temple, the House of the Dead, and the Nile. The information is presented in the usual DK format, with small bites of facts and lots of labeled pictures (all drawings); all of it can be found in numerous other books on Egypt, including many DK titles. Bonson's clear cross-sections and inside views are particularly good; they feature great details and can be easily viewed.
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