Hatshepsut: The Princess Who Became King

Written by Ellen Galford

Narrated by Susan Spain

Convinced that unnamed babies are not truly alive, King Tuthmosis I's wife Ahmose immediately names her newborn daughter Hatshepsut. This tiny girl will one day rise above her name and become not just "the foremost of women" but ruler of all Egypt. Growing up in pharaoh's palace, the young princess prepares for her future by learning the essentials of Egyptian religious, political, and social life. After 12-year-old Hatshepsut's father dies, she-following the royal custom-becomes queen by marrying King Tuthmosis II, the son of one of her father's lesser wives. And when her husband dies 18 years later, Hatshepsut ultimately becomes her nation's divine pharaoh. A Booklist Top Ten Youth Book, Hatshepsut is one of many enthralling works by author, journalist, and lecturer Ellen Galford. Susan Spain's superb narration enhances a balanced historical overview that sketches the life and times of a queen who-about 3,500 years ago-ruled for two decades as Egypt's monarch. ". a clearly written text . this provides an accessible introduction to Hatshepsut and her times."-Booklist

• Language: English
• Publisher: Recorded Books, Inc.
• Release date: May 30, 2014
• ISBN: 9781470356248

Reviews for Hatshepsut

[juglicerr · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

As one might expect for a book published by National Geographic, this has LOTS of gorgeous pictures. It begins with general descriptions of Egyptian life, especially at court, to fill in what Hatshepsut's early life was probably like, then progresses to Hatshepsut as Queen and Pharaoh, and the failed attempts to erase her memory. For the most part, it is very clearly and carefully written. I found the presentation balanced: the author doesn't fawn on Hatshepsut as a woman outdoing all men (although she was a very successful pharaoh), nor does she become overwrought about a woman seizing the crown (an act which is apparently far more upsetting to modern historians than to her subjects.) The author is careful to point out the many uncertainties of dates and events, without letting it bog down the narrative. There are all sorts of interesting little tidbits of information scattered throughout. A fairly minor complaint: I find the layout somewhat odd. The timeline running across the bottom of the book doesn't match up to the text. I can see some of the problems that they faced, but they could certainly have done better. I don't know why the sidebar on the excavators was stuck between "Dress at Court" and "Egyptian Education"; it was a little jarring. A somewhat more serious flaw is that there really isn't too much about her reign. There are a couple pages on the journey to the Land of Punt, one of her triumphs, and a good deal of information about her favorite, Senenmut, but not much else for what was presumably the most active 22 years of her life. For this reason, I wouldn't recommend it to adults who want a brief biography. The book includes an index, glossary, bibliography and reference to a number of different websites.

[mahallett · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

good pictures. who knew there were female pharaohs!

[gloriahg-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A colorful introduction to the female rulers os ancient Egypt, and how their lives impacted the rest of the population. There are sections on household, education, family life, government, etc. complemented with illustrations and other graphics. This can be used in elementry settings as well for anyone wantin quick information.

[jellyn_7 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Hatshepsut is an Eyptian princess who eventually became pharaoh. This children's book is pretty packed with information about her and about Egypt and ancient Egyptian life.Do people really enjoy reading things with interludes and sidebars? Because I always find it rather annoying, especially when they're plentiful. I guess I'm more of a linear reader.On top of that, it wasn't strictly chronological. Especially as there was a timeline running along the bottom of the pages. If you read everything on a particular page, you might be spoiled for something coming up in the main text a little later on. The timeline has her well-dead, while the main text is still talking about stuff she did as pharaoh.But apart from the frustrating format, there's some interesting, cool stuff in here. I know more about ancient Egypt than I did before.Though I wish we knew her years more accurately. At one point it says she's 30 when she becomes regent, and reined for 22 years (as pharaoh only, or including both her pharaoh and regent years?) And then when she died, she's anywhere from 35 to 55 years old. That a lot of conflictingness and vagueness. Adding to my frustration.The book also says 'king' a lot, when I would've preferred 'pharaoh'.But, anyway, Hatshepsut is interesting.

[puddintame-358807 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

As one might expect for a book published by National Geographic, this has LOTS of gorgeous pictures. It begins with general descriptions of Egyptian life, especially at court, to fill in what Hatshepsut's early life was probably like, then progresses to Hatshepsut as Queen and Pharaoh, and the failed attempts to erase her memory. For the most part, it is very clearly and carefully written. I found the presentation balanced: the author doesn't fawn on Hatshepsut as a woman outdoing all men (although she was a very successful pharaoh), nor does she become overwrought about a woman seizing the crown (an act which is apparently far more upsetting to modern historians than to her subjects.) The author is careful to point out the many uncertainties of dates and events, without letting it bog down the narrative. There are all sorts of interesting little tidbits of information scattered throughout. A fairly minor complaint: I find the layout somewhat odd. The timeline running across the bottom of the book doesn't match up to the text. I can see some of the problems that they faced, but they could certainly have done better. I don't know why the sidebar on the excavators was stuck between "Dress at Court" and "Egyptian Education"; it was a little jarring. A somewhat more serious flaw is that there really isn't too much about her reign. There are a couple pages on the journey to the Land of Punt, one of her triumphs, and a good deal of information about her favorite, Senenmut, but not much else for what was presumably the most active 22 years of her life. For this reason, I wouldn't recommend it to adults who want a brief biography. The book includes an index, glossary, bibliography and reference to a number of different websites.