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Architecture
Pyramid
The construction and use of ancient Egyptian pyramids is beautifully and clearly outlined by David Macaulay, the acclaimed creator of How Things Work. Pyramid is a strong resource for readers looking to expand their knowledge of ancient Egyptian civilization, history, and architecture. Award-winning author-illustrator David Macaulay explores the philosophy of life and death in ancient Egypt through richly detailed black-and-white illustrations and clear, concise text. Though created with middle grade readers in mind, all with interest in the topic will enjoy this impressive look at what many consider to be one of the most awesome of humankind's creations. New York Times Outstanding Book of the Year * Boston Globe-Horn Book Award * Christopher Award
80 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1975
About the author
David Macaulay
90 books351 followersDavid Macaulay, born in 1946, was eleven when his parents moved from England to Bloomfield, New Jersey. He found himself having to adjust from an idyllic English childhood to life in a fast paced American city. During this time he began to draw seriously, and after graduating from high school he enrolled in the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD). After spending his fifth year at RISD in Rome on the European Honors Program, he received a bachelor’s degree in architecture and vowed never to practice. After working as an interior designer, a junior high school teacher, and a teacher at RISD, Macaulay began to experiment with creating books. He published his first book, Cathedral, in 1973. Following in this tradition, Macaulay created other books—including City, Castle, Pyramid, Mill, Underground, Unbuilding, and Mosque—that have provided the explanations of the how and the why in a way that is both accessible and entertaining. From the pyramids of Egypt to the skyscrapers of New York City, the human race’s great architectural and engineering accomplishments have been demystified through Macaulay's elaborate show-and-tells. Five of these titles have been made into popular PBS television programs.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
March 11, 2018
Pyramid is another of David Macaulay’s popular children’s books published in the 1970s, all of which I think are still in print.
The books feature black and white drawings, occupying most of a page (sometimes spread over two pages) of the large format (12 ½" x p 3/8") hardbound books. Explanatory text is inserted in the margins. The text explains the drawings, and gives an overview of how people of the time were able, over long periods, to accomplish the engineering tasks needed to build the featured constructions.
This book tells of how a fictional pyramid would have been built in Egypt in the middle of the third millennium BC. The drawings depict, in addition to the main (Pharaoh's) pyramid, a smaller pyramid next to it (the Queen's) plus two separate temples built in the space between the Nile and the pyramids; the architectural plans of all the buildings, and the rather simple tools used to accomplish the work. The text explains the details of how these tasks were carried out, the order in which things were done, the auxiliary tasks which needed doing to support the main effort, etc.
A pyramid of this size (it is compared to the great Pyramid at Giza) was built using ramps (built with rubble held together with Nile mud) along all four sides of the pyramid. As courses of giant blocks rose from ground level, these ramps ran around and around the pyramid, providing separate paths which allowed the separate sides of the pyramid of receive the pre-sculpted blocks as the levels rose. Eventually, near the top, there was no room for all four ramps, two were abandoned - the two left allowed blocks to be moved up one ramp, and the transport sleds to be moved down the other.
Macaulay's books are very accessible to younger readers with an interest in history, engineering, or cultures of the past. They are also satisfying read for adults. The simple illustrations set the books apart from other non-fiction, and narrow in on their very narrow subject in a way that would be difficult to find at all in other books. They're also wonderful books to read to youngsters with an interest in historical things. This I know from experience.
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Previous review: Seven Against Thebes
Next review: A Mencken Chrestomathy
Older review: Values in a Universe of Chance
Previous library review: The Soccer War
Next library review: Carlton in Melbourne, Oz, a book of photos
The books feature black and white drawings, occupying most of a page (sometimes spread over two pages) of the large format (12 ½" x p 3/8") hardbound books. Explanatory text is inserted in the margins. The text explains the drawings, and gives an overview of how people of the time were able, over long periods, to accomplish the engineering tasks needed to build the featured constructions.
This book tells of how a fictional pyramid would have been built in Egypt in the middle of the third millennium BC. The drawings depict, in addition to the main (Pharaoh's) pyramid, a smaller pyramid next to it (the Queen's) plus two separate temples built in the space between the Nile and the pyramids; the architectural plans of all the buildings, and the rather simple tools used to accomplish the work. The text explains the details of how these tasks were carried out, the order in which things were done, the auxiliary tasks which needed doing to support the main effort, etc.
A pyramid of this size (it is compared to the great Pyramid at Giza) was built using ramps (built with rubble held together with Nile mud) along all four sides of the pyramid. As courses of giant blocks rose from ground level, these ramps ran around and around the pyramid, providing separate paths which allowed the separate sides of the pyramid of receive the pre-sculpted blocks as the levels rose. Eventually, near the top, there was no room for all four ramps, two were abandoned - the two left allowed blocks to be moved up one ramp, and the transport sleds to be moved down the other.
Macaulay's books are very accessible to younger readers with an interest in history, engineering, or cultures of the past. They are also satisfying read for adults. The simple illustrations set the books apart from other non-fiction, and narrow in on their very narrow subject in a way that would be difficult to find at all in other books. They're also wonderful books to read to youngsters with an interest in historical things. This I know from experience.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Previous review: Seven Against Thebes
Next review: A Mencken Chrestomathy
Older review: Values in a Universe of Chance
Previous library review: The Soccer War
Next library review: Carlton in Melbourne, Oz, a book of photos
March 1, 2015
(Same review for Castle, Cathedral, and Pyramid, which I read all around the same time)
I greatly enjoyed Randall Munroe's What If. It reminded me in some ways of David Macaulay's books, which I read as a child. Inspired and nostalgic, I went out and acquired several of them, and decided to spell some of my "grown-up" reading with them:
- Castle is about a British castle in the 1200s-1300s
- Cathedral is about a French cathedral in the 1200s-1300s
- Pyramid is about an Egyptian pyramid in the 2400s BC
These are picture books that trace the construction of the title buildings from start to finish. They are technically fiction - the buildings and characters are made-up - but much of the books is comprised of architectural and historical details that are based on reality. The buildings in these books all take several decades to complete, and Macaulay beautifully captures the joy of building and engineering. There is a glossary at the end of each, a feature for which I am always grateful.
My favorites were the intermittent illustrations that illustrated the same view of the building at different intervals of time. Cathedral stands out here above the others; there are a few extra of these "t=1, t=2, ..." drawings. I also thought Cathedral featured the best illustrations overall, perhaps because of the larger number of intricacies and ornate decorations.
I greatly enjoyed Randall Munroe's What If. It reminded me in some ways of David Macaulay's books, which I read as a child. Inspired and nostalgic, I went out and acquired several of them, and decided to spell some of my "grown-up" reading with them:
- Castle is about a British castle in the 1200s-1300s
- Cathedral is about a French cathedral in the 1200s-1300s
- Pyramid is about an Egyptian pyramid in the 2400s BC
These are picture books that trace the construction of the title buildings from start to finish. They are technically fiction - the buildings and characters are made-up - but much of the books is comprised of architectural and historical details that are based on reality. The buildings in these books all take several decades to complete, and Macaulay beautifully captures the joy of building and engineering. There is a glossary at the end of each, a feature for which I am always grateful.
My favorites were the intermittent illustrations that illustrated the same view of the building at different intervals of time. Cathedral stands out here above the others; there are a few extra of these "t=1, t=2, ..." drawings. I also thought Cathedral featured the best illustrations overall, perhaps because of the larger number of intricacies and ornate decorations.
April 18, 2011
I might have read this years ago, but I couldn't remember for sure. This is worth a second read, if that's what this was. I appreciate David Macaulay's skill at making things I am not terribly interested in very readable for me. I find the pyramids themselves very interesting, but all the minute details of construction could turn into a chore to read with a less adept author. Macaulay's illustrations help a lot with the details and add to my interest in the subject. I was very fascinated in the details of mummification.
Reading about the step-by-step process of building a pyramid made me wonder at the great feats humans can accomplish with enough manpower, time, and expertise! I'm glad Macaulay explained in the beginning that "because life on earth was relatively short, the Egyptians built their houses of mud. They built their tombs of stone since life after death was eternal." Knowing that helped me not to think as much about the huge amount of resources, time, and manpower devoted to what amounts to the final resting place for one king - even though it is an incredible and amazing structure I would love to see sometime!
Reading about the step-by-step process of building a pyramid made me wonder at the great feats humans can accomplish with enough manpower, time, and expertise! I'm glad Macaulay explained in the beginning that "because life on earth was relatively short, the Egyptians built their houses of mud. They built their tombs of stone since life after death was eternal." Knowing that helped me not to think as much about the huge amount of resources, time, and manpower devoted to what amounts to the final resting place for one king - even though it is an incredible and amazing structure I would love to see sometime!
June 8, 2020
A brisk journey through the construction process of one of the most endlessly fascinating monuments in human history, sure to captivate audiences both young and old alike.
Read
April 9, 2024The illustrations got it right, clearly it was aliens.
November 29, 2018
The pyramids in Egypt remain extremely impressive structures, there is still debate over how such “primitive” people could move millions of large stones in such a precise manner. A large part of the debate is based on an unwillingness to admit that people that lived four thousand years ago were actually smart and capable.
This book, based on knowledge and logical deduction, demonstrates how the Egyptians were able to quarry, transport and place the massive number of large blocks of stone into their precise locations. It is based on having a large number of laborers willing to work long days, years with which to complete the task and high-quality engineering expertise. All of these were present in ancient Egypt, based on a strong central government centered around the Pharaoh.
Written at the level of the late elementary school child and profusely illustrated, this book is a worthy addition to all elementary school libraries.
This book, based on knowledge and logical deduction, demonstrates how the Egyptians were able to quarry, transport and place the massive number of large blocks of stone into their precise locations. It is based on having a large number of laborers willing to work long days, years with which to complete the task and high-quality engineering expertise. All of these were present in ancient Egypt, based on a strong central government centered around the Pharaoh.
Written at the level of the late elementary school child and profusely illustrated, this book is a worthy addition to all elementary school libraries.
December 8, 2021
So intriguing! What brilliant methods the ancient Egyptians employed to create all that they did!
This book explained so many details pictorially as well as textually. I finally was able to understand how they used the ramps, created the underground tunnels, put roofing slabs in place, carved the tops of the columns and pillars, quarried the limestone, etc. They were skilled indeed. Impressive, to say the least!
This book explained so many details pictorially as well as textually. I finally was able to understand how they used the ramps, created the underground tunnels, put roofing slabs in place, carved the tops of the columns and pillars, quarried the limestone, etc. They were skilled indeed. Impressive, to say the least!
March 3, 2018
Pyramid is a meticulously illustrated guide to building a pyramid, from sketching a plan and surveying the site to placing the capstone and preparing Pharoah's body. Macaulay's writing is succinct, his detailed drawings are beautiful and his insight into Egyptian life and customs in 2470 BC is phenomenal. This instructive book will keep our kids coming back for more time and time again over the coming years.
August 13, 2021
A timeless classic, like all his work. Macaulay is always a standout. Simple, clear language, approprite for all ages, explaning how a pyramid was built. The real draw of this oversized hardback is the incredibly detailed illustrations. Done in simple black and white the art is unadorned and precise. Like Castle, City, and Cathedral, this book is a wonderful treasure that you can pass on to future generations.
Recommended to everyone.
Recommended to everyone.
April 12, 2019
Pyramid is surprisingly technical for a children's book. The illustrations on every page give an amazing amount of clarity to the making of a mathematical wonder that somehow no collage grade architectural book has thought to duplicate.
November 10, 2019
This is a fascinating book. While it does have a story of sorts -- a pharaoh, knowing he will eventually die, has his pyramid built -- it's not really about that. It's about the incredible drawings and engaging way of passing on the information about how pyramids and such were built and how that was even possible before power tools and so on. My fifth grader read this as part of his school work because it is a very look way to learn information about the ancient Egyptians.
April 21, 2022
A retelling of how pyramids are built. A look into how an ancient culture treated the death of the pharaoh. Pretty much as soon as they take the throne they begin to build their tomb for death. There is a mention of the ba and ka. The ba is the soul of the person that still lives on earth after death. A look into an ancient civilization culture since things have changed since then. I loved the artwork he provided about the pyramids. Along with how it might have looked inside.
December 6, 2016
Very informational!! But I was surprised at the accuracy and detail of the black and white drawings. I don't typically care for drawings; I prefer the actual pictures, but they were really good. Great information and would be perfect for writing a report, research paper, or gathering information to use another way.
March 12, 2021
Short and sweet, a perfect picture-guide to the basics of how pyramids are built. Read the book to my seven year old but really, I appreciate this primer as much as she does, so we both had tons of fun.
July 7, 2021
We love all David Macaulay's books! I got this one during our homeschool study of Ancient Egypt, for my 6th grader and 3rd grader. Both of them loved it. I think from third grade on up would all enjoy it. Highly recommended!
August 2, 2022
Clear, concise and convincing.
The illustrations describe the process in a straightforward way. The purpose of showing how it was built, a step by step story, is accomplished with no frills nor speculations.
The illustrations describe the process in a straightforward way. The purpose of showing how it was built, a step by step story, is accomplished with no frills nor speculations.
March 18, 2017
Was not as insightful as I'd hoped it would be, but a neat description of how the process/timing of building the great pyramid might have played out.
September 17, 2017
Not as good as Castle, but still a well done book. My almost-six-year-old liked it.
January 1, 2019
Denoted as a children’s book, yet the level of detail and imagination it is sure to inspire is a gift for all ages. Truly fascinating for anyone interested in ancient Egypt.
May 31, 2019
Fantastic story of the construction of a pyramid in ancient Egypt. Meticulously illustrated.
November 3, 2019
An excellent David Macaulay book, as thorough and detailed as you’d expect. The human element is lesser here than in his other works, perhaps.
January 7, 2020
AWESOME! Well worth the read. SO good.
August 27, 2020
Informative and beautifully drawn
Like all of Macaulay 's books very well done. A perfect book for a youngster with an interest in ancient Egypt!
Recommended!
Like all of Macaulay 's books very well done. A perfect book for a youngster with an interest in ancient Egypt!
Recommended!
January 28, 2021
Beautiful pictures and very descriptive.
March 21, 2022
the art is incredible!
the lack of reflection on SES is not!
the lack of reflection on SES is not!
June 18, 2022
Intriguing picture book and prose detailing the inside of Egyptian pyramids which we used in our Classical Dialectic homeschool history class.
July 1, 2022
Very cool. I'd day this is more for middle schoolers. Living and the illustrations are great.
August 1, 2022
Another childhood favorite.
January 24, 2023
i stole this from my 1st grade classroom
Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews