Secrets of the Great Pyramid

Aliens with Photonic Levitators or simply old-fashioned elbow grease?If you are going to read just one book about the pyramids, it should be this one. Though written nearly 40 years ago it is still probably the most comprehensive book available on the subject.The book not only explains most of the prevaling theories about the purpose and construction of the pyramids, but also presents the factual and historic foundations for these theories.The author provides a lot of scientific detail about these wonders of the ancient world such as celestial orientation, dimensions and material. But Author Tompkins also has the editorial confidence to inform his readers where the underlying data or premises are "weak".For instance, the outer dimensions of the Great Pyramid are frequently quoted to a precision of several millimeters. Even so, author Tompkins lays out the simple facts that most of the Great Pyramid's base capping stones were removed centuries ago, that the base is largely obscured by tons of debris and also that the orignal ground level has been lost to salvagers of the valuable limestone paving stones.Moreover, Tompkins explains how astute early researchers performed their measurements and justified their calculations.Focus is clearly on The Great Pyramid of Giza (the so-called "Pyramid of Cheops"), yet thru comparisons made to many of the other major Egyptian pyramids, the reader gains a broad knowldege of this fascinating era of ancient engineering. Author Peter Tompkins has gone down in literary history as the coo-coo author of his much more popular work, "The Secret Life of Plants". Still, this exposition of Egypt's ancient wonders couldn't be more level-headed and thorough. His third book, "Mysteries of the Mexican Pyramids" is equally thorough as this Egyptian companion, but a bit harder to find.Read my other book reviews written specifically for Electrical Engineers at ee-island-dot-calm.

I read this book when I had a 1st edition of it decades ago (along with the author's Secret Life Of Plants - which I still have and enjoyed). I was overwhelmed by it then - not only by the research that the author and others have done to uncover the Secrets - but of the startlingly complex and sophisticated mathematical and astronomical bases of the building of the Great Pyramid.I remember working at an engineering and construction firm at the time of my first reading of this book, and talking with one of the project managers (an engineer) at the time -- he, too, was very interested in this and other ancient monuments. He told me then that it would be difficult - if not impossible - for us today (in 1975) to design and build this monument -- the skills and the tools and the mathematics and the astronomy embedded within it are way beyond the capabilities of most people today. Surely, someone had to discover the math and astronomy behind this - but, then, someone else had to design and build according to that knowledge.This is an amazing read - beautifully done. A very highly recommended volume for those interested in our distant ancestors and how very advanced they were compared with our typical evaluation of them.

By far the best of the pyramidology books I've read. A treasure-trove of Egyptology in a book- every page is like peeking into Tut's tomb for the first time and seeing "...Gold- everywhere, the glint of gold!" Richly appointed with illustrations, meticulously researched and annotated, this was one of the first popular books for the layman describing the pyramids as something other than just tombs for the Pharaohs. The facts and stats being what they are, and degrees of accuracy generally indisputable, makes this book a great source of ever deeper wonder and awe regarding the wisdom of the ancients. It's all here - history, drama, intrigue, science, the folly and divine aspects of Man - this book is a true keeper. Over the last 20 years, I've bought many copies and given them away, but I always replace mine.

It is highly informative about the multiple efforts made by many scientist s to define the real purpose of that pile of rocks. The mistery remains as to who, when and how was this majestic structure come about. That part that was the least important to me was the last one third of the book that deals with measurements and the different values used throughout the centuries. Overall a great read.

Very pleasantly surprised at the scholarly depth and tone of raw mystery presented by Tompkins in this book. Thanks to him I'm going to spend many many months going through the source material he references.It's very strange how the current generation is taught that Cheops is a single purpose monument built over one specific period of time by a people with very limited knowledge. This logical but limited frame of reference inexplicably clashes with the thousand plus years of accounts that refer to the great pyramid as an inherently magical structure, though not outside the abilities of man.You'd have to ignore about 80% of this book to maintain the conclusion that Egyptologists have maintained to date. That alone is frightening.

The complete history of the exploration of the Great Pyramid is here. From the approximate 800 AD Arab entrance, the first recorded, to the latest theories and explanations Secrets of the Great Pyramid covers it all. The writing is easy to follow and the graphics are outstanding. Most of the graphics follow the historic story. Drawings from Napoleon's expedition are included as well as a lot of early photographs. The book is a large size so the drawings are also a good size and easy to study. Many theories of what the Great Pyramid was used for, how it was built, and the mythology surrounding the structure are discussed in detail. A lot of fun and very interesting.AD2

Nothing in here about Stone Moutain being a Pyramid

A lot of newer discoveries have been made in and about the great pyramid since this masterpiece first came. Yet NOT ONE of those newer books does as far as I know have such detailed collection of facts!

Fringe theories? Mysticism? Yes, to some extent, but this is such a useful compilation of all studies into the Great Pyramid (and others) that it is well worth having. The only negative (except for when we start dragging in the Maya, stone circles, druids etc.) is that I have now come across two copies where the pictures had been printed rather dark.

So according to this book, 4600 years ago the Egyptians were advanced enough to build a Necropolis that incorporated a lot of the Science of the times. They used a similar unit of measure to the meter(cubit), had an understanding of celestial mechanics(time and space), moved literally millions of large, carved stones without modern equipment, in about 20 years. Anyways I could go on but buy the book instead.

that i still don't understand how to line up in mid air in the skies the shape of the pyramid, or how to built the Giza pyramids!nor what is the micro mortar made out of and how!nor how to make and opposite molded shape to fit to the shape bellow, as if it were clay! and all different sizes and moulds!

this is a super book about an intriguing subject. full of interesting info and illustrations. free from far-out speculation. SPOILER: book proposes the pyramids were - in order of utility - some combination of geodetic markers, astronomical clock/calendar/observatories. and reference for standards of measurement and geometry, temples for mystical rituals. perhaps capable of special preservation effects? their function as tomb/mauseleum and treasure trove is way down the list.